Isla Espíritu Santo
UNESCO-protected island with 600+ sea lions, 890+ fish species—Jacques Cousteau's "world's aquarium"
Overview
Isla Espíritu Santo delivers the Sea of Cortez experience that Jacques Cousteau famously called "the world's aquarium." This **UNESCO World Heritage site** 45-90 minutes by boat from La Paz offers swimming with one of the Sea of Cortez's largest California sea lion colonies, snorkeling pristine reefs supporting 890+ fish species, kayaking through dramatic red rock formations, and encountering dolphins, manta rays, and whale sharks. **The Los Islotes sea lion colony** is the main attraction—**600+ California sea lions** lounge on volcanic rocks while curious juveniles swim playful circles around snorkelers. Swimming alongside them is permitted September through May (breeding season June-August restricts access). The pups are most active and playful October through January. **Standard shared tours cost $70-150 USD** from La Paz including boat transfer (45-90 minutes depending on vessel), snorkeling equipment, guide, and lunch. Highlights include swimming at the sea lion colony, snorkeling coral reefs, and visiting **Ensenada Grande beach**—one of Mexico's most beautiful. The island's 12 pristine beaches offer swimming, kayaking, and hiking through desert cactus landscapes. **From Cabo San Lucas**: The island is accessible as a long day trip (2-2.5 hours drive to La Paz, then boat tour), though combined tours running $150-200 USD exist. Most visitors stay overnight in La Paz for earlier departure times. **Important**: During windy season (November-March), boats may cancel if conditions are too strong—book flexible tours.
Highlights
Practical Information
Full day (6-8 hours typical tour)
150 USD
Standard shared tours from La Paz run $70-150 USD including boat (45-90 min), snorkel equipment, guide, and lunch. Private tours $300-500 USD. From Cabo San Lucas, combined tours $150-200 USD (includes transport). Whale shark tours (Oct-April) from La Paz $125-160 USD including permits. Multi-day camping expeditions $200-400 USD.
October-May for calmest seas and best visibility. Sea lion pups most playful October-January; swimming with colony permitted September-May (restricted during June-August breeding). Whale sharks October-April (peak November-December). Summer months (June-September) see rougher seas, higher temperatures, and some tour cancellations. Morning departures (7-8 AM) recommended for calmest conditions.
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