La Paz: Boat ride to Espiritu Santo island and sloop

Looking for a memorable day out in Baja California Sur? This 6-hour boat tour from La Paz offers a mix of scenic views, wildlife encounters, and beach relaxation. While it’s not the cheapest option, it promises an immersive experience in one of Mexico’s most breathtaking marine environments.

Three things we love about this tour are the expert guides, the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions, and the chance to visit stunning beaches like Ensenada Grande. However, some travelers have noted that the boat can feel crowded, especially if demand exceeds expectations. This experience suits those who enjoy nature, marine life, and a good mix of adventure and relaxation.

Good To Know:

• Beautiful marine scenery and crystal-clear waters
• Snorkeling with sea lions at Islotes
• Informative guides providing cultural and natural insights
• Relaxing beach stop at Ensenada Grande
• Comfortable boat ride with safety and snorkeling gear
• Affordable price point of $109 per person

What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour starts at the Muelle Fiscal in La Paz, with a safety briefing and a chance to meet your bilingual guides, who are known for their friendly attitude and local knowledge. Over the course of 6 hours, you’ll visit several key spots — each offering something unique. The entire experience is crafted to give you a taste of Baja’s vibrant marine life, stunning landscapes, and charming beaches.

The tour is operated by WonderMex Tours, and it’s designed to be accessible with snorkeling gear included, as well as a lunch featuring fresh fish ceviche, sandwiches, and seasonal fruit. Soft drinks are available throughout, but alcohol isn’t included — you’re welcome to bring your own if you want a cold beer during the beach stop.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Starting at Muelle Fiscal

Your adventure begins at the fiscal dock in La Paz’s lively waterfront area. Arriving about 30 minutes early is advised so you can meet your guides, listen to the safety briefing, and get ready for the day ahead. From here, the boat departs, offering a scenic view of the harbor and the iconic “mushroom” rock formation — perfect for those first photos of the day.

Stop at Balandra Beach

The tour includes a photo stop at Balandra Beach, one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the region. Expect around 35 minutes here, enough for a quick walk, some scenic photos, and a brief guided tour. Reviewers mention the views are stunning, with its famous “hollow mushroom” and turquoise waters, making it a great intro to Baja’s natural beauty.

Exploring Espíritu Santo Island

The highlight of the trip is the visit to Espíritu Santo Island, renowned for its crystal waters and marine biodiversity. You’ll have about 35 minutes here to snorkel and observe marine life in the designated marine zones. Expect to see sea lions at the Islotes, which is often a favorite part among travelers. One reviewer noted, “Snorkeling with sea lions was unforgettable,” emphasizing how close and playful these animals can be.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting Candelero Bay and La Mascara

Next, your boat will stop at Candelero Bay, known for its dramatic rock formations, including La Mascara (“The Mask”). If conditions are right, you might also pass through a natural arch, adding to the scenery’s appeal. The guides provide some commentary on the geology and flora, which many travelers found engaging.

Beach Relaxation at Ensenada Grande

After the boat stops, you’ll arrive at Ensenada Grande, arguably the most relaxing part of the day. Here, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch under umbrellas and have about 1 to 1.5 hours to sunbathe, swim, or walk along the pristine sands. Several reviews highlight how peaceful the beach is, with one traveler mentioning, “The sand was soft, and the water was perfect for a swim.”

Final Snorkel and Photo Opportunities

Before heading back, there’s a final chance to snorkel or take photos. The guides continue to share interesting facts about the region’s flora and fauna, enriching your understanding of this unique ecosystem.

The Boat and Itinerary Logistics

The boat used for this tour is equipped with safety gear, sound equipment for guided commentary, and umbrellas for shade. Group sizes are not explicitly mentioned, but reviews suggest that sometimes the boat can feel a bit crowded — particularly if the tour is popular and all spots are booked.

Travelers note that the timing is well-managed, with enough breaks for photos, snorkeling, and relaxing, but the length of the boat ride can be a consideration. One reviewer mentioned it’s “about 4 hours by boat,” which feels longer than expected for some, especially if seas are rough or the boat is crowded.

Authentic Encounters and Practical Tips

Guides play a vital role in making the experience worthwhile. Reviewers like Camilla from the US praise the guides as very entertaining and knowledgeable, adding humor and insight to the trip. Expect to learn about the cultural history of San Gabriel Island and the importance of the marine protected areas.

Snorkeling gear is included, which means you won’t need to rent equipment elsewhere. However, travelers recommend bringing waterproof cameras or phones to capture the vivid marine life. Given the natural beauty, having a waterproof case is a practical tip.

Food and drinks are part of the package: fresh ceviche, sandwiches, fruit, and drinks keep you energized. One review mentioned that you can bring your own drinks, but it wasn’t clearly stated in the initial info — so plan accordingly.

Pricing and Value

At $109 per person, this tour is fairly priced considering the inclusions, such as the snorkeling gear, lunch, and guided commentary. Compared to similar tours, the price seems reasonable given the diverse highlights and the opportunity to see sea lions, coral reefs, and stunning beaches.

Some reviews suggest that the value might be compromised if the boat feels overcrowded or if the trip feels long relative to the short time spent at key stops. However, many travelers feel it offers good value for the chance to explore Baja’s marine wonders in a single day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, snorkelers, and those eager to explore Baja’s marine ecosystems. It’s perfect if you enjoy wildlife encounters, especially with sea lions, and want a mix of sightseeing and beach relaxation. It’s also suited for travelers who appreciate guided tours that combine cultural insights with outdoor activities.

However, those prone to motion sickness or looking for a longer or more private experience might find the boat ride somewhat lengthy or crowded. It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable on boats and looking for an active, engaging day out.

The Sum Up

This boat tour from La Paz to Espiritu Santo offers a balanced blend of scenic vistas, wildlife encounters, and beach time that captures the essence of Baja California Sur. The knowledgeable guides, the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions, and the chance to relax at Ensenada Grande make it a worthwhile adventure.

While the crowd size and long boat ride are considerations, the overall experience provides excellent value for the price. It’s especially suited for those who want to get a true taste of Baja’s marine life and stunning coastlines without breaking the bank.

If you’re after an active, scenic, and wildlife-rich day in La Paz, this tour ticks many boxes and promises a memorable trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes, especially if they’re comfortable on boats and enjoy snorkeling. Check with the operator for specific age restrictions or safety recommendations.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling equipment — including life vest, visor, snorkel, and fins — is provided as part of the tour.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, the tour includes water and soft drinks, but reviewers mention you can also bring your own beverages, including alcohol if you wish.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride lasts approximately four hours, with multiple stops along the way for sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxing.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the boat, guides, snorkeling gear, lunch, soft drinks, and access to beaches and marine zones.

Is there a maximum group size?
While not specified, some reviews suggest the boat can feel crowded, especially if booked at peak times.

What should I bring?
Beachwear, sunscreen, waterproof camera or phone, and your own drinks if desired. Also, bring some cash for tips or souvenirs.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
Yes, the tour prohibits high-heeled shoes, weapons, smoking, vaping, strong fragrances, and other items listed in the guidelines for safety and preservation.

What language are the guides speaking?
Guides are bilingual, providing commentary in Spanish and English, making it accessible for most travelers.

In essence, this La Paz boat tour offers an inviting window into Baja’s marine beauty, balanced with insightful guides and scenic stops — perfect for a day of adventure and relaxation on the water.

You can check if your dates are available here: