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

If you’re heading to La Paz and looking for an unforgettable day on the water, the private boat tour to Isla Espiritu Santo might just be your perfect match. This tour promises a chance to see incredible wildlife, enjoy pristine beaches, and escape the crowds—all in a small, more intimate setting. While it’s a popular choice, it’s worth knowing what to expect so you can decide if it aligns with your travel style.

What we love about this experience is how exclusive it feels—it’s only your group on the boat, making the day more personalized. Plus, the chance to swim with sea lions and explore stunning geological formations makes it stand out. On the flip side, the long boat ride to the island can be a bit of a stretch, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a shorter trip. This tour suits travelers who prioritize wildlife encounters and scenic views over quick itineraries or budget options.

If you’re comfortable with a full day on the water and want a more private, guided experience, this tour could be a great fit. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy snorkeling, nature, and a relaxed beach lunch. Just be ready for the longer transit time and bring some patience for the journey.

Key Points

• Exclusive Experience: Small group (up to 12), private boat, more personalized service.
• Wildlife Encounters: Swim with sea lions, potential whale sightings, dolphins, and manta rays.
• Stunning Scenery: Beautiful geology, colorful bays, and scenic landscapes in UNESCO-protected waters.
• All-Inclusive: Lunch, snorkeling gear, taxes, and fees are covered.
• Longer Transit: About 2 hours each way to Isla Espiritu Santo, so some patience needed.
• Weather Dependence: The tour is weather-sensitive; cancellations are possible.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This is the most popular tour in La Paz for a reason. It offers a unique chance to spend quality time on the water with a small group, making it feel more like an adventure with friends than a crowded tour. The boat is yours for the day, which means you won’t be packed in with 20 or more people like on some shared trips. This makes a difference when you’re trying to relax, take photos, or just enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

The tour kicks off early, at 9 am, giving you a head start on the day’s wildlife sightings. It departs two hours before most other boats, so you’re hitting the water when the animals are most active. This is a smart move if you’re keen on maximizing your wildlife encounters, especially with sea lions and possibly whales or dolphins.

The Itinerary in Detail

Bahía de la Paz – The journey begins with a scenic cruise through La Paz’s bays, including Tesoro, Balandra, and Tecalote. Here, we loved the natural beauty and the possibility of spotting dolphins or whales. This initial stretch is about an hour, giving you a taste of the area’s marine life and stunning coastlines. Keep in mind, though, that this part is more about the journey—it’s a scenic ride with chance sightings rather than a guaranteed wildlife show.

Isla Espiritu Santo – The main event! You’ll explore the island’s secret coves, white sand beaches, and geological wonders like the Arch of Espiritu Santo. This part of the tour, about two hours, is packed with opportunities to snorkel in clear waters, marvel at the striking landforms, and learn about the island’s history and geology. The guides are knowledgeable, and we’ve heard many say they learned a lot about the area’s natural and cultural history.

Islotes and Sea Lions – Visiting Isla Los Islotes is often a highlight. It’s home to the largest sea lion colony in the Sea of Cortez. We loved the playful animals, and the snorkeling here is a real treat. As one reviewer put it, “We spent time snorkeling with curious and playful sea lions in their natural habitat.” The guide will help you get close to these animals, and it’s a chance for some fun and memorable photos.

Beach Lunch at Ensenada Grande – After a morning of exploring, you’ll stop at a beautiful beach for lunch. The included meal of ceviche and sandwiches is simple but fresh, and the setting is spectacular. You can snorkel again, relax under shades, or just soak in the views. Many appreciate having this downtime in such a stunning location—one reviewer said they especially liked the free time on the island.

Return and Possibility of Whale Sightings – On the way back, the chances of spotting whales increase. Humpbacks, Gray, or Fin Whales sometimes make an appearance, especially in the afternoon. The return trip is about an hour, giving you more chances to appreciate the bays and marine life.

The Practicalities

Cost & Value: Priced at around $1,253.50 per group (up to 12 people), this tour isn’t exactly cheap. But considering it includes the boat, guide, lunch, snorkel gear, and fees, it offers good value for those looking for an exclusive experience. The small group size means more personal attention, which many find worthwhile.

