Luxury Yacht to Espiritu Santo: Swim with Sea Lions & Snorkel Balandra Bay
Set sail from La Paz for a private luxury cruise to Espiritu Santo. Snorkel reefs, paddleboard turquoise coves, and swim near playful sea lions with a certified crew and all gear included.
The Experience
Before You Go
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect marine life and your skin by applying reef-safe sunscreen before boarding; reapply as recommended after swimming.
Bring water shoes
Rocky shores and reef entries are common; water shoes protect feet and make shore transitions easier.
Pack a small dry bag
Keep phones, extra layers and important items dry during dinghy transfers and snorkeling stops.
Eat and hydrate before you board
A light meal and extra water reduce seasickness risk and ensure you have energy for snorkeling and paddling.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small eastern coves near Mushroom Rock for sheltered paddleboarding
- •Shallow tide pools on San Rafaelito revealed at low tide for snorkeling juveniles
Wildlife
- •California sea lions
- •tropical fish and occasional manta rays
Conservation Note
Operators follow strict wildlife viewing rules and encourage reef-safe products; visitors are asked to avoid touching coral and to take all garbage back to the mainland.
Espiritu Santo sits within the Gulf of California protected areas and has long been a seasonal fishing area for local communities; its islands became part of a UNESCO natural heritage designation in the early 2000s.
Photographer's Notes
- • Aft deck during departure to capture La Paz and the island approach
- • Near Mushroom Rock for iconic compositions
- • La Lobera beach for close wildlife shots (from a respectful distance)
What to Bring
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects reefs and prevents sunburn during long exposure on deck and in shallow water.
Water shoesEssential
Essential for rocky shore entries and scrambling onto small beaches.
Polarized sunglasses with retainer
Cuts glare for spotting underwater features and protects eyes on bright decks.
Light windbreaker or fleece
Useful for early departures and cool returns when wind picks up on the open water.
Common Questions
Where does the tour depart from?
Most departures are from Marina Palmira; some groups may leave from Costa Baja depending on booking—confirm your embarkation point when you book.
Is swimming with sea lions safe?
Yes, interactions are guided and supervised by certified crew who enforce safe-distance protocols; avoid touching or chasing animals.
Are children allowed?
Yes; the cruise is family-friendly but minors must be supervised and swim requirements apply for snorkel activities.
Is equipment provided?
Snorkeling gear, flotation devices, paddleboards and tender transfers are included in the tour price.
Can the itinerary change due to weather?
Yes—captains may alter stops for safety or sea conditions; the tour offers full refunds if canceled for weather within the stated policy.
Do I need to know how to snorkel?
Basic snorkel familiarity helps, but certified guides provide briefings and flotation devices for less confident swimmers.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
La Paz, Baja California Sur
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; should be comfortable swimming short snorkel sessions and walking on uneven sand and rock.
Ready to Explore La Paz?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now