Can you swim with sea lions in La Paz right now?

Yes. The breeding-season closure is over and swimming at Los Islotes is open again with authorized operators. Because dates are set by the environmental authority each year, confirm availability for your date before booking.

Why does Los Islotes close every year?

During the breeding season pups are vulnerable and males become territorial, so in-water access is restricted to protect both the colony and visitors.

How long is the snorkel with the sea lions?

Usually 20 to 30 minutes, in turns coordinated by the guide and depending on that day's sea conditions.

Is swimming with sea lions safe?

Yes, when you follow the guide's protocol: no touching, no chasing and respecting resting and pup areas. A vest is available if you need one and a guide is always in the water.

Yes, if they are comfortable in the sea and wear a vest. For families we recommend the private tour, which allows a slower, adjustable pace.

Swimming with sea lions at Los Islotes is open again

News · 6 min · Diamante Tours Team

Sea lion swimming underwater at Los Islotes, Espiritu Santo Island, La Paz

In short

Swimming with sea lions at Los Islotes, inside Espiritu Santo Island National Park, is open again after the annual breeding-season closure. The activity runs only with authorized operators, in small groups and by snorkel; opening and closing dates are set each year by the environmental authority, so confirm availability for your date before booking.

Good news if one of the Sea of Cortez's most special experiences is still on your list: swimming with sea lions at Los Islotes is open again. Every year the colony closes to in-water access during the breeding season to protect pups and territorial males, and once that period ends the activity resumes under the rules of Espiritu Santo Island National Park.

What does 'open again' mean?

During the closure, tours still visit Los Islotes, but the colony is only watched from the boat and snorkeling happens on nearby reefs. With the reopening, you can get in the water alongside the colony again: young sea lions come close out of curiosity, spin around snorkelers and usually steal the show.

One important detail: reopening is not open access. Only authorized boats and guides may approach, with assigned time slots and a limited number of people in the water.

Swimming with sea lions at Los Islotes: closed vs open
Period	In-water access	What you do	Note
Breeding season (summer)	Closed	Watching from the boat and snorkeling on nearby reefs	Dates set by the environmental authority
Open season (from autumn)	Allowed	Guided snorkel beside the colony	Small groups and assigned turns

Where Los Islotes is

Los Islotes is a pair of rocky islets north of Espiritu Santo Island, inside the protected area. You get there by boat from the La Paz malecón: the ride takes 45 to 75 minutes depending on sea conditions and the day's route. It is the most accessible sea lion colony in the Sea of Cortez and one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel with them in their habitat.

What the experience is like

The guide positions the boat at a respectful distance and explains the protocol before you get in. The snorkel lasts around 20 to 30 minutes in clear water over a rocky bottom full of reef fish. Juveniles are the playful ones; adult males are given space and never approached.

Guided snorkel in small groups, flotation vest always available.
No touching or chasing any animal.
Keep your distance from resting areas and pups.
Biodegradable sunscreen is mandatory.
Follow the guide's instructions at all times in the water.

How it fits into the Espiritu Santo Island tour

Most travelers do Los Islotes as part of the full-day Espiritu Santo Island tour: white sand beaches, red cliffs, reef snorkeling and the colony visit. If you travel with family or want a flexible pace, a private tour lets you adjust the itinerary and spend more time in the water.

When to book

The reopening usually lines up with the best time of year in La Paz: warm water, light wind and excellent visibility. That also means high demand. We recommend booking ahead and confirming availability and current conditions with us for your date, since park rules can change.

Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size and we will confirm whether the swim is available that day, plus the current rate.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim with sea lions in La Paz right now?: Yes. The breeding-season closure is over and swimming at Los Islotes is open again with authorized operators. Because dates are set by the environmental authority each year, confirm availability for your date before booking.
Why does Los Islotes close every year?: During the breeding season pups are vulnerable and males become territorial, so in-water access is restricted to protect both the colony and visitors.
How long is the snorkel with the sea lions?: Usually 20 to 30 minutes, in turns coordinated by the guide and depending on that day's sea conditions.
Is swimming with sea lions safe?: Yes, when you follow the guide's protocol: no touching, no chasing and respecting resting and pup areas. A vest is available if you need one and a guide is always in the water.
Can children join?: Yes, if they are comfortable in the sea and wear a vest. For families we recommend the private tour, which allows a slower, adjustable pace.

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