Overview
Come explore one of the most remarkable natural settings in Baja California Sur. Espíritu Santo Island, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings together wildlife, majestic landscapes, pristine beaches and crystal-clear blue waters of the Sea of Cortez
Cruise across the sea looking for frigate birds and a colony of more than 400 sea lions, then slip into the water to snorkel and discover marine life beneath the surface
But Espíritu Santo is just as special out of the water. Step onto one of the island's pristine beaches, enjoy lunch by the sea, then grab a paddleboard, take another swim or simply relax with the turquoise water in front of you
What makes the island unforgettable is the contrast: desert landscapes meeting the sea, wildlife above and below the water, and peaceful beaches surrounded by the wild beauty of Baja.
Sea lions, snorkeling, paddleboarding, pristine beaches and a UNESCO World Heritage setting come together in one full-day adventure across the Sea of Cortez
What's Included
- Snorkeling Equipment & Wetsuits
- Photos of your tour at no additional cost
- Umbrellas, Beach Chairs & Air Loungers
- Water & Soft Drinks
- Protected Area Entrance Permits & Bracelets
- Paddleboards
- Picnic Lunch – Fish Ceviche, Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Sliced Fruit, Granola Bars, Cookies & Chips
- Certified Tour Guide
- Alcoholic Beverages – You're Welcome to Bring Your Own
- Gratuities
- Roundtrip Transportation
Meeting Location
Paseo Álvaro Obregón 28
Zona Comercial, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Set out from La Paz across the Sea of Cortez to discover Espíritu Santo Island, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico's best-kept secrets.
Abundant in wildlife, Espíritu Santo is home to a colony of more than 400 sea lions. Join us on a scenic boat tour to catch a glimpse of the frigate bird colony at San Gabriel Bay and admire the spectacular rock formations along the island's coastline.
We'll take you snorkeling in crystal-clear water, where you can discover the remarkable marine life of the Sea of Cortez.
Then stop for a delicious lunch on one of the island's pristine beaches. After your meal, test your skills on our paddleboards, take another swim, or simply lay back on a comfy beach chair and enjoy the turquoise view.
After a day of sea lions, snorkeling and beach time, enjoy the scenic boat ride back to La Paz with one last look at Espíritu Santo and the Sea of Cortez.
Certain swimming restrictions may apply during June, July and August due to the sea lions' breeding season. Snorkeling may take place at a different site.
Additional Info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Boat Boarding & Mobility: Guests must be able to independently board and exit a small boat. This tour may not be suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.
- Snorkeling: Guests participating in snorkeling should be comfortable swimming in open water and able to safely use the provided snorkeling equipment and life jacket.
- Minimum Age: The minimum age to participate in this tour is 6 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Meeting Point & Transportation: Roundtrip transportation is not included. Please arrive at Restaurante Vid'ah Bistro on the La Paz Malecón at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
- Sea Lion Breeding Season: During June, July and August, swimming restrictions may apply around the sea lion colony due to breeding season. When restrictions are in effect, snorkeling may take place at a different site.
- Wildlife: Sea lions, birds and other marine life are wild animals. Sightings and behavior cannot be guaranteed. Please observe wildlife respectfully and follow your guide's instructions.
- Protected Natural Area: Espíritu Santo is part of a protected natural area. Guests must follow all park regulations and instructions from guides and local authorities.
- What to Bring: Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen. A jacket or sweater is recommended during winter months. Water shoes are optional.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol is not included, but you're welcome to bring your own. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on board.
- Weather & Sea Conditions: This tour operates subject to safe weather and sea conditions. The itinerary and snorkeling locations may change due to weather, sea conditions or restrictions from local authorities.
- Port Closure: If the port is closed to navigation by local authorities and the tour cannot operate, you may reschedule your tour or receive a full refund.
- Cruise Guests – No Port, No Pay: Please provide your complete cruise ship name and scheduled arrival time at booking. If your ship does not call at La Paz, you will receive a full refund.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
Frequently Asked Questions (13)
Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-169734P32
Traveler Photos
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (13)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage.
Jan 2022Yes, this is possible, as long as you are comfortable going into the water. All City Balloon Tours snorkeling tours adhere to strict safety regulations and have been designed to be enjoyed by all.
