Swimming with sea lions in La Paz: when you can, where, and what the encounter is like
Yes, in La Paz you can swim with sea lions at Los Islotes, a breeding colony off Isla Espíritu Santo [1]. It's allowed almost all year, except from June 1 to August 31, when Mexico's protected areas commission (Conanp) restricts swimming and diving at the colony during the breeding season [3].
Few things in the ocean are more fun than a young sea lion deciding you're interesting. It comes close, spins, looks you in the eye, blows bubbles and disappears. If you want to experience it, La Paz is one of the best places in the world.
Where? Los Islotes, in the Espíritu Santo Archipelago
Los Islotes is a California sea lion colony in the southern Gulf of California, within the marine area of the Espíritu Santo Archipelago [1]. The archipelago is part of the Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California, a UNESCO World Heritage Site [5].
Why no swimming from June to August?
Because it's breeding season. To reduce tourism pressure on the colony, Conanp restricts swimming, free diving and scuba diving at Los Islotes from June 1 to August 31 [3]. The restriction is still applied and enforced every summer [4].
During those months mothers alternate feeding trips at sea with days nursing at the colony. A study at Los Islotes measured feeding trips of 1.3 days in a normal year and 2 days in an El Niño year, when food was scarce [2]. Any extra disturbance costs them energy at a critical time.
What is the encounter like in the water?
No two are the same. Some sea lions pass by at a distance; others, especially the young ones, come over curious and play around you for a few seconds. At Keabelmet we follow three simple rules:
- We don't call or feed them. If they come close, it's because they want to.
- We don't touch or chase them. We stay calm and float.
- We don't approach big males on the rocks. They're territorial; we watch them with respect.
Snorkeling or diving?
You can meet them either way. On the Espíritu Santo snorkel tour you combine sea lions, reefs and beach in one day; on the Espíritu Santo dive you see them from below, among walls and schools of fish. To explore the whole island, read what Isla Espíritu Santo is and how to visit.
Experience it with Keabelmet
Frequently asked questions
Which months can you swim with sea lions in La Paz?
September to May. From June 1 to August 31 Conanp restricts swimming and diving at Los Islotes for the breeding season [3].
Do sea lions bite?
They're wild animals and adult males can be territorial. That's why you don't touch or feed them and you stay calm; most encounters are with curious youngsters.
Do I need to scuba dive to swim with sea lions?
No. You can do it snorkeling at the surface. If you're a diver or want to try diving, there are scuba trips too.
Where is the La Paz sea lion colony?
At Los Islotes, in the marine area of the Espíritu Santo Archipelago, in the southern Gulf of California [1].
Scientific sources
The wildlife, season and geography facts in this article come from these publications. The [n] citations in the text link here.
- García-Aguilar, M. C. & Aurioles-Gamboa, D. (2003). Breeding season of the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 67–76. doi.org/10.1578/016754203101024086
- García-Aguilar, M. C. & Aurioles-Gamboa, D. (2003). Maternal care in the California sea lion at Los Islotes, Gulf of California, Mexico. Ciencias Marinas 29(4B): 573–583. doi.org/10.7773/cm.v29i42.199
- Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (Conanp) (2018). Restricción de nado, buceo libre y buceo autónomo en Los Islotes durante la temporada reproductiva del lobo marino. Parque Nacional Zona Marina del Archipiélago de Espíritu Santo. Documento de caso publicado en PANORAMA Solutions. panorama.solutions/sites/default/files/restriccion_nado_islo…
- Semanario Zeta (2024). Por periodo de apareamiento restringen nado con lobo marino en Espíritu Santo. Nota periodística. zetatijuana.com/2024/07/por-periodo-de-apareamiento-restring…
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2005). Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California. Lista del Patrimonio Mundial (sitio 1182). whc.unesco.org/en/list/1182/
