Snorkeling & Paddleboarding from La Paz: Espíritu Santo Island

Sea lions live above the water. The fish live below, and you get both in one day.

Snorkel and paddleboard at Espíritu Santo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sea of Cortez, departing from La Paz with a certified guide, full equipment and lunch included. The boat ride out crosses open water to spot frigate birds and a colony of over 400 sea lions. Snorkeling happens in crystal-clear water where you see the marine life beneath. Lunch is on a pristine beach, then you paddleboard, swim again or rest on a beach chair before the scenic return to La Paz. During June, July and August, swimming restrictions may apply around the sea lion colony due to breeding season, and snorkeling may shift to a different site. Minimum age is 6 years. Children must stay with an adult at all times. The tour requires a minimum of 6 guests to operate.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits.
• paddleboards.
• certified guide in English or Spanish.
• protected area entrance permits and bracelets.
• picnic lunch with fish ceviche, ham and cheese sandwiches, sliced fruit, granola bars, cookies and chips.
• water and soft drinks.
• umbrellas, beach chairs and air loungers.
• photos of your tour at no additional cost.

Times

• Every day No fixed time

Before you book

Group Up to 12

Live guide English and Spanish Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 2 with pickup ›

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Next Experience Travel

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 16 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

What makes Espíritu Santo different is the contrast: desert meeting sea, wildlife above and below the water, and beaches that feel untouched. You depart La Paz on a boat crossing the Sea of Cortez, and the first part of the day is watching: frigate birds at San Gabriel Bay, the rock formations along the island's edge, and the sea lion colony itself. More than 400 sea lions live here, and the boat gets you close enough to see them hauled out on the rocks and moving through the water. The snorkeling happens in water so clear you can see the bottom, and the marine life of the Sea of Cortez (fish, rays, other creatures the guide points out) is what you're looking for once you're in.

Lunch lands on one of the island's pristine beaches: fish ceviche, ham and cheese sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, cookies and chips, with water and soft drinks provided. After you eat, the paddleboards come out. You can test them, take another swim, or stay on a beach chair under an umbrella and watch the turquoise water. The boat ride back to La Paz gives you one last look at the island and the sea. The whole day runs about 7 hours from the time you meet the guide at Restaurante Vid'ah Bistro on the La Paz Malecón.

Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, paddleboards and an umbrella are all provided. The guide is certified and speaks English or Spanish. You'll need to bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen. Water shoes are optional, and a jacket or sweater helps during winter months. You must be able to board and exit a small boat on your own, and anyone snorkeling needs to be comfortable swimming in open water and using the snorkeling gear with a life jacket. During the sea lion breeding season (June through August), swimming restrictions may apply near the colony, and the snorkeling site may move to protect the animals.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

Can I bring my own drinks on the snorkeling trip?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages, but glass bottles and containers are not permitted on board. Bring drinks in plastic or cans instead.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The itinerary and snorkeling locations may change due to weather or sea conditions. If the port closes to navigation and the tour cannot operate, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Do I need to know how to paddleboard before I go?

No, paddleboarding is optional, and you can take another swim or relax on a beach chair instead if you prefer. The guide will help you get started if you want to try it.

What is the sea lion colony like when you get there?

Espíritu Santo is home to more than 400 sea lions that haul out on the rocks and move through the water. The boat gets close enough to see them, but they are wild animals and their behavior cannot be guaranteed. The guide will instruct you on how to observe them respectfully.

Is roundtrip transportation from my hotel included?

No, you'll need to arrange your own way to Restaurante Vid'ah Bistro on the La Paz Malecón, where you meet the guide at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

What's the minimum group size for this snorkeling trip?

The tour requires a minimum of 6 guests in total to operate. This minimum applies to the departure as a whole, not to each individual booking.