La Paz: Sea Lions & Mega-Paddleboard Tour in Espiritu Santo

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with playful sea lions, vibrant coral reefs, and stunning island scenery, the Sea Lions & Mega-Paddleboard Tour in Espiritu Santo offers exactly that. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, this full-day adventure in Baja California Sur promises a mix of wildlife encounters, outdoor activities, and relaxation, all led by knowledgeable guides.

What sets this tour apart is its unique combination of snorkeling, paddleboarding, and scenic exploration — perfect for travelers who want to see the best of La Paz’s marine environment without feeling rushed.

A few considerations to keep in mind include the tour’s length (around 8.5 hours) which makes it a full-day commitment, and the fact that during the mating season (June 1 – August 31), snorkeling shifts to a different site. This tour appeals most to families, active groups, and those eager to explore Baja’s natural beauty in an eco-friendly way.

Good To Know

• Wildlife Encounters: Snorkel with curious sea lions and spot other marine creatures.
• Scenic Paddling: Experience paddleboarding along Espiritu Santo’s coastline on large, multi-person boards.
• Expert Guides: Led by bilingual naturalists who enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Full-Day Itinerary: Includes boat trips, guided tours, snorkeling, and relaxation on pristine beaches.
• Value for Money: At $136, it combines multiple activities and includes all necessary gear.
• Eco-Friendly: The tour operates within a protected biosphere, emphasizing sustainability.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What Makes This Tour Special?

This excursion offers a comprehensive look at the marine and island ecosystems of Baja California Sur. It’s not just about ticking off activities; it’s designed to give travelers a genuine connection with nature, guided by experts who know the area intimately.

The inclusion of snorkeling with sea lions at Los Islotes is a major highlight. These curious, playful creatures are a memorable sight, and their interactions with snorkelers tend to be lively and fun. During the review period, guides like Erin and JJ received praise for their attentive care and local knowledge, making sure everyone felt safe and informed.

The scenic paddleboarding component adds a fun, social element. The mega-paddleboard setup allows groups to explore the shoreline together, offering a different perspective on the island’s rugged beauty. While some may find paddling challenging for the first time, the experience is designed to be beginner-friendly.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point at Eco Migrations

The tour begins conveniently at Eco Migrations in La Paz, where you’ll check in and meet your guides. The short five-minute walk from the meeting point to the boat loading area keeps things straightforward.

Boat Ride to Espiritu Santo

The journey to Espiritu Santo Island takes approximately 1.5 hours by speedboat. This part of the trip offers a chance to enjoy the marine views, spot seabirds, and soak in the fresh sea breeze. The ride itself is comfortable and relatively smooth, with plenty of space for all participants.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Exploring Espiritu Santo Island

The first stop involves a photo session and a guided tour of the island’s scenic spots. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so expect stunning landscapes, rocky coves, and crystal-clear waters. This part offers a first glimpse of the island’s marine and terrestrial wildlife, setting the tone for the day.

Snorkeling with Sea Lions at Los Islotes

The centerpiece of the tour is snorkeling at Los Islotes, a well-known rookery for sea lions. The guides, well-versed in marine behavior, will lead the group and ensure everyone is comfortable. Reviewers like Shauna from Hong Kong shared, “the sea lions were so cute and we saw plenty of fish as well,” highlighting the vibrant underwater life.

During mating season, snorkeling shifts to a different site—the San Rafaelito rookery—so the experience might vary slightly depending on timing. Either way, the guides’ expertise guarantees memorable encounters with these playful marine mammals.

Lunch on Espiritu Santo Beach

After the snorkel, the group enjoys a well-deserved break on the island’s beaches. A picnic lunch is included, with options catering to dietary preferences, which you choose during booking. Expect fresh, tasty food with scenic views—think of it as a perfect way to recharge before more exploring.

