What to Expect on our boat Tour
Full-Day Espíritu Santo Adventure: Snorkeling with Sea Lions
Dive into El Mar de Cortes, the legendary well known “Aquarium of the World.” Our boat tour to Espiritu Santo Island is more than just a a boat ride; it is a carefully designed experience that brings you closer to the incredible biodiversity and landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Get ready to cruise alongside towering volcanic cliffs plunging into electric-blue waters and discover pristine white-sand beaches. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you snorkel in open water close to sea lions and take in the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Transparent Conservation Policy: As certified eco-operators (E-E-A-T), we strictly adhere to the CONANP guidelines. During the breeding sea lion season (June, July, and August), Acces to the water at the Los Islotes colony remains closed. During these months this safari is adapted to offers you a spectacular snorkeling at alternative coral reefs adding extra time to explore the island’s most exclusive beaches.
Tour Description
Espíritu Santo Island is a paradise in el Mar de Cortes that you simply cannot miss.
We will snorkel with sea lions (except in June, July, and August), enjoy lunch, and relax on one of the island’s pristine beaches, surrounded by spectacular natural scenery such as bird-filled mangroves and striking rock formations, among many other highlights.
It is common to spot dolphins, Mobula rays, and sea turtles on the way. Our navigation routes pass through natural marine corridors frequented by pelagic species.
During summer, from June to August, it is common to encounter pods of dolphins swimming alongside the boat and watch them as we cruise.
In winter season, our trips coincide with whales passing through the bay, offering the chance to watch them swim in open water. A truly spectacular natural sight.
Safari Timeline
Your Day in Paradise. Experience itinerary:
9:00 AM – Check-in & Safety Briefing: Meet us at Muelle Fiscal. Smooth boarding followed by a safety briefing led by your guide, marine.
9:45 AM – Cruise to Gaviota Island: Feel the sea breeze as we approach majestic Isla Gaviota, admiring the spectacular topography of its coastline.
11:00 AM – Sea Lion Encounter: Arrive at Los Islotes. It’s time to enjoy snorkeling and observe the sea lion colony up close in its natural habitat.
11:45 AM – Relax on board: After the water activity, we welcome you with fresh water and snacks as we begin a leisurely cruise along the coast.
12:15 PM – Lunch on the Beach: We will disembark at a remote, paradisiacal white-sand beach, where we will enjoy, under the refreshing shade of our beach camp, a tasty lunch featuring gourmet local food ceviche and baguettes
14:00 PM – Back to La Paz: We lift anchor and set off on our journey back. Sit back on our comfortable seats and enjoy a gentle ride as we croos the bay
15:30 PM – Arrival: Disembark at Muelle Fiscal with memories to last a lifetime..
Captain’s Log & Sea Conditions
Perfect Planning. Flawless Execution. When you book with true local experts, nothing is left to chance. Below, you’ll find our Seasonal Conditions Table. Although underwater visibility is excellent year-round, water temperature varies throughout the seasons.
That’s why we provide you with premium Cressi wetsuits, carefully selected according to the water temperature during the month of your visit. Whether it’s a lightweight shorty in summer or a full wetsuit in winter, we ensure optimal thermal comfort so you can focus on one thing only: enjoying the experience.
| Month | Water Temp | Typical Visibility | Suggested Wetsuit |
| January | 21 °C (70 °F) | 15–25 m | 3 mm |
| February | 20–21 °C (68–70 °F) | 15–25 m | 3 mm |
| March | 21 °C (70 °F) | 15–25 m | 3 mm |
| April | 22–23 °C (72–73 °F) | 12–25 m | 3 mm |
| May | 24 °C (75 °F) | 10–25 m | 3 mm |
| June | 26 °C (79 °F) | 10–25 m | 3 mm |
| July | 28 °C (82 °F) | 10–25 m | 3 mm |
| August | 29 °C (84 °F) | 15–30 m | 3 mm |
| September | 29–30 °C (84–86 °F) | 20–30 m | 3 mm |
| October | 29 °C (84 °F) | 20–30 m | 3 mm |
| November | 27 °C (81 °F) | 15–30 m | 3 mm |
| December | 24 °C (75 °F) | 15–25 m | 3 mm |
Our fully equipped Fleet
As your safety and comfort are our top priority, you can forget about uncomfortable, overcrowded boats operating at the limits of their capacity. Our official fleet features locally optimized panga-style boats, ranging from 24 to 30 feet, designed to cut smoothly through the waves of el Mar de Cortés. Powered by strong, quiet Suzuki engines ranging from 175 to 280 hp, they ensure a fast, stable, and 100% safe ride.
Your comfort is guaranteed: all our boats feature full shade (T-top) structure and comfortable seating throughout. Our larger boats, Black Fin and Bacari, also include onboard restrooms. Safety comes first: every boat is equipped with a marine VHF radio, a fully stocked first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen.
Gallery
Duration: Approximately 7 hours.
Requirements: You must know how to swim, or feel comfortable floating and moving through the water while wearing a life jacket. You must also follow the rules of the protected natural area.
Difficulty: This is not a day of demanding activities. However, it is important to keep in mind that some people may experience seasickness during the boat ride if the sea is a little rough. Although strong currents are not usually present, it is essential to be able to move through the water and feel comfortable floating while wearing a life jacket.
Minimum number of participants: 4 people.
Espiritu Santo Island Tour Itinerary
Follow the route of our premium Panga boats from La Paz to the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Los Islotes (Sea Lion Colony)
The climax of the safari at 11:00 AM. Snorkel alongside wild, playful California sea lions in their natural habitat under the supervision of our marine biologists.
Virgin Beach Landing
Around 12:15 PM, we disembark on a pristine white-sand beach. Relax under the shade while enjoying a fresh local ceviche or gourmet baguette lunch.
Isla Gaviota
Our first scenic stop at 9:45 AM. A renowned bird sanctuary where you can admire the dramatic coastal topography and diverse avian wildlife.
Muelle Fiscal (Departure Dock)
Check-in at 9:00 AM. Board our powerful, shaded Panga fleet (Kalal, Black Fin, or Bacari) equipped with cushioned seats and VHF marine safety.
Included
Trained guide and Professional captain.
Water, lunch and drinks on the beach.
Permits for the protected natural area.
Safety equipment on the boat, wetsuit (winter and spring), mask and fins.
Not Included
Alcoholic beverages.
Land transportation.
You must bring
Ecofriendly sunscreen.
Hat and sunglasses.
Water bottle.
Swimming suit, comfortable shoes and waterproof wind jacket.
Towel.
The MTA Advantage (No Hidden Fees)
Why choose Mexico Travel Adventure? We believe in transparency, taking care of every detail with no unexpected extra costs. The listed price includes the National Park wristband fee (CONANP).
We provide high-end Cressi snorkeling equipment and operate in small groups to offer a more personalized experience while minimizing our impact on the environment. All of this is supported by the expertise of our certified guides and professionals specialized in marine biology.
Book your tour today and experience Espiritu Santo at its very best.
Price per person: MXN 2290
- CONANP Park Fee Included
- Premium Cressi Snorkel Gear
Reviews
Roberto Matus
Perfect experience
A perfect experience. The transportation, the scenery, the sensations… of unsurpassable beauty. Mateo was a great host. Generous, with a lot of interesting information about the area and always attentive to our questions. The agency that offers this tour is undoubtedly impeccable. I highly recommend it.
Ana Karen Rodriguez Gonzalez
Excelent activity!
The tour is amazing, the guide is a marine biologist, so she explains in detail about Espiritu Santo Island. The ceviche was delicious. We had an incredible time.
Jessica de Abásolo
Great Day in Espiritu Santo Island!!
We really enjoyed the activity!! Andrea and Alexis were lovely and attentive to us at all times. Superb organization from the first contact with Karen and during the excursion. We will repeat and recommend!! Excellent!!
ALVARO ZENIFF MENDOZA MUÑOZ
Fantastic experience
Incredible experience, fantastic service from the crew, it felt like we were with old friends. 100% recommended.
Mariana González
Espiritu Santo Island tour!!
An incredible experience!! The guides take you to beautiful places on the island, and we also had a delicious ceviche. Highly recommended
Espiritu Santo Island: A Protected Natural Area and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Get ready to discover a hidden paradise in Mar de Cortes !
Espíritu Santo Island is a natural gem of breathtaking beauty. With white-sand beaches, towering cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, the island is home to a wide variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife. From snorkeling and hiking to dolphin and whale watching, there is so much to see and do on Espíritu Santo Island.
Get ready to discover the wonders that await you in this Mexican treasure !
FAQ´s
If you have any questions hopefully we can answer them below, if not please feel free to contact us.
Where is Espiritu Santo Island?
Espiritu Santo Island is located in the Gulf of California, off the coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The island is about 20 miles north of the city of La Paz.
What is the best season to travel to Isla Espiritu Santo?
The best time to visit Espíritu Santo Island is from October to May, which is considered the high season. During this period, the weather is usually warm and dry, with good visibility, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
If you don't mind very high temperatures, you can also visit Espíritu Santo Island from June to September. Just keep in mind that it’s sea lion breeding season, so snorkeling at Los Islotes is not allowed during this time.
What is the minimum age requirement to participate in this adventure?
There is no official minimum age to join the Espíritu Santo Island Tour, but we recommend that children be at least six years old to take part in the sea lion interaction activities. Please keep in mind that this is a water-based activity, and all participants should feel comfortable in the water.
What is the exact duration and itinerary of the tour?
A full day experience starting in the morning and coming back to La Paz in the afternoon. The tour usually lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours. Check-in is at 9:00 AM unless weather conditions.
Are snorkeling gear and basic equipment provided?
Yes, all the necessary snorkeling equipment is included, including a mask, snorkel, fins, and life jackets. However, if you have your own snorkeling gear, you are welcome to bring it with you if you prefer.
Is CONANP National Park fee included?
Yes. The National Park entrance fee (CONANP wristband) is included in the total tour price.
Is food included in the Espiritu Santo Island Tour?
Yes, we will provide snacks and fresh water during boat rides. For lunch, we will stop at a pristine beach to get local ceviche or baguettes for lunch.
What is the booking and cancelation policy?
For day tours, a 40% deposit of the total booking amount is required to confirm and secure your reservation when booking more than 7 days in advance. If the booking is made less than 7 days in advance, full payment is required.
For packages that include multiple activities, a 40% deposit of the total booking amount is required to confirm and secure your reservation when booking more than 60 days in advance. If the booking is made less than 60 days in advance, full payment is required.
If the company cancels the activity due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions, mechanical issues, or an insufficient number of participants, you will receive a 100% refund. For all cancellations requested by clients, any amount paid in advance is non-refundable and non-transferable.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers unforeseen personal emergencies, such as illness or accidents.