Your safety is our #1 priority, which is why:
- You will be wearing a flotation device at all times.
- On many tours, there is a stairway from the boat into the water so you won’t have to “jump” in!
- There are trained staff in the water and watching from the boat at all times.
For these reasons, we believe that even non-swimmers can have a wonderful time on our snorkeling trips, however, the final judgment call is yours to make. Please note we do not give refunds if you decide not to snorkel on the trip.
Oct 2021The snorkel gear we use on City Balloon Tours tours is high quality and for your protection, the equipment is sanitized after each use. However, if you feel more comfortable using your own snorkeling equipment, feel free to bring it on the tour. Please note, there is no discount for providing your own equipment and we can’t be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
May 2023First-time snorkelers can be assured of one-on-one instruction and assistance. We find introducing folks to our world very rewarding!
Oct 2021There are no legal age limits for snorkeling. We have found that age 5 or 6 is a good age to learn the basics of snorkeling, however, it’s entirely up to individuals to make the best choice for their family.
Sep 2021If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST).
- Snorkeling Equipment & Wetsuits.
- Photos of your tour at no additional cost.
- Umbrellas, Beach Chairs & Air Loungers.
- Water & Soft Drinks.
- Protected Area Entrance Permits & Bracelets.
- Paddleboards.
- Picnic Lunch – Fish Ceviche, Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Sliced Fruit, Granola Bars, Cookies & Chips.
- Certified Tour Guide.
- Alcoholic Beverages – You're Welcome to Bring Your Own.
- Gratuities.
- Roundtrip Transportation.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Espiritu Santo Island & Sea Lions Private Tour from La Paz is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Boat Boarding & Mobility: Guests must be able to independently board and exit a small boat. This tour may not be suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.
- Snorkeling: Guests participating in snorkeling should be comfortable swimming in open water and able to safely use the provided snorkeling equipment and life jacket.
- Minimum Age: The minimum age to participate in this tour is 6 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Espiritu Santo Island & Sea Lions Private Tour from La Paz will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Snorkeling Equipment & Wetsuits
- Photos of your tour at no additional cost
- Umbrellas, Beach Chairs & Air Loungers
- Water & Soft Drinks
- Protected Area Entrance Permits & Bracelets
- Paddleboards
- Picnic Lunch – Fish Ceviche, Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Sliced Fruit, Granola Bars, Cookies & Chips
- Certified Tour Guide
- Alcoholic Beverages – You're Welcome to Bring Your Own
- Gratuities
- Roundtrip Transportation
Additional Info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Boat Boarding & Mobility: Guests must be able to independently board and exit a small boat. This tour may not be suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.
- Snorkeling: Guests participating in snorkeling should be comfortable swimming in open water and able to safely use the provided snorkeling equipment and life jacket.
- Minimum Age: The minimum age to participate in this tour is 6 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Meeting Point & Transportation: Roundtrip transportation is not included. Please arrive at Restaurante Vid'ah Bistro on the La Paz Malecón at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
- Sea Lion Breeding Season: During June, July and August, swimming restrictions may apply around the sea lion colony due to breeding season. When restrictions are in effect, snorkeling may take place at a different site.
- Wildlife: Sea lions, birds and other marine life are wild animals. Sightings and behavior cannot be guaranteed. Please observe wildlife respectfully and follow your guide's instructions.
- Protected Natural Area: Espíritu Santo is part of a protected natural area. Guests must follow all park regulations and instructions from guides and local authorities.
- What to Bring: Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen. A jacket or sweater is recommended during winter months. Water shoes are optional.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol is not included, but you're welcome to bring your own. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on board.
- Weather & Sea Conditions: This tour operates subject to safe weather and sea conditions. The itinerary and snorkeling locations may change due to weather, sea conditions or restrictions from local authorities.
- Port Closure: If the port is closed to navigation by local authorities and the tour cannot operate, you may reschedule your tour or receive a full refund.
- Cruise Guests – No Port, No Pay: Please provide your complete cruise ship name and scheduled arrival time at booking. If your ship does not call at La Paz, you will receive a full refund.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
