MOST POPULAR TOUR IN LA PAZ! Swim with Sea Lions Private Boat

Exploring Isla Espiritu Santo is a highlight for anyone visiting La Paz, but choosing the right tour can make or break the experience. This private boat trip offers a more personalized way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty, wildlife, and stunning landscapes — and it’s currently the most booked in town.

What makes this tour special? First, you’ll have your own boat for the day, limiting the group size to just 12 people, unlike the larger collective boats. Second, departing early means you beat the crowds, giving you more time for wildlife and relaxation. And third, the chance to swim with playful sea lions and snorkel around Islotes is an extraordinary experience you won’t forget.

One notable consideration is the long boat ride — about 2 hours each way — which could be tiring for some. However, for those who love marine life, scenic views, and intimate encounters with nature, this tour hits all the right notes. It suits travelers seeking a dedicated, flexible day on the water with plenty of opportunities to explore, swim, and take in Baja’s rugged coastlines.

Good To Know

• Private Experience: Up to 12 guests, offering a quieter, more exclusive trip than larger group tours.
• Wildlife Encounters: Swim with sea lions, watch for whales, dolphins, and manta rays — an adventure for nature lovers.
• Early Departure: Leaves at 9:00 am, giving you a head start on the crowds and more time on the island.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes stops at Bahía de la Paz, Islotes, Ensenada Grande, and scenic bays with options for snorkeling, relaxing, and enjoying a beach lunch.
• All-Inclusive: Lunch, snorkeling gear, and entrance fees are covered; tips, alcohol, and wetsuits are extras.
• Authentic & Informative: Guides are bilingual, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about sharing the area’s geology, culture, and wildlife.

The Experience in Detail

The Departure and Scenic Passage

Your day begins early at The Hook Experiences meeting point in La Paz, with a departure time of 9:00 am. The tour is designed to maximize your time on the water and avoid the busy crowds that arrive later. The boat itself is a private vessel, which means you won’t be crammed in with 24 strangers — a big plus for comfort and flexibility.

As you set out across the scenic bays of Tesoro, Balandra, and Tecalote, keep an eye out for passing dolphins or even whale sightings — a quick reminder that Baja is a haven for marine megafauna. Reviewers have appreciated the relaxed pace of this part of the trip, with some noting the stunning views of the crystal blue waters and colorful rock formations.

Exploring Isla Espiritu Santo

Once at the island, your guide will take you to the best spots: blue coves, white sand beaches, and dramatic geological formations like the Arch of Espiritu Santo. The island’s scenery is truly one-of-a-kind, with layers of red, yellow, and black rock creating a striking contrast against the blue sky and sea.

A highlight here is the swimming and snorkeling at Islotes, home to the largest sea lion colony in the Sea of Cortez. Reviewers like Joshua B. mention their excitement about snorkeling “with curious and playful sea lions,” and witnessing mothers teaching pups adds a genuine wildlife touch. You’ll spend around 30 minutes here, but it’s enough time to get close to these charismatic creatures and enjoy underwater moments.

Ensenada Grande and Beach Lunch

The tour then heads to Ensenada Grande, a stunning beach with golden sands and calm, shallow waters perfect for relaxing or snorkeling. The included lunch features fresh ceviche and sandwiches, served under shaded areas — a simple yet delicious break amid your day. Many reviewers have loved the combination of good food and leisure time, with Ivy S. praising the free time to explore or just unwind on the sand.

This stop is also a chance to snorkel further or photograph the vibrant scenery. It’s a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of space to enjoy Baja’s natural beauty.

Return Journey and Wildlife on the Way Back

On the way back to La Paz, the boat cruises through bays where whale sightings are common — particularly Humpbacks, Gray, or Fin Whales, according to the tour’s notes. The relaxed pace of this return allows for quiet reflection or spotting more marine life.

Reviewers like Diane M. mention the long boat ride to the island — about two hours each way — which might be a downside if you prefer shorter trips or are prone to seasickness. However, the scenic ride offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy Baja’s rugged coastlines and marine environment.

Practical Details and Tips

What’s Included and What’s Extra

The tour covers all entrance fees, snorkeling gear, water, sodas, chips, and cookies, making it a good value for a full day out. The lunch is simple but fresh, with options for dietary restrictions if notified in advance.

Wetsuit rentals are available for $300 MXP, which can be helpful if you tend to get cold in the water. Tipping your captain and guide is customary but not included, and bringing your own alcoholic beverages is encouraged — there’s ample cooler space onboard.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to 12 travelers, this experience feels intimate and relaxed. However, reviews have shown some variability in guide quality; while most are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, a reviewer noted that guides might have limited English, which could affect communication for non-Spanish speakers.

Timing and Booking

The tour is popular, with bookings often made at least 24 days in advance, so plan early. It departs at 9:00 am and lasts roughly 6.5 hours, suitable for those who want a full day of adventure without feeling rushed.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

While most reviews express positive experiences, a few highlight potential pitfalls. Diane M. was disappointed with the short sea lion encounter and felt the guide’s English was limited. She also pointed out that the boat ride to the island took over two hours, which she found longer than expected.

In contrast, Joshua B. praised the friendly and helpful guides, calling the experience “outstanding” and emphasizing how the boat’s private setting enhanced their day. Ivy S. appreciated the free time on the island, feeling it offered a perfect balance between guided activities and leisure.

These insights suggest that while the tour generally delivers a memorable experience, check expectations about boat ride duration and guide language skills.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value personalized service and smaller groups. If you love wildlife encounters, especially swimming with sea lions, and want to explore Baja’s marine environment without the chaos of larger tours, this is a good pick.

It suits those willing to accept a longer boat ride in exchange for exclusivity and a more relaxed pace. Families with children, especially ages 4 and up, can enjoy the friendly guides and safe snorkeling spots, but travelers with mobility issues should consider the physical demands of the day.

Final Thoughts

This private boat experience in La Paz offers a well-rounded, immersive day exploring Isla Espiritu Santo’s rugged beauty and abundant wildlife. From the stunning geological formations to playful sea lions, the tour provides a genuine connection to Baja’s wild side.

While the long boat ride and occasional language barriers may be considerations, the overall value — especially for those wanting an exclusive, knowledgeable guide — makes it a top contender. The included lunch, snorkeling gear, and scenic stops add to the appeal, making it an excellent choice for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

If you’re after an intimate, wildlife-focused adventure with expert guides and breathtaking scenery, this tour is hard to beat. Just remember to book early, hydrate well, and prepare for a full day on the water.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride to Isla Espiritu Santo?
The boat ride departs at 9:00 am and takes about 2 hours each way, making for a total of roughly 4 hours on the water including travel time.

What is included in the tour?
The tour fee covers all entrance fees, snorkeling equipment, water, sodas, chips, cookies, and a beach lunch of ceviche and sandwiches.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, your group will have a private vessel, with a maximum of 12 people, providing a more personalized experience compared to larger group tours.

Can I snorkel at Islotes?
Absolutely. Snorkeling at Islotes to see the sea lions is a highlight, with about 30 minutes allocated. The equipment is provided, and guides are happy to assist.

Are vegetarian or other dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, you should inform the tour provider in advance so they can cater to dietary needs in your lunch.

What is the best time to book?
This tour is very popular and usually booked 24 days in advance, so early planning is recommended to secure your spot.

Is it suitable for children?
Most likely, yes — especially for children over 4 years old comfortable with water activities. However, parents should consider the long boat ride and physical activity involved.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, and a towel. Wetsuits are available for rent if you tend to get cold in the water.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This La Paz boat tour blends wildlife, scenery, and comfort into a day that will leave you with lasting memories of Baja’s wild beauty. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a day on the water in stunning surroundings, it’s a trip worth considering.