Approximately 6 hoursYear-round
Espiritu Santo Island Tour
Snorkeling, untouched beaches and sea lions in season — the signature La Paz day trip.
View tour →
Swim With Sea Lions in La Paz
The Los Islotes sea lion colony is visited inside our Espiritu Santo Island tour — it is not sold as a separate trip.
Part of the Espiritu Santo Island tour (about 6 hours) Subject to season and Los Islotes regulations La Paz, Baja California Sur
Quick facts
- How to book
- As part of the Espiritu Santo Island tour
- Location
- Los Islotes, northern tip of Espiritu Santo Island
- Tour duration
- About 6 hours
- In-water swim
- Subject to season and current rulings
- If closed
- Viewing from the boat plus reef snorkeling
- Price
- Quote via WhatsApp
Custom quote via WhatsApp
About the swim with sea lions
Los Islotes, off the northern tip of Espiritu Santo Island, holds one of the most accessible sea lion colonies in the Sea of Cortez. The animals live there year-round and it is one of the most visited spots in the protected area.
Important: Diamante Tours does not sell sea lion snorkeling as a stand-alone tour. Los Islotes is a stop inside the Espiritu Santo Island tour from La Paz, and this page exists to explain honestly how the activity works.
In-water interaction depends on the season and on environmental authority rulings. During breeding season entry to the water is usually restricted to protect the pups; in those periods the experience continues as boat-based viewing plus reef snorkeling nearby.
Year-round colony
Sea lions live at Los Islotes all year, so viewing from the boat is possible in any season.
Regulated swimming
Entering the water beside the colony depends on the calendar and current rules. We confirm the real situation for your date before you book.
Reef snorkeling always included
When sea lion swimming is closed, the tour still includes reef snorkeling around the island with plenty of marine life.
What's included
- Everything in the Espiritu Santo Island tour: boat with safety equipment, life jackets, snorkeling gear, certified bilingual guides, fresh food and drinks
What's not included
- Any guarantee of in-water sea lion interaction (subject to regulation)
- Hotel–dock transfer
- Gratuities
What to bring
- Swimsuit and dry change
- Towel
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Long-sleeve rashguard if you feel the cold
- Underwater camera
Requirements and restrictions
- Touching, chasing or feeding sea lions is prohibited.
- Follow the guide's instructions on distance and time in the water at all times.
- Mothers with pups and dominant males hold areas that must not be entered.
- The activity can be suspended the same day due to sea conditions or authority rulings.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is sea lion snorkeling a separate tour?
No. With Diamante Tours the Los Islotes sea lion colony is a stop inside the Espiritu Santo Island tour from La Paz.
When can you swim with sea lions in La Paz?
Sea lions are present year-round, but in-water swimming depends on the season and current environmental rules. During breeding season the authority usually restricts water entry.
What happens if swimming is closed on my date?
The tour still runs: the colony is watched from the boat at a safe distance and snorkeling takes place on nearby reefs around Espiritu Santo Island.
Is it safe?
With a certified guide and respect for distance rules, yes. Sea lions are wild animals: never touch or corner them, and follow the guide on when to enter and leave the water.
Real reviews from our travelers
We only publish verified traveler reviews. Read the current ones directly on Google.
Read reviews on GoogleRelated tours
Depends on the option bookedYear-round
Balandra boat tour
La Paz's most famous beach seen from the water, combined with Espiritu Santo or in private.
View tour →Agreed with youYear-round
Private boat tours
The whole boat for your group, with a custom route and schedule.
View tour →Ready to book the swim with sea lions?
Message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size. We reply with availability and a quote, no obligation.