Marine and Land Wildlife Viewing

Following lunch, the guided tour continues with opportunities to spot other creatures like sea turtles, mobula rays, dolphins, and possibly even humpback whales if the season permits. The guides’ ability to spot and interpret wildlife adds an educational layer to the experience, making it engaging for both kids and adults.

Paddleboarding Along the Shoreline

The more adventurous part of the day involves paddleboarding on large, multi-person boards. This is a social activity that allows groups to explore the coastline at their own pace, taking in the rugged scenery and spotting wildlife from a different vantage point. Reviewers appreciated the setup, with Erin and JJ, the guides, providing attentive supervision, making sure everyone felt confident on the boards.

Return Journey

The trip wraps up with a boat ride back to La Paz, giving you one last chance to enjoy the views and reflect on the day’s highlights. The full itinerary is carefully paced to balance activity with relaxation, making sure you leave with plenty of memories and no exhaustion.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are all necessary snorkeling gear, wetsuits, paddleboard equipment, water, and a delicious lunch tailored to dietary needs. Guides are bilingual, ensuring clear communication for English and Spanish speakers. The entry fees for both the Espiritu Santo Natural Protected Area and the Whale Shark Protected Area are also part of the package, emphasizing the conservation-minded approach of this tour.

Transportation to the meeting point in La Paz is not included, so be prepared to arrange your own transfer if needed. The tour’s small-group size, limited to 10 participants, ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

What Travelers Say

While only one review is available, it’s glowing. Shauna from Hong Kong praised the “amazing day out,” highlighting the “cute” sea lions, the variety of fish, and the delicious lunch. She also noted that “Erin and JJ took great care of us,” emphasizing the importance of guides’ attentiveness in creating a memorable trip.

This feedback underscores the value of experienced guides and the quality of the wildlife encounters, making this tour a fantastic choice for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for families looking for a full day of engaging activities, groups of friends wanting to enjoy wildlife and outdoor fun together, or solo travelers eager to connect with Baja’s marine life. Its eco-friendly approach appeals to those conscious of sustainable tourism, and the moderate activity level suits most adults and older children comfortable with water activities.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic getaway with a mix of wildlife, adventure, and good food, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s particularly ideal if you want to see the sea lions up close and experience paddleboarding without needing prior experience.

The Sum Up

The La Paz: Sea Lions & Mega-Paddleboard Tour in Espiritu Santo offers a well-rounded day immersed in Baja California Sur’s stunning natural environment. From playful sea lions to vibrant reefs and scenic shoreline paddling, it combines adventure with education and conservation. The guides’ local knowledge and attentive care elevate the experience, making it accessible and enjoyable for a variety of travelers.

For those seeking a full-day excursion that balances wildlife encounters, outdoor activities, and scenic beauty, this tour provides excellent value. It’s especially suited for active travelers, families, and anyone wanting to experience Baja’s marine ecosystem authentically and sustainably.

While the length and activity level might not suit complete relaxation seekers or those with mobility issues, most adventure-minded travelers will find it to be a rewarding, fun-filled day. Pack your curiosity and sense of adventure—you’re in for a memorable experience.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 8.5 hours, starting in the morning and ending back in La Paz.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, a picnic lunch is provided, and water is also included. You can select dietary preferences during booking.

What gear is provided?
All snorkeling equipment—including wetsuits—and paddleboarding gear are supplied, so you only need to bring yourself and reusable water bottles.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s great for families, especially those with children comfortable in the water and engaging in outdoor activities. The small group size ensures attentive supervision.

Will I see marine wildlife?
Yes, guides aim to maximize wildlife sightings, including sea lions, fish, sea turtles, and possibly dolphins or rays, depending on the season.

Do I need prior experience to paddleboard?
No experience is necessary. The activity is designed to be beginner-friendly, with guides offering assistance and supervision.

This tour offers an authentic, engaging way to explore Baja’s rich marine life and pristine landscapes, making it a standout option for anyone craving adventure and connection with nature.

You can check if your dates are available here: