Snorkeling Espíritu Santo: Sea Lions & Coral Reef from La Paz

Swim alongside sea lions in the Sea of Cortez's clearest waters

Snorkel the Espíritu Santo Archipelago from La Paz on a small-group boat led by a marine biologist, visiting San Rafaelito's sea lion colony and coral reef, then a secluded beach for lunch. The eight-hour excursion includes wetsuits, snorkeling gear, food tailored to dietary needs, and a personalized photo and video package emailed after the trip.

The experience

You leave La Paz on a private boat carrying no more than eight people, heading into the Sea of Cortez toward the Espíritu Santo Archipelago: a protected marine reserve where the water stays clear enough to see the seafloor. Your guide is a marine biologist who knows the ecosystem and the animals in it. The first stop is San Rafaelito, a coral reef where a colony of sea lions hunts and plays. You enter the water in a neoprene shorty wetsuit and a life jacket, both provided, and watch them move through the reef alongside tropical fish and rays. The guide points out what you're seeing and explains how the animals live here.

Between snorkeling sessions you explore other sites around Espíritu Santo: volcanic coves, secluded beaches, and open water where dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays sometimes appear. The boat carries bottled water and snacks throughout the day. Around midday you beach on a pristine cove for lunch. The food is prepared to your dietary needs, whether that's vegan, gluten-free or any other restriction you mention at booking. Local beer is included. After you eat, you have time to rest or swim before heading back to La Paz.

When the day ends, the guide sends you a personalized package: photos and videos shot on a GoPro during the snorkeling, so you have the moments you couldn't capture yourself. The whole excursion runs eight hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• First-class neoprene shorty wetsuit and full snorkeling gear for all participants.
• life jackets.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• customized lunch on the beach with vegan and allergy-friendly options.
• local beer.
• professional GoPro documentation with personalized photo and video package emailed after the trip.
• marine biology guide and educational commentary on the ecosystem and wildlife.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Baja Sur Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish. Choose the language that fits your comfort level. Infants can join if they sit on an adult's lap. The boat carries a maximum of eight people, so the group stays small and the guide can answer questions and adjust the pace for everyone aboard.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's it like snorkeling with the sea lions at San Rafaelito?

San Rafaelito is a shallow coral reef where a playful sea lion colony hunts and rests. You snorkel in the same water and watch them move through the reef alongside tropical fish, rays and other marine life. The guide explains the behavior and the ecosystem as you swim.

Do I need snorkeling experience to go?

No. The activity suits all fitness levels and all ages. Everyone gets a neoprene shorty wetsuit for buoyancy and a life jacket, which is required by regulation. The guide leads the snorkeling and the boat crew assists anyone who needs help with gear or entry.

What happens if I have dietary restrictions?

Food is customized to your needs at booking: vegan, gluten-free, allergies and other restrictions are all accommodated. You eat lunch on the beach during the day, and snacks and bottled water are available on the boat throughout.

Will I see dolphins and sea turtles?

The Espíritu Santo Archipelago is home to dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and other marine life, and the boat visits open water and multiple sites where they appear. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the guide knows where to look and will explain what you encounter.

What's included in the photos and videos?

A GoPro is used during the snorkeling to capture moments you can't film yourself. After the trip, a personalized package of photos and videos is emailed to you, so you have a record of the day and the animals you saw.