Espíritu Santo Island tour from La Paz
- From Departs from La Paz
- 8 hours
- up to 15 guests
- All year
Photos: AlexisSalinas01, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Óscar Badillo Pérez, CC BY-SA 4.0 · AlexisSalinas01, CC BY-SA 4.0 · AlexisSalinas01, CC BY-SA 4.0 · AlexisSalinas01, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cvmontuy, CC BY-SA 4.0
An eight-hour day on a catamaran from La Paz to Isla Espíritu Santo: the sea lions of Los Islotes, then lunch at anchor in Ensenada Grande on Isla Partida.
What you do
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Paddleboarding
Highlights
- Swim and snorkel near the California sea lions of Los Islotes in season
- Lunch at anchor in Ensenada Grande on Isla Partida
- The west side of Isla Espíritu Santo, a national park, from the deck
- Frigatebirds over San Gabriel Bay on the way north
- Wetsuits, snorkel gear and paddleboards on board
About this trip
Isla Espíritu Santo and its neighbour, Isla Partida, lie north of La Paz across the San Lorenzo Channel. Both islands are uninhabited, the sea around them is a national park, and they are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The only way to spend a day there is by boat.
This is an eight-hour day we have designed for Pacifico, a catamaran with a captain, a hostess and a chef. She leaves Marina Cortez on the La Paz waterfront, runs out past the Pichilingue peninsula and up the west side of the archipelago, past San Gabriel Bay, where frigatebirds nest in the mangroves. At the far end are Los Islotes, the rocks off the north end of Isla Partida, home to a colony of California sea lions that the park counts at 400 to 600 animals. In season you swim and snorkel near them.
On the way back the yacht anchors in Ensenada Grande, one of the best-known bays in the park, for lunch, a swim and a paddle. Most of the day is spent on the water: the islands are a long run from the city, and the ride up the coast is part of the trip.
Itinerary
After departure: 0:00
Board at Marina Cortez
Meet the crew on the dock at Marina Cortez and go through the safety briefing. We planned the times on this page at 10 knots; they are not Pacifico's own timetable.
After departure: 0:10
Out of La Paz Bay
Out of the harbour past the Pichilingue peninsula and across the San Lorenzo Channel towards the islands. Breakfast is served on the way.
After departure: 2:00
Up the west side of Isla Espíritu Santo
Past San Gabriel Bay and north along the island's west coast, then past the channel that divides it from Isla Partida.
After departure: 3:10
Los Islotes
About fifty minutes at the sea lion colony. The yacht stays outside the buoys and you swim into the zone kept free of boats, or watch from the deck.
After departure: 4:15
Ensenada Grande
A short run south to Isla Partida and about an hour at anchor: lunch, a swim, a paddle to the beach.
After departure: 5:15
Back to La Paz
Down the west side of the islands and back across La Paz Bay, docking at Marina Cortez at the end of the eighth hour.
Yachts that run this trip
Questions
When can you swim with the sea lions at Los Islotes?
From September 1 to May 31. From June 1 to August 31 the park closes Los Islotes to swimming and diving while the sea lions breed, and you watch the colony from the boat. Swimmers use the zone between the buoys and the rocks, which is kept free of boats.
How long does it take to reach Los Islotes from La Paz?
Los Islotes are about 27 nautical miles from Marina Cortez in a straight line, and nearer 30 by the way out of the harbour. At the 10 knots we plan on for Pacifico that is about three hours, and the run home from Ensenada Grande takes nearly as long. That leaves close to two hours at the two stops.
When is the best time to go?
The park is open every day of the year, and it names October to December as the best season to visit.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Pacifico's eight-hour day includes a continental breakfast, sashimi, ceviche, a hot main course, snacks, water and soft drinks. Alcohol is not included.
Is there a park fee?
Yes. Each visitor wears the park's bracelet, and the national park fee is MXN 225 per person per day. Children under 12, seniors and people with disabilities are exempt, and Mexican nationals pay half. We'll confirm whether it is included in your quote.
How many people can come?
Pacifico's price covers 8 guests and she takes up to 15, at US$120 for each extra guest.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and any personal medication, and something warm for the ride home. If you get seasick, take your remedy before you board.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If we are unable to complete your cruise because of the weather, you receive a full refund or the option to reschedule. The captain may also change the order of the stops on the day.
How do I book, and what does it cost to confirm?
Choose the yacht and send your date with "Check availability". A 50% deposit confirms the reservation and the balance is due 7 days before the cruise. Crew gratuity is not included; Pacifico's crew suggests 15%.
$3,500+ Tax
8 hours · 2 guests