Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Considered the most beautiful island of the Sea of Cortez, Espiritu Santo Island is a true gem, rich in beautiful turquoise bays, marine life and pristine nature. This UNESCO protected natural park is a home to a colony of more than 300 sea lions, and numerous endemic species.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum drinking age is 18 years
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
Minimum numbers apply (4 adults) There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative date or full refund
Bring warm clothes during winter season (Dic to Apr)
Pregnant Travelers only with more than 3 months and medical permission.
What To Expect
Meet your guide in the morning at Marina Fonatur La Paz. On the boat ride to Espiritu Santo National Park, take in sweeping views of the coastline that most visitors never see. Make your way to a sea lion colony on arrival at the park, where you are free to snorkel in the UNESCO-protected waters. Your guide points out landmarks and marine life you might not have noticed on your own. Back on the boat, sail to Ensenada Grande where you eat fresh ceviche, sandwiches, and chips by pristine waters. Then continue to a secluded beach far from the crowds of the mainland. Swim, snorkel, or relax on the warm sand until it’s time to head back to La Paz. IMPORTANT NOTE: * Admission fee to Espiritu Santo National Park not included * From June 1st to August 31st snorkeling with the sea lions is prohibited. During this time we will pass by very close and be able to observe them from the boat and our snorkeling cavity will take place in "el candelero" * This activity is not recommended for travelers on a crew ship. We are not responsible for the return time and can result in missing your crew ship departure.
Options
Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure
What‘s Included
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Fresh ceviche, cold meat baguettes, potato chips, fruit and cookies
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Local certified guide
Wetsuit during winter season
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tips for crew
Dock fee (Cash Only)
Espiritu Santo Island (Cash Only)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
177 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Snorkel adventure
patrickfJ3386RF,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spare of the moment went for a drive parked in front of their shop, they let us use the bathroom. We offered them a price they took our family out for four stops of snorkeling areas best snorkeling Adventure we've had our of 10. The guide was so good with our youngest daughter!! the only thing is three out of five of us got stung by jellyfish but other than that awesome tour very good people highly recommend this to her to others!!
Look for another tour operator to visit Espiritu Santo
giedre z,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00We took the sea lion tour yesterday and I wanted to let you know that it was a disappointment. I chose your company among many options because of your very good reviews. I’m not sure what happened yesterday or why we were assigned a guide who was inexperienced and spoke very little English. Not only did he not explain anything about the region, as other reviews had indicated, but he also almost took us back after a long boat ride without even seeing the sea lions. He said the currents were strong and there were too many people, so after spending time in cold water without seeing any sea lions up close, he told us to return to the boat. Other tours had guests in full-body wetsuits and guides who actively helped them snorkel in the best areas, providing a much better experience. After several families complained, he agreed to take us out again, but by then most people had already removed their wetsuits and did not go back, so our kids did not get to see the sea lions at all. I don’t think it is fair to charge a high price for this tour while cutting corners by assigning an inexperienced guide and not providing proper wetsuits for cold conditions, especially for children.
Swim with sea lions & lots of colorful fish
LindaMartha C,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best sea excursions we've had! The boat was very comfortable and our group of 10 had plenty of room. Our guide Juan took good care of us along with our captain. Having the sea lions swim around you is an incredible experience.
Snorkeling with sea lions!
Kris1230,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We sailed to one of the most iconic and protected marine territories of Baja California Sur on a six hour tour that included snorkeling with sea lions, visiting a frigate bird colony and 3 hours on a beautiful beach, including lunch. The cherry on top is a quick stop at Balandra Beach for photos. Espíritu Santo National Park is a landmark in any exploration of this sea. What stays with you, however, is the experience: how the sea transforms those who know how to experience it above and below the water.
Incredible, breathtaking experience - highly recommend
Navigator42384163789,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Breathtaking experience! The friendly staff of the Sunrider crew thought of everything - breakfast, lunch, equipment, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim and interact with sea lions, who were friendly and very active during our snorkel trip. Lunch was served near a protected bay with stunning views and beautiful shells. It's a long day from San Jose del Cabo (6am-7pm) but very worth it. Great for individuals, couples, and families (went with my family of four including two children 8 and 12). Be sure you're comfortable in the water and be sure to bring a change of clothes as you will get wet on the boat ride. The boat is very comfortable with a bathroom on board, and Emilio our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife. Wonderful experience that I would definitely do again if I was in Cabo or La Paz.
Wonderful tour!
Nada S,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00SunRider Tours was well-organized and easy to deal with. Our guide, Juan-Manuel was awesome and very knowledgeable. Swimming with the sea lions was an amazing experience. We travelled at the beginning of Feb, so it’s chilly in the water (even with wetsuits) and it’s a lengthy boat ride too, so do be prepared with warm/windrpoof clothing. Great food and plenty of drinks - water, pop, beer etc available.
Incredible trip
Loren F,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour. The guide and captain were very helpful and polite. They were very mindful of making sure everyone was happy. The sea lions were very friendly and playful, coming right up to us and even playfully biting/pulling my fins. This was my highlight. After this we went to the most beautiful beach, with the bluest water I had seen. The sand was perfect. They then proceeded to feed us lunch, and their ceviche was the most delicious that I have had. 10/10 The return trip was nice as well. They took us up to Belandra bay and get some pictures of the mushroom rock. And I can’t forget to mention that we saw a humpback breach, once in the morning, once on the way back. Overall, this was an outstanding trip and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is in La Paz.
Highly Recommend!
Maritza P,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was so wonderful! Our guide Maritza was incredible and Saul the driver was very friendly. Maritza made our experience so much better than we could’ve imagined. She was so thoughtful and provided such thorough explanations of all the sites and wildlife. The snorkeling was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. The biodiversity in the coral is a site to behold. Highly recommend Maritza and Saul they’re an excellent duo and the tour itself is worth every penny.
Unique and Personalized Private excursion far outweighs the other Tour Options!
Justine S,May 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful experience with Saul (captain) and Christina (guide). Our excursion was far less packed than the others we saw which gave us a more personalized and unique experience from the dozens of other options available. The food prepared was incredible and Saul took us to an extremely private beach. We saw humpback whales, multiple pods of dolphins and flying manta rays on our trip out and back to the Sea Lion island. Such a cool trip!
Fabulous fun adventure on Espiritu swimming with sea lions!!!! Wow!
F5075LSerins,May 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00AMAZING!!! 100% recommend this company and trip. The staff Juan and Sal were so fantastic. They love conservation and the area. Passionate about wildlife! We felt very safe and so very grateful of this magical experience. We swam with sea lions!!! Saw sea turtles swimming, blue footed boobies, sting rays jumping, dolphins and everything. I can’t say enough great things about this adventure of a lifetime! Book it with SunRiders!!! We had the boat to ourselves! Just WOW!!!
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Operated by Sunrider Tours