Sea Lion Tours in La Paz

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It is a stunning destination characterized by breathtaking landscapes, diverse marine life, and clear waters. A standout attraction in La Paz is the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions at Los Islotes, or the smaller, but closer in sea lion colony of San Rafaelito. If you’re considering embarking on this unforgettable adventure, this comprehensive guide will answer all your questions and help you plan the perfect sea lion tour in La Paz.

How Do I Book a Sea Lion Tour in La Paz?

Booking a sea lion snorkeling tour in La Paz is relatively straightforward. Simply go online and select a licensed operator. Baja Charters in the premier provider of this activity. www.BajaCharters.com They provide ground transportation from Cabo hotels and back, or a discount if their ground transportation from the Cabo area is not needed. They provide a large and spacious sailing catamaran with private bathrooms, showers, a chef, meals, beverages, open bar, snorkel gear, towels, wetsuits, a separate snorkel boat with a marine biologist or licensed guide. For visiting and exploring nearby beaches, bays, and coves, they also include kayaks and paddle boards.

Online Booking: Tour operators offer online booking through their websites or popular travel platforms. Baja Charters is the premier provider of this activity, and they offer shared tours to both the sea lion colony of Los Islotes, and/or the closer in sea lion colony of San Rafaelito aboard a large and spacious sailing catamaran. They also have private charters available with the catamaran or other yachts of various sizes and capacity, based upon guest wants, needs and budget.

Most operators recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.

The Best Operator for Snorkeling with Sea Lions Near La Paz?

Several tour operators provide snorkeling tours with sea lions near La Paz.

Baja Charters: Is renowned for its premier yachts, chef-prepared meals, knowledgeable guides and well-organized tours, Baja Charters offers shared tours to either the island of Espiritu Santo including the sea lion colony of Los Islotes, a full-day activity, see www.BajaEspirituSanto.com. OR you can visit the outer bays of Balandra, Lover’s Cove, and El Merito, along with the sea lion colony of San Rafaelito. This tour is a half-day activity. See www.BajaRemoteBeaches.com.

To select a yacht for private charter go to www.BajaCharters.com, click on Private Charters. The first four yachts presented are consistently available and booking is online at the website. The 26 additional yachts under More Yachts, are generally available, but owned by out-of-country third parties. Baja Charters typically provides the captain and crew, chef, food, beverages, ground transportation, guides, etc., along with these private yachts.

When choosing an operator, read online reviews, consider group sizes, and ensure they adhere to marine conservation practices.

How Long Is the Boat Ride to Los Islotes from La Paz?

The boat ride to San Rafaelito typically takes about 30 minutes. To Los Islotes the trip is farther and takes two hours or more on a proper yacht, depending on how often you pause to watch dolphins, investigate the island, and observe wildlife, etc. It can be done faster in an open-air boat, without normal amenities like bathrooms, showers, chef, meals, beverage, open bar, kayaks, etc.

What Is the Typical Duration of a Sea Lion Snorkeling Tour?

A typical sea lion and island snorkeling tour with an all-inclusive yacht is about 8 hours in total. This includes the boat ride to Los Islotes, time spent snorkeling and exploring various beaches, bays, and coves, kayaking, etc. along with the return trip. Going to the closer sea lion colony of San Rafaelito, the typical day’s activity is 4 to 5 hours including additional stops for sightseeing, kayaking, exploring remote beaches, etc.

Can I Swim with Sea Lions Year-Round?

Technically you may swim with sea lions year-round near La Paz, but the experience varies based on the season. The best time to swim and interact with the sea lions is between December and May, when the sea lions are most active. It’s during these months that the sea lion pups are prevalent, making for a lively snorkeling experience.

What Months Is Sea Lion Swimming Prohibited?

Swimming with sea lions is prohibited from June through August at the sea lion colony of Los Islotes, but usually not at other sea lion colonies within normal boating distance. So, you can swim with sea lions year-round from the La Paz area, but not Los Islotes. During June through August restrictions at Los Islotes, the marine mammal protection laws are enforced to give the sea lions a break and allow them to rest and care for their young. This colony is large with about 650 permanent adult members.

Why Are Tours Closed June Through August?

Tours to swim with sea lions are closed during June through August primarily for conservation purposes. This period coincides with the breeding season when sea lions give birth and nurse their pups. It’s crucial to minimize human interaction to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both the mothers and their young.

What’s the Best Season to Swim with Sea Lions in La Paz?

The best season for swimming with sea lions in La Paz is from December to May, particularly from January to March. This timeframe allows for an enjoyable snorkeling experience as the sea lion pups are more playful and curious, enhancing the chances of close encounters and unforgettable memories.

How Cold Is the Water When Swimming with Sea Lions?

