Snorkel with playful California sea lions at Los Islotes, a rocky islet off Espíritu Santo near La Paz in Baja California, one of the world's best sea lion swims. Curious pups tumble and spin around snorkellers and divers over a colony of several hundred animals, reached on a boat trip of about an hour from La Paz. The site is open from October to May and closes from June to August for the breeding season, when swimming is not allowed.
Snorkel with playful California sea lions at Los Islotes, a rocky islet off Espíritu Santo near La Paz in Baja California, one of the world's best sea lion swims. Curious pups tumble and spin around snorkellers and divers over a colony of several hundred animals, reached on a boat trip of about an hour from La Paz. The site is open from October to May and closes from June to August for the breeding season, when swimming is not allowed.
Up to 90% sighting chance in Los Islotes / Espíritu Santo (La Paz, Mexico). Best months: November, April, October.
From mid-October to the end of May; the site closes each year from June to August for the sea lions' breeding season, when swimming is illegal.
Guided snorkel and dive trips cost roughly US$150 to US$155 per person including permits and gear (2026 prices).
Yes, the pups are famously playful and curious, but keep a respectful distance from territorial bull males and follow your guide and CONANP national park rules.
By boat from La Paz, about an hour to the northern tip of Espíritu Santo island, usually as a full-day snorkel or dive tour.
