LA PAZ BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Day in the World’s Aquarium: Swim with Whale Sharks, Play with Sea Lions, and Explore Espiritu Santo
A 7–8 hour boat adventure from La Paz with La Paz Divers that combines whale-shark snorkeling, a visit to the Los Islotes sea-lion colony in Espiritu Santo National Park, and broad marine-life viewing—this guide breaks down what to expect and how to prepare.
A Day in the World’s Aquarium: Swim with Whale Sharks, Play with Sea Lions, and Explore Espiritu Santo.
Set out from La Paz for a full-day, 7–8 hour expedition aboard La Paz Divers into the Sea of Cortez—once dubbed “the World’s aquarium”—to swim with whale sharks, visit the main sea‑lion colony at Los Islotes within Espiritu Santo National Park, and encounter a wide cast of marine life including dolphins, turtles and rays.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Swim with Whale Sharks and a Rich Marine Cast
The combo tour centers on snorkeling with whale sharks and, depending on season, offers encounters with dolphins, sea turtles, mobula rays, moray eels and occasionally orcas and whales—an exceptional chance to see diverse megafauna in the Sea of Cortez.
Los Islotes: The Sea‑Lion Playground
The route visits Los Islotes in Espiritu Santo National Park to observe and snorkel near the main sea‑lion colony—home to a population of over 800 sea lions—where playful juveniles and boisterous adults are a principal draw of the trip.
Espiritu Santo National Park Exploration
Beyond single encounters, the tour traverses the protected waters around Espiritu Santo, giving passengers repeated opportunities to snorkel, look for marine life and appreciate the island’s coastal seascape.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Over seven to eight hours you’ll travel by boat from La Paz into the Sea of Cortez with the crew of La Paz Divers, alternating between guided whale‑shark snorkeling, stops at Espiritu Santo for sea‑lion interactions at Los Islotes, and additional snorkeling or observation points where dolphins, turtles and other marine life may appear.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour works for—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Duration is 7–8 hours. Pricing is $250 USD per person; private tour is $1,425 USD (includes 3 people; $250 for each additional person up to 6). Prices are converted to pesos at checkout.
Confirm recommended gear with La Paz Divers prior to departure—contact the operator for specifics on snorkel equipment, safety briefings, and what they provide versus what you should bring.
Minimum number of participants required is two; minors must be accompanied by an adult. For solo guests, contact the operator to check availability on existing trips.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs approximately 7–8 hours.
How much does the tour cost?
Standard pricing is $250 USD per person; private tour pricing is $1,425 USD (includes 3 people; $250 for each additional person up to 6). Prices are converted to pesos at checkout.
Can I bring my children?
Yes—minors are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult.
What if I'm traveling alone?
The minimum number of participants required is two; solo guests should contact the operator to see if they can be added to an existing whale‑shark snorkeling trip.
What wildlife might we see on the tour?
Expect whale sharks and the sea‑lion colony at Los Islotes; other possible sightings include dolphins, sea turtles, mobula rays, moray eels and, on occasion, orcas and whales.