La Paz: Espiritu Santo Island tour with sea lions & lunch

Summary

Snorkeling with sea lions & paddleboarding in La Paz’s wild blue

You’ll swim alongside playful sea lions near Espiritu Santo Island, snorkel through crystal-clear waters with a local guide from La Paz, relax with lunch on a pristine beach, and try paddleboarding if you’re up for it. Expect laughter, salty skin, new friends — and moments of quiet beauty you’ll remember long after the boat ride back.

What’s the experience like?

“You ready to meet some sea lions?” That’s what our guide, Carla, asked as we climbed onto the boat in La Paz. I laughed because honestly, I wasn’t sure — I’d never been this close to wildlife before. The morning air was salty and cool, and the sun was already bouncing off the water in that way that makes you squint even behind sunglasses. There were six of us, plus Carla and the captain, and everyone seemed a little jittery but excited. I kept fiddling with my snorkel mask while Carla handed out bracelets for Espiritu Santo Island — apparently you need them for the national park.

The ride out was longer than I expected (maybe an hour?), but it didn’t feel slow. We passed these crazy rock formations that looked like they’d been carved by wind for centuries — one even looked like a giant mushroom. Carla pointed out frigate birds circling above San Gabriel bay, their wings almost silent except when they swooped low over the water. When we finally anchored near the island, you could hear sea lions barking before you saw them. The smell was… well, let’s just say it’s real nature out there. But then you slip into the water and everything changes — it’s clear and cold at first, but then you see these huge brown shapes darting around like underwater dogs. One came right up to my mask and blew bubbles at me; I nearly swallowed half the Sea of Cortez from laughing.

Lunch was on a beach so white it almost hurt your eyes — ceviche, sandwiches, fruit, all spread out under umbrellas while we dried off in those inflatable chairs (which are surprisingly comfy). Someone tried paddleboarding after eating; I waited until later because balance isn’t really my thing after food. The quiet there is different — no city sounds at all, just wind and waves and sometimes a gull yelling at nothing in particular. Carla told us about how Espiritu Santo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of all its unique plants and animals; she seemed genuinely proud of her home.

I still think about floating on my back after lunch, staring up at that endless blue sky with nothing but salt on my lips and sand stuck to my feet. It’s not perfect — you get sunscreen in your eyes or drop your granola bar in the sand — but somehow that makes it better. If you’re looking for a day trip from La Paz that feels both wild and oddly peaceful, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Espiritu Santo Island Adventure

• Boat tour to Espiritu Santo Island
• View frigate bird colony at San Gabriel Bay
• Snorkeling with sea lions
• Lunch on pristine beach
• Paddleboarding or relaxing on beach chairs

Top questions

How long does the Espiritu Santo Island tour from La Paz take?

The tour lasts about one day including boat travel to and from Espiritu Santo Island.

Can I swim with sea lions during this tour?

Yes, snorkeling with sea lions is included unless swimming restrictions apply during breeding season.

Is lunch provided on the Espiritu Santo Island day trip?

Yes, lunch is included on one of the island’s beaches along with snacks and drinks.

Are paddleboards available during this tour?

Paddleboards are provided for guests who want to try them after lunch on the island.

What should I bring for this La Paz day trip?

A towel, hat, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, and possibly a jacket if it’s winter.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and families; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip boat transport from La Paz to Espiritu Santo Island with permits for protected areas handled by your certified local guide. All snorkeling gear is provided along with paddleboards if you want to give them a go. Lunch (ceviche, sandwiches, pasta salad), snacks like fruit or cookies, soft drinks—and comfy beach chairs under umbrellas—are set up right on the sand before heading back in the afternoon.