Los Islotes · Sea of Cortez

Swim with Sea Lions in La Paz

Curious pups that swim up to your mask, water you can see straight through, and a colony that has lived on these rocks for generations.

6.5 – 7 hoursDeparts 8:30 amSeason 1 Sep – 31 MayFrom $2,300 MXN
Check dates and availability
Important note

Swim season: 1 September – 31 May. During June, July and August the swim takes place at the San Rafaelito sea lion colony instead of Los Islotes.

What the swim is actually like

The ride out to Los Islotes takes an hour and a half to two hours, and it counts as part of the day — the crew slows down along the way to show you the landmarks around the bay.

At the colony you get in with your guide. The young ones are the curious ones: they spin around you, come up to your mask and lose interest the second you try to touch them. How long you stay in depends on the day — the sea, the current and the animals decide. Afterwards you come ashore on a beach on the island for lunch before the run back to La Paz.

Dozens of sea lions hauled out on the rocks at Los Islotes, La Paz, with one swimming below

You do not have to be a strong swimmer

✓You do not need to know how to swim. There are life jackets on board for anyone who wants one, and your guide is in the water beside you the whole time.
✓Nervous about open water? Tell the crew when you board. Someone stays right next to you for as long as you want the company.
✓And if you get there and decide you would rather not get in, that is completely fine. Plenty of people watch the colony from the boat and still call it the best part of the trip.

How the day goes

18:30 am — Meet at Muelle FiscalYou board on the La Paz malecón. Your snorkel gear is already on the boat, ready for you.
2An hour and a half to two hours outThe crossing is part of the tour, not dead time: the crew slows down along the way to show you the landmarks around the bay.
3In the water at Los IslotesYou get in with your guide. How long you stay depends on the sea, the current and the animals — nobody rushes you out.
4Lunch on a beach on the islandYou come ashore to eat. Snacks, soft drinks and water are on board all day.
5Around 3:00 – 3:30 pm — Back at the dockThe whole day runs 6.5 to 7 hours from the moment you board.
Rates

Two ways to come with us

The boat, the crew and the gear are the same either way. The only thing you choose is whether you share the day with a few other travellers or keep the whole boat for your own group.

Shared tours

$2,300 MXN per person (ages 12+)
$1,900 MXN per person (ages 6 – 11)

Younger children are welcome aboard.

Book your shared tour

Private tours

$12,000 MXN — 1 – 2 participants
$15,000 MXN — 3 – 4 participants
$22,000 MXN — 5 – 10 participants

Book your private tour

In the price

✓Mask, snorkel, fins and a life jacket if you want one
✓Marine park entrance fee
✓Lunch, plus snacks, fresh water and cold soft drinks through the day
✓A seasoned captain and a guide who gets in the water with you

Pack for the day

✓Swimsuit, hat and sunglasses
✓A towel
✓Reef-safe sunscreen
✓A light layer, in case the wind picks up
✓Your camera

On the boat

✓Comfortable boat, kept in good shape
✓Small groups, so nobody waits their turn in the water
✓A toilet on board
✓Freshwater rinse shower
✓Oxygen and a first aid kit, always on board

Sea Lions at Los Islotes

Dozens of sea lions hauled out on the rocks at Los Islotes, La Paz, with one swimming below
Sea lion on a red rock above the Sea of Cortez with the mountains behind
Sea lion sleeping on top of a rock against a clear blue sky
Curious sea lion surfacing next to a boat mooring line in La Paz
Sea lion sitting upright on a red rock with its head raised towards the sun
Sea lion barking on top of a sunlit rock against a blue sky

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know how to swim?No. There are life jackets on board for anyone who wants one, and your guide is in the water beside you the whole time. If you would rather not get in at all, you can enjoy the colony from the boat.
When can I swim with the sea lions?From 1 September to 31 May at Los Islotes. During June, July and August the swim takes place at the San Rafaelito colony instead.
Where and when do we meet?At Muelle Fiscal, on the La Paz malecón, at 8:30 am. You are back at the dock around 3:00 to 3:30 pm.
How long are we in the water?It depends on the day — the sea, the current and how the animals are behaving. The crew makes the call so that everyone gets time in the water safely.
What is included?Snorkel gear and life jackets, the National Park entrance fee, light snacks, soft drinks and water, lunch on the island and an experienced crew.
What is the minimum age?PENDIENTE: confirmar edad mínima, si la hay.
What happens if the weather is bad?PENDIENTE: ¿se reprograma, se devuelve el dinero, se avisa la noche anterior?
I get seasick. Any advice?PENDIENTE: ¿recomiendan pastillas, hay a bordo, algún consejo del capitán?
Can I bring my own camera or GoPro?PENDIENTE: ¿se puede?, ¿rentan cámaras?, ¿hay dónde guardarla seca?

Ready to meet the colony?

Tell us your dates and how many of you are coming, and we will put the day together.

Plan your sea lion day