A Moment I’ll Never Forget: Swimming with Sea Lions in San Rafaelito

There are travel experiences that are fun, and then there are moments that quietly change you. Swimming with sea lions in San Rafaelito, a small rocky islet in the Sea of Cortez, was one of those moments for me.

As our boat slowed near the island, I could already hear them before I saw them—their playful barks echoing off the rocks. Dozens of sea lions lounged along the shoreline, some stretched out in the sun, others tumbling into the water with effortless grace. The water around San Rafaelito was calm and impossibly clear, giving me a sense of comfort before I even put my mask on.

When it was time to get in, I felt that familiar mix of excitement and nerves. The moment I slipped into the water, everything else faded away. Below me, the rocky seabed dropped into shades of blue, and within seconds, I noticed movement—fast, smooth, and curious.

The sea lions didn’t approach cautiously. They came flying through the water like underwater acrobats, twisting and spiraling around me. One zipped past my mask, turned on a dime, and stared straight into my eyes as if sizing me up. Another blew a trail of bubbles and darted off, only to return seconds later with two more companions. I couldn’t help but laugh into my snorkel.

What surprised me most was how gentle they were. Despite their speed and size, their movements felt playful, almost inviting. At one point, a young sea lion hovered just out of reach, spinning slowly as if waiting for me to react. I stayed still, letting them lead the interaction, and it felt like being temporarily accepted into their world.

Time seemed to stretch underwater. Sunlight filtered down in shimmering beams, illuminating the sea lions as they chased each other through the kelp and rocks. Every so often, one would surface for air, then plunge back down to rejoin the group. I floated there, completely present, realizing how rare it is to witness wildlife behaving so naturally and freely.

Climbing back onto the boat, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. San Rafaelito wasn’t just another stop on a tour—it was a reminder of how alive the Sea of Cortez truly is. Swimming with sea lions wasn’t about thrill-seeking or ticking something off a list; it was about connection, respect, and sharing a brief moment with creatures who call these waters home.

Long after we left the island behind, I could still feel the joy of that encounter. It’s a memory that resurfaces whenever I think of the Sea of Cortez—a place where wild moments like this still exist, waiting quietly beneath the surface.

Follow Us

Menu
Email
Phones
Location
  • The Baja Charters office is at our very own Captains Sunset Bar and Restaurant a part of the Marine Waterfront Hotel, located in Marina Palmira, directly on the water - Dock 5

© Copyright 2025 Baja Charters - All Rights Reserved
Designed by Cabo Website Design - Cabo Webmaster