Snorkeling with sea lions in La Paz: Espíritu Santo and Balandra

Two sea lion reefs, a pristine beach picnic, and footage of it all in one morning and afternoon

This 9-hour snorkeling activity from La Paz takes you to two separate reefs (San Rafaelito in the Bay of La Paz and Espíritu Santo Archipelago) to swim with sea lions, with a personalized beach picnic on Espíritu Santo and professional GoPro documentation included. Expert guides provide marine science commentary in English, Spanish or Dutch as you explore the Sea of Cortez aboard a semi-private boat carrying no more than eight passengers.

The experience

The boat holds a maximum of eight people, so you're never in a crowd. You'll receive a fitted wetsuit shorty and full snorkeling gear before heading to San Rafaelito reef first, where sea lions are most active in the morning. The guides provide real-time information about the species and ecosystems you're seeing, not just narration. There's no obligation to enter the water. You can watch from the boat or the shallows if you prefer.

After the first reef, the boat takes you to Espíritu Santo Archipelago for the second snorkel site and a personalized picnic on one of the most isolated beaches in the area. The kitchen accommodates vegan preferences and other dietary needs. You'll eat on the sand with bottled water and local beer included. The boat has cushioned seating and shade, which matters during the midday hours when the sun is strongest.

A guide films your day on GoPro, and you receive edited footage afterward so you can relive the moments without managing your own camera underwater. The whole outing runs approximately 9 hours from start to finish. Public transportation options exist near the departure point if you're staying in La Paz without a rental car.

What’s included

• Fitted wetsuit shorty and snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water and local beer.
• personalized picnic with vegan options available.
• professional GoPro video documentation of your day.
• marine science commentary from expert guides.
• semi-private boat with cushioned seating and shade for a maximum of eight passengers.

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 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Dutch

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 7 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 guides speak English, Spanish, or Dutch, so choose the language that matches your comfort level. If you speak one of those three languages fluently, you'll follow the marine science commentary and safety instructions without strain. If you don't, confirm the guide's language before booking.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

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 are the sea lions like when you get in the water with them?

Sea lions in the Sea of Cortez are known for being playful and curious rather than aggressive. The guides describe them as among the friendliest in the world, and there's no obligation to enter the water if you'd rather observe from the boat or stay in the shallows.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this activity?

No. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels and all ages, including infants (who sit on an adult's lap). The guides provide the equipment and instruction, and you set your own comfort level in the water.

Is Balandra Beach part of the snorkeling, or just the picnic location?

Balandra Beach is mentioned as the famous bay where the picnic takes place after the second snorkel at Espíritu Santo Archipelago. The two snorkeling stops are San Rafaelito reef in the Bay of La Paz and Espíritu Santo Archipelago. Balandra is the beach destination between or after them.