Duration: About 6.5 hours, starting at 9 am and returning around 3:30 pm. The long transit time to and from Isla Espiritu Santo is a key part of the experience, but it’s something to keep in mind if you dislike long boat rides.

Group Size & Private Aspect: Only your group will participate, which makes it feel more like a private adventure. This is a plus if you prefer avoiding large crowds and having a more customized experience.

Guides & Crew: The guides are bilingual, knowledgeable, and friendly. One reviewer mentioned that their guide and captain were “outstanding,” highlighting how much better the experience can be when guided by passionate locals.

Inclusion & Extras: All fees and taxes are covered, and you get a hearty lunch. You’re encouraged to bring your own drinks, especially if you want alcohol, since BYOB is allowed with cooler space.

The Downsides and Considerations

While many love this tour, some have found the long boat ride a bit tiring, especially if seasickness is a concern. A reviewer pointed out that the trip to the island can take over 2 hours, which wasn’t mentioned upfront. This can make the day feel longer than expected, especially for those who prefer shorter excursions.

Guide language can sometimes be a challenge—while they are bilingual, some travelers noted the guide’s English was limited, and sighting details were sparse at times. If you’re particularly interested in detailed explanations or fluent communication, this might be a factor.

Plus, some reviews mention that the tour starts late or doesn’t meet the expected group size, which can be frustrating. The company is aware and is working on improving transparency and experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for wildlife lovers, snorkelers, and those who want a more exclusive, tailored experience. If you’re traveling with a small group and value personalized service, this private tour is a strong choice. It’s especially suitable for travelers keen on seeing sea lions, whales, dolphins, and manta rays in a natural setting.

It may not be the best pick if you’re sensitive to long boat rides or seeking a budget-friendly, quick day trip. Families with small children might find the length and boat ride tiring unless they’re comfortable with extended time on the water.

Finally, if you’re after a laid-back day with plenty of time to relax and take photos, this tour’s combination of adventure, wildlife, and beautiful scenery hits the right note.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat ride to Isla Espiritu Santo?
It takes approximately 2 hours each way to reach the island, so expect about 4 hours of travel time for the round trip.

What does the tour include?
The tour includes a private boat, bilingual guides, snorkeling gear, all fees and taxes, and a fresh lunch with ceviche and sandwiches.

Can I see whales on this tour?
Yes, whales such as Humpbacks, Gray, or Fin Whales are sometimes spotted during the return trip in the afternoon.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included in the price, allowing you to explore underwater near Islotes and other spots.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and your own drinks if you want alcohol, since BYOB is allowed. Wetsuits are available for rental if you prefer extra warmth.

Is this a private experience?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it feel more personalized.

How early do I need to book?
The average booking window is about 24 days in advance, so plan ahead to secure your spot.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. The tour depends on weather conditions; cancellations due to weather are fully refundable or reschedulable.

Is this suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, plan for a full day on the water with longer boat rides, so consider your children’s comfort with that.

Final Thoughts

This private boat tour to Isla Espiritu Santo offers a fantastic way to experience Baja’s marine life and stunning landscapes away from the crowds. Its small-group focus and knowledgeable guides make it a memorable adventure for wildlife enthusiasts or anyone wanting a more personalized day on the water.

The long transit time is something to factor into your planning, but many find that the wildlife encounters, clear waters, and beautiful scenery make it worthwhile. The included lunch and snorkeling gear add convenience, and the chance to swim with sea lions is a unique highlight.

If you’re after a more intimate, wildlife-centered tour that balances adventure with comfort, this experience could be just the ticket. Just keep in mind the travel duration and weather considerations, and you’ll have a fantastic day exploring one of Mexico’s most treasured islands.

In summary, this tour is best suited for travelers who value exclusivity, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty. It’s a good choice for those who don’t mind a longer day on the water and want to avoid crowded group tours. If these qualities align with your travel style, you’ll likely find this tour a worthwhile addition to your Baja adventure.