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

If you’re considering a day of active exploration around Baja California Sur, the Sea Lions & Mega-Paddleboard Tour in Espiritu Santo sounds like a fantastic choice. This full-day adventure promises a mix of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and fun on the water—all led by knowledgeable guides. From what we’ve gathered, it’s especially appealing for those who love a bit of everything: snorkeling, wildlife spotting, paddleboarding, and good food.

What really caught our attention is how this tour combines close encounters with curious sea lions at Los Islotes with the more relaxed activity of paddleboarding along the island’s shoreline. Plus, the fact that it’s eco-friendly and runs in small groups makes it feel more personal and sustainable. However, a big consideration is the length—8.5 hours can be quite a day, especially if you’re not used to long tours.

This experience really suits outdoor lovers, families with older children, and anyone eager to explore the unique marine life of the Sea of Cortez. If you’re after a well-rounded day of nature, wildlife, and water activities, this tour might just fit the bill.

Key Points

• Wildlife encounters: Snorkel with playful sea lions and possibly spot sea turtles, dolphins, and even humpback whales depending on the season.
• Diverse activities: Combines snorkeling, guided island tours, lunch, and paddleboarding for a full day of adventure.
• Eco-conscious: Small group size and natural protected areas ensure a responsible tour experience.
• Expert guides: Bilingual guides enhance the experience with their knowledge and friendliness.
• All-inclusive gear: Snorkel kit, wetsuits, paddleboards, and lunch are provided, so you just need to bring your enthusiasm.
• Timing and duration: The 8.5-hour schedule makes it a substantial day, usually in the morning, perfect if you want a full experience but may be tiring for some.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Transport

The adventure kicks off at Eco Migrations, conveniently located in La Paz. After a brief 5-minute walk from the meeting point, you’ll board a speedboat for the approximately 1.5-hour ride to Espiritu Santo Island. This part of the journey is quite scenic, giving you your first glimpse of the sea and islands. Small groups keep the boat ride intimate, and the guides often point out interesting sights along the way.

Exploring Espiritu Santo Island

Once on the island, the tour is punctuated with a few stops, each offering something special. The first major activity is snorkeling at Los Islotes, famous for its friendly sea lions. The guides will give you full snorkel gear, including wetsuits, which is great for comfort and buoyancy. Shauna from a recent review loved the “amazing day out” and mentioned how adorable the sea lions were, along with plenty of fish she saw around them.

A key feature here is the possibility of spotting more marine life—dolphins, mobula rays, and even sea turtles—especially if you’re lucky or visiting in the right season. Keep in mind that during the mating season (June 1st to August 31st), snorkeling takes place at a different rookery (San Rafaelito), which could offer a different view of sea lions.

The Island’s Natural Beauty and Lunch

After snorkeling, you’ll have a photo stop and a guided tour of Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The guides share insights into the local flora and fauna, making the trip more educational and engaging. You’re likely to see scenic views and possibly some wildlife along the way.

A highlight for many is the lunch break on the beaches. The tour provides a picnic-style meal, with options that cater to dietary preferences—just remember to specify these during booking. The beaches are idyllic, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the rugged beauty of the island.

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Paddleboarding Along the Shoreline

The finale involves paddleboarding on large, multi-person boards along the shoreline. It’s a fun way to enjoy the scenery at a more leisurely pace and offers a fresh perspective of the island’s coast. The large paddleboards are stable and user-friendly, even for those new to paddleboarding. As Shauna noted, the giant paddleboard experience was memorable, and the guides Erin and JJ took great care of everyone.

Returning to La Paz

After a full day of exploring, wildlife viewing, and water activities, you’ll hop back on the speedboat for an hour-long ride back to La Paz. The entire experience lasts about 8.5 hours, so it’s a leisurely but packed day.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $136 per person, considering the included gear, guided tours, lunch, and boat transfers, this tour offers solid value. It’s not a cheap activity, but given the range of experiences packed into one day and the eco-friendly small-group setting, it’s reasonable. Plus, the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions—a truly memorable wildlife encounter—is priceless for many travelers.

A Few Practical Tips

• Bring your reusable water bottle—staying hydrated is key for a day out on the water.
• Dress in comfortable clothing, and bring sun protection—hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
• Be prepared for some physical activity: snorkeling, walking, and paddleboarding.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions; the boat ride is about 1.5 hours each way.
• Since the tour runs in the morning, plan your day around the schedule and allow some extra time for travel to and from the meeting point.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you enjoy active days filled with wildlife, scenic views, and water fun, this tour hits the spot. It’s perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those wanting a well-rounded experience in Baja’s marine environment. The small-group size and expert guides make it more personal and engaging, especially if you’re interested in learning about local ecosystems.

It might be a bit long for travelers looking for a quick, relaxed activity or those with mobility issues. Also, if you’re not comfortable in the water or on a boat, snorkeling and paddleboarding might be less appealing. But for most active travelers who want a taste of Baja’s marine life combined with stunning scenery, this day out delivers.

FAQ

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation to and from Eco Migrations is not included, so plan to arrive at the meeting spot in La Paz on your own.

How long does the boat ride take?
The speedboat ride to Espiritu Santo takes about 1.5 hours, with another 30-minute return trip, making the boat travel a significant part of the day.

Are the activities suitable for children?
The tour is generally geared toward older children and adults who can comfortably snorkel, paddleboard, and walk. It’s not explicitly family-focused, but older children used to water sports should be fine.

What is included in the price?
You get snorkel gear, wetsuits, paddleboards, a guided tour, and lunch. Water is also provided, but remember to bring your reusable bottle.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your schedule shifts.

Is this a good tour for wildlife photography?
Absolutely. The guides’ local knowledge and the chance to see sea lions, dolphins, and seabirds make it ideal for capturing wildlife moments.

In the end, the Sea Lions & Mega-Paddleboard Tour in Espiritu Santo offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and active fun. It’s a solid choice for those wanting to see Baja’s marine side up close and personal—just be ready for a full day of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: