Swim with Sea Lions at Espíritu Santo Island, La Paz
Snorkel alongside playful sea lions in their natural habitat at Los Islotes
Swim with sea lions in La Paz on a full-day snorkel activity centered on Los Islotes, a sea lion colony within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Espíritu Santo Island. You board at Muelle Fiscal, cruise the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez, and spend time in the water with inquisitive sea lions that twirl and frolic around you. The day includes a beach lunch, time to explore the island's coastline, and a return cruise past scenic points like San Gabriel Bay.
What’s included
- Use of wetsuit and snorkel gear fitted at the start.
- entry to the National Park.
- a freshly prepared fish or shrimp ceviche lunch.
- light refreshments throughout the day.
Times
- Every day 08:30
Before you book
Operated by La Paz Explorer
Prices and times updated 30 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
Espíritu Santo Island sits in the Sea of Cortez as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Los Islotes is the sea lion colony at its heart. You meet your crew at Muelle Fiscal in La Paz for check-in, waivers, and a snorkel gear fitting, then board the boat for a cruise across turquoise water toward the island. The sea lions here are curious and playful. They twirl and frolic around snorkelers in their natural habitat, making the underwater encounter the centerpiece of the day.
After snorkeling with the sea lions, you move to a pristine beach on the island where lunch (a freshly prepared fish or shrimp ceviche), is waiting. You have time to swim, explore the island's coastline, or simply rest. On the return cruise to La Paz, the boat passes scenic points like San Gabriel Bay, where you can watch for birds. The full day ends in the late afternoon as you arrive back at Muelle Fiscal. From June through August, the sea lion swim moves to the colony at San Rafaelito instead.
Wetsuits and snorkel gear are provided and fitted to you at the start. Light refreshments come with the day. A knowledgeable guide shares information about the sea lions and their habitats throughout, making the outing both educational and recreational. The activity runs about seven hours from start to finish.
Is this one for you?This activity suits anyone comfortable in the water who wants to interact with sea lions in their natural habitat rather than observe them from a distance. The full seven-hour day and boat travel are not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy. If you have mobility concerns, note that the activity is wheelchair accessible and infants or small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
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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 (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6).
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 swim with them at Los Islotes?
The sea lions at Los Islotes are inquisitive and playful animals in their natural habitat. They are known to twirl and frolic around snorkelers, creating interactive moments in the water rather than a passive viewing experience.
Where exactly do you snorkel, and what makes Espíritu Santo Island special?
You snorkel at Los Islotes, a sea lion colony within Espíritu Santo Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Sea of Cortez. The island's waters are turquoise and home to vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes.
What happens if I visit during the summer months?
From June through August, the sea lion swim takes place at San Rafaelito instead of Los Islotes due to seasonal conditions at the colony.
What's included in the day, and what do I need to bring?
The activity includes use of a wetsuit and snorkel gear fitted to you at the start, entry to the National Park, a freshly prepared fish or shrimp ceviche lunch, and light refreshments. Towels, videos, pictures, and alcoholic beverages are not included. Contact the operator about food allergies or restrictions.
How long is the full day, and when does it start?
The activity runs approximately seven hours. You meet your crew at Muelle Fiscal in La Paz for check-in and gear fitting before boarding the boat, and you return in the late afternoon.
Swim with Sea Lions at Espíritu Santo Island, La Paz
7h · EN · ES
from US$ 127 per person
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