Espiritu Santo Island Tour: Snorkel with Sea Lions, Discover Hidden Beaches & Unforgettable Scenery! - La Paz Purple Travel Guide

Today we will take a guided tour to explore Espiritu Santo Island and snorkel with sea lions.
Espiritu Santo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that can only be visited on tours by licensed tour operators.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we typically promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the Viator tours below.

Espiritu Santo: A World Heritage Treasure

Espiritu Santo Island and its surrounding islets are part of the larger Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated for their extraordinary biodiversity and ecological significance.
The island's protected status is a result of dedicated conservation efforts. In the 1990s, a coalition of activists, including Baja Expeditions founder Tim Means, worked to acquire parts of the island to prevent large-scale resort development. Their efforts, supported by Mexican and international funders, led to the donation of Isla Espiritu Santo to the nation, ensuring its preservation.

The Thrill of Sea Lion Snorkeling at Los Islotes

The undisputed highlight of an Espiritu Santo tour is the chance to see the resident California sea lion colony at Los Islotes. Located at the northern tip of the archipelago, this rocky islet is home to hundreds of these charismatic creatures.
You will be snorkeling in the sea lions' natural environment, observing them in their daily lives. Young sea lions, especially the pups and juveniles, are incredibly curious and playful. They often approach snorkelers, darting around, twisting, and turning with graceful agility, offering truly magical close-up encounters.
Reputable tour operators adhere to strict regulations to ensure the sea lions are not disturbed. You will get clear guidelines on maintaining a respectful distance and not touching the animals.

Breeding Season Restriction: It is important to note that swimming with sea lions is restricted during their breeding season, typically from June to August. During these months, tours still visit Los Islotes for observation, but in-water interaction is prohibited to protect the pregnant females and newborn pups, and to avoid aggressive male sea lions. However, even from the boat, witnessing the colony's dynamics is a remarkable experience.

A Day of Discovery

Most Espiritu Santo tours are full-day excursions that offer:

• Hidden Beaches: Tours typically stop at one, sometimes multiple, picturesque beaches, where you can relax on the sand, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a delicious lunch, often fresh ceviche prepared by the crew.

• Snorkeling on Coral Reefs: Besides Los Islotes, you'll often have opportunities to snorkel in other areas of the park, discovering vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish.

• Scenic Exploration: The boat ride itself is an adventure, offering stunning views of the island's dramatic volcanic cliffs, unique rock formations, and abundant birdlife, including blue-footed boobies and frigates. Keep an eye out for dolphins, rays, and even whales (in season) during your journey. Your tour guide will offer explanations of how the island formed, point out and explain specific rock formations, plants, and animals, and why you may see goats.

Planning Your Espiritu Santo Adventure

• Tour Operators: Book your Espiritu Santo tour with a certified and eco-conscious operator in La Paz. They provide all necessary equipment (snorkel gear, wetsuits if needed), experienced guides, and often a delicious lunch and refreshments. They also handle the required national park fees.
  There are several tour operators - we really liked the Espiritu Santo tour operated by Mexico Travel Adventure.

• Best Time to Visit: The best months for swimming with sea lions are generally from September to May. The water is warmest and visibility is excellent from October to November. If your primary goal is sea lion interaction, avoid June-August.

• What to Bring: Sunscreen (biodegradable is often required), a hat, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, a towel, and a camera (waterproof if possible!).

• Conservation is Key: Remember, Espiritu Santo is a protected area. Follow all guide instructions, do not touch or disturb wildlife, and always practice "leave no trace" principles by taking all your trash with you.

What you will see on an Espiritu Santo tour

We particularly liked the tour: Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach which is operated by Mexico Travel Adventure.
This tour starts at La Paz Puerto de La Ilusion on the Malecon with a boat that provides protection from the sun.

The boat passes by Isla San Juan Nepomuceno (map) where the guide will point out the guano, pelicans and blue footed boobies.

Near Bahía de San Gabriel (map), your guide will explain the different colored sediment layers.

You will then pass by the sea lion colony at Los Islotes (map), and a few minutes later you will go on a guided snorkeling tour which includes a brief sea lion encounter.

Lunch will be served at Playa Corralitos (map), where you have the chance to sunbathe, swim and snorkel.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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