The water temperature when swimming with sea lions around La Paz varies throughout the year:

December to February: 60-65°F (15-18°C)

March to May: 65-75°F (18-24°C)

June to August: 70-80°F (21-27°C)

September to November: 65-75°F (18-24°C)

Due to these varying temperatures, wearing a wetsuit is often recommended for comfort, especially in colder months.

What Marine Life Might I See Besides Sea Lions?

While the sea lions may be the main attraction, snorkeling in Los Islotes offers the chance to see a variety of marine life. Visitors may encounter:

Colorful Fish: Tropical species such as parrotfish, clownfish, and angelfish.

Mobula and Manta Rays: Majestic rays can often be spotted gliding gracefully through the water.

Turtles: Loggerhead and green turtles are sometimes seen while snorkeling.

Octopus and Moray Eels: Look for octopuses and eels hiding in crevices and other interesting invertebrates.

Dolphins: Guests frequently spot dolphins during your cruise.

The rich biodiversity of the area makes every snorkeling trip unique!

Is Snorkeling Gear Included in Sea Lion Tour Packages?

Most sea lion snorkeling tour operators provide snorkel gear as part of their packages. This generally includes snorkels, masks, fins, and wetsuits.

Some operators offer upgraded gear for rent. Baja Charters includes everything, there are no extra charges.

Should I Bring My Own Snorkel or Use Theirs?

Whether to bring your own snorkeling gear depends on personal preference. Using gear provided by a tour operator is often convenient, especially if you’re traveling. If you prefer using your own equipment for comfort and hygiene reasons, you should check with the operator to ensure you’re allowed to do so. Baja Charters encourages you to bring your own equipment if you have it easily available.

Do Tours Include Wetsuits?

Most reputable tour operators provide wetsuits as part of the snorkeling package, mainly to ensure comfort in cooler waters. This is particularly common during the colder months (December to February). Always verify with the operator when booking.

What Should I Pack for a Sea Lion Tour?

Packing properly for your sea lion tour can enhance your experience. Here’s a suggested packing list: Swimwear: Wear your swimsuit under your clothes for convenience. Towel: A quick-dry towel is ideal for drying off after the swim. These are provided for free with Baja Charters. Sunscreen: Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself and the marine environment. Reef-friendly sunscreen is provided free with Baja Charters. Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun during the boat ride. Waterproof Bag: Keep your belongings dry while on the boat. There is no need for this with Baja Charters as there is plenty of dry space available inside your yacht. Snacks: If not provided by the tour, bring some light snacks. Both chef-prepared meals and snacks are available at no charge with Baja Charters, as are beverages and an open bar. Camera: A waterproof camera to capture your adventure is a great thing to have along.

Is Reef-Safe Sunscreen Required on Tours?

Yes, many tour operators in La Paz advocate for the use of reef-safe sunscreen. The chemicals commonly found in regular sunscreens can harm marine life, particularly coral reefs. To minimize environmental impact, choose sunscreen that is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to be harmful to aquatic ecosystems. With Baja Charters, reef-friendly sunscreen is provided for free.

Are Meals Included in the Tour Price?

Meal inclusion policy varies among tour operators. Some tours offer a complimentary lunch or snacks as part of the package, while others do not. Confirm with your operator during the booking process. If meals are not included, it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks or lunch. Chef-prepared meals and snacks are provided with Baja Charters, as are beverages and an open bar.

Can I Request Vegetarian or Vegan Lunch?

Many tour operators are accommodating and can provide vegetarian or vegan lunch options upon request. However, it’s essential to inform them in advance while booking your tour, so they can prepare accordingly.

Are Tours Family-Friendly?

Sea lion snorkeling tours are generally family-friendly and cater to various age groups. Many operators’ welcome families and provide a safe environment for children to enjoy. However, you should check the age restrictions, as some operators may have minimum age requirements for participating in snorkeling activities.

Can Children Join Sea Lion Snorkeling Tours?

Yes, children can typically join sea lion snorkeling tours, although safety and age restrictions may vary by operator. Most tours allow children aged 6 and up to participate, but younger children may be welcome if supervised by a parent or guardian. Always check with the specific tour operator regarding their policies and age limits.

Conclusion

Swimming with sea lions in La Paz is a memorable experience, blending adventure, relaxation, and wildlife appreciation. By understanding the logistics, conservation laws, and best practices before heading on this adventure, you can ensure a fantastic day out on the water. Whether you’re kayaking alongside playful sea lions or observing vibrant marine life, your time in La Paz will be uniquely enriching, providing memories that will last a lifetime.

As you plan your trip, use this guide to book your tour, prepare for your adventure, and make the most out of your sea lion excursion. Enjoy the stunning beauty of Baja California Sur and the wonderful creatures that inhabit these pristine waters!

Email

chartersbaja@gmail.com

Phones

(52) 624-128-5666 (Spanish, English, German)
(52) 612-152-9940 (English Only)

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