Swimming with sea lions at Los Islotes, Espíritu Santo island

Few animals seem to enjoy meeting people as much as a young sea lion. At Los Islotes, a sea lion colony at Espíritu Santo island, the pups come to you. They loop and somersault around snorkelers in calm water over a bright, busy reef. It is one of the most playful underwater encounters on earth.

This guide explains when to go, what to wear, how a day out with us works and the rules in the water. It also covers a second, shorter way to meet sea lions near La Paz.

When can you swim with sea lions at Los Islotes?

We run the Sea Lion Snorkel from September to May.

If you are here from June to August, look at Balandra Beach & Sea Lions further down. It runs all year, but it visits a different island.

Water temperature through the season

September is the warmest month of the season, at around 30 °C. October and November are about 28 °C. You will not need a wetsuit in any of those months.

From December to February the water is 23 to 25 °C, and a 3/5 mm wetsuit is comfortable. March and April are the coolest months, at 21 to 23 °C, so plan on a 5/7 mm wetsuit. In May the water warms again to 25 to 28 °C, and a 3 mm wetsuit is enough.

How the day works

The Sea Lion Snorkel is a full day, about 7 hours. We meet at the Muelle Fiscal pier in La Paz, on the Malecón. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own way there.

Groups are small, with a maximum of 8 guests on board. You can join a shared group or book the boat privately for just your group.

A certified guide is with you in the water, and our guides speak fluent Spanish and English. All snorkel gear is included. A life jacket is required for the sea lion snorkel, so you float easily while the pups move around you. Freediving is not allowed on this trip.

The day includes water and soft drinks, fruit, cookies and a meal. The meal is usually a local fish ceviche.

We film the experience, and the video is included. You are also welcome to bring your own camera. A professional photo package can be added when you request your place.

What is it like in the water?

Expect curiosity. Sea lion pups are fast, agile and very interested in snorkelers. They twist past, turn, and come back for another look. Your job is to float calmly and enjoy the show, with the reef below you.

The water is calm at the colony, which makes it a comfortable place even for less experienced snorkelers.

The sea lions are still wild animals. We don't control marine life, so we never promise to see any animal.

Can I touch the sea lions?

No. Touching any kind of animal is prohibited.

A pup may swim very close. That is its choice, and we keep it that way. Our philosophy is this: "The best interaction with wildlife is one in which the animal never had to change its behavior because of our presence." We do not chase, feed or touch the animals. We observe and let them set the terms.

Who can join?

The trip is open to all levels, and there is no minimum age. Basic swimming skills are required to snorkel with the sea lions, and you should feel comfortable in the water. The required life jacket does much of the work for you.

Balandra Beach & Sea Lions: a shorter day, all year round

Balandra is the postcard of Baja. It is a protected, knee-deep bay of turquoise water and white sand dunes, crowned by the famous mushroom rock.

The sea lions on this trip are not at Los Islotes. They live at San Rafaelito, a very small island next to Balandra. So this is a separate trip to a separate group of sea lions, with time to discover the bay as well.

It runs year-round and lasts about 5 hours. It also leaves from the Muelle Fiscal pier, with a maximum of 8 guests. A certified guide, snorkel gear, lunch, snacks and drinks, and photos and video of the day are included.

The same rules apply: basic swimming skills, a life jacket, and no touching. If someone in your party is not a confident swimmer, they can still enjoy Balandra itself, because the bay is shallow and calm.

What to bring

For both trips, bring swimwear and a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap or hat. Warm clothing is on the list too. Gratuities are not included. You can pay by card.

Which trip is right for me?

Choose the Sea Lion Snorkel if the sea lions at Los Islotes are the goal and you have a full day. Choose Balandra Beach & Sea Lions if you want a shorter day, a famous beach as well as sea lions, or if you are visiting between June and August.

Book your sea lion trip

Both trips leave from the Muelle Fiscal pier in La Paz in groups of up to 8. Request your place below, or message us on WhatsApp if you want help choosing.