Espíritu Santo Island: snorkel SEA LIONS and Balandra Small Group
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.2/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Espíritu Santo Island: snorkel SEA LIONS and Balandra Small Group worth booking?
Espíritu Santo Island: snorkel SEA LIONS and Balandra Small Group is a 4-hour experience in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, from $2200 per person. It scores 39 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.2/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 39 / 100
- Rating
- 3.2/5 (10)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $2200 per person
Enjoy a relaxing ride and explore the Sea of Cortez on this amazing Cabo snorkeling excursion! Upon arrival, we’ll provide you with all the snorkeling gear you’ll need to explore the Sea of Cortez and its gorgeous marin
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a relaxing ride and explore the Sea of Cortez on this amazing Cabo snorkeling excursion! Upon arrival, we’ll provide you with all the snorkeling gear you’ll need to explore the Sea of Cortez and its gorgeous marine life, including a sea lion colony. After that, we’ll cruise further along Bay where you’ll have another opportunity to swim and snorkel. Sea of Cortez tours are popular for those who want a little bit of everything and amazing wildlife, along with lots of sun. From the minute your full-day tour begins, you will bask in luxury and comfort. Our experienced, bilingual guides will ensure that you have fun the whole day, and they can even help you put on your snorkeling equipment and life vest. The Sea of Cortez is a legendary and magnificent wonder full of exotic marine life and extreme beauty. Being surrounded by pristine, azure waters and white sandy beaches will provide calming panoramic views you will remember for a lifetime.
What's included
Included
- wetsuits
- Bottled water
- -Life jacket
- An experienced captain and a well-maintained boat.
- snacks
- bracelet
- all fees and taxes
Not included
- Tips
What you'll see and do
Malecon
Being surrounded by pristine, azure waters and white sandy beaches will provide calming panoramic views you will remember for a lifetime. But that’s not all. Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the “aquarium of the world” for a good reason. This aquatic habitat is brimming with extraordinary sea life you can’t find anywhere else, which has earned it the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Our experienced captain will search in the protected area, while your guide gives you a briefing about animal facts and biology, safety, and how to enjoy this activity with maximum respect for the environment and the marine creatures. Probably you will have to endure his /her many guide jokes too
60 minutes here
Balandra Beach
Our experienced, bilingual guides will ensure that you have fun the whole day, and they can even help you put on your snorkeling equipment and life vest. Get ready to have a lot of fun!
30 minutes here
Beach Club El Tecolote
On our Sea of Cortez snorkeling tour adventure, you’ll have the chance of close sightings with dolphins, schools of exotic fish, sea lions*, manta rays, and even whales, among other breathtaking undersea creatures. Discover some of the most extraordinary and remote wonders of the world in this exciting expedition
30 minutes here
Playa Pichilingue
the journey toward Espiritu Santo Island is only half the fun as you cruise past exquisite beaches and crystal blue coves brimming with marine life. On the cruise itself, you’ll have the opportunity to witness exotic marine and sea life freely roaming the waters around you. When our yacht reaches its destination, the Sea of Cortez Wildlife & Snorkeling Adventure begins. Swim and snorkel in this natural sanctuary among sea lions* and an awe-inspiring array of brightly colored tropical fish, sea stars, corals, turtles and occasionally playful sea lion pups!
30 minutes here
Isla Espiritu Santo
Glimpse a myriad of incredible marine wildlife, swim safely among friends and family, and make memories to last a lifetime. Of the many Cabo expeditions available in the region, none is better or more rewarding than the Sea of Cortez snorkeling adventure at Cabo Adventures. Sit back, relax, and bask in the warm sun as we anchor at a breathtaking bay.
30 minutes here
Balandra Beach
We go the extra mile to ensure that you are always at ease, having fun, and getting several opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Malecon
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Malecon · La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- hi, de, ps, pt, fil, hr, hu, hak, uk, ur, ml, mr, ms, el, en, it, my, es, ar, vi, ja, fa, ro, nl, no, hsn, ru, fi, cmn, yue, jv, bn, fr, zh-TW, wuu, sk, sr, sv, ko, ku, ta, mnp, gu, cs, te, pa, th, zh-CN, pl, he, da, tr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Go n Travel in Cabo
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Espíritu Santo Island: snorkel SEA LIONS and Balandra Small Group. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Don't bother.
I arrived at the right time. No one there. Finally the agent arrives at departure time and tells me to wait. Then comes back and takes me to the tourist boat to find me a seat with 14 others. No English spoken. Get to snorkel near sea lions for 15 minutes. Pretty cool. The rest of the day involved sitting on the beach. Very frustrating that I could not understand the guide. Discovered that I paid 500 pesos more than the going rate to join the mass tourism event with a dozen other boats. If you go don't buy a ticket online like I did. Feeling ripped off.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We would like to clarify that this tour cannot be obtained at a lower price in person. The rate you paid reflects the official and regulated cost of the Espíritu Santo Island experience, which includes authorized access, permits, and licensed operation. Prices offered on the day or in person are not lower than our published rates. We’re sorry to hear that the experience did not fully meet your expectations, and we truly appreciate your comments, as they help us improve our service. Warm regards, Roberto Polanco GM
via Tripadvisor
Such a great experience
The snorkeling tour to Espíritu Santo Island was amazing! I really enjoyed it — the water was crystal clear, and the marine life was beautiful. The tour is quite long, around six hours, but it’s absolutely worth it. Such a great experience, and I’d definitely do it again!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌊✨ We’re thrilled to know you enjoyed the beauty of Espíritu Santo Island and had such a great time snorkeling among the sea life. It’s truly a special place, and we’re so happy you got to experience it. We hope to welcome you again soon for another amazing adventure in Baja! 🐠🌴 — Roberto Polanco, General Manager – Go & Travel in Cabo
via Viator
No wetsuits!
The tour itself was good. Our guide, Manuel spoke English but we could hardly hear him as we were seated at the back of the boat. We booked this tour because it stated wetsuits and we didn’t get those. My husband went in the water which was so cold and I choose to stay back at Espiritu Santo Island (due to lack of wetsuit). The amount of time in the water actually swimming with the sea lions is about 15 minutes. On a highlight; we did see 3 whales and a pod of dolphins.
Response from the operator: We always aim to deliver a great experience, and we are gutted when we don’t meet expectations. Thanks for taking the time to bring this to our attention. We do have wetsuits however you need to mentioned that you would like to have it, before the excursion start. We will use the feedback to make us better and to ensure this doesn’t happen again. The next time we will have it with us on the boat. Again, thank you for your feedback
via Viator
Disappointed
Guide doesn't speak English, so all the stops meant nothing to us. LONG boat ride. Short time with sea lions. Water cold, no Wetsuit provided.
Response from the operator: Dear Catherine I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. I'm sorry to hear that you were dissatisfied with our service and would like to further follow up with you to support your concerns. Thank you for also pointing out the different ways to improve our service as also the level of english our guided had . I want to assure you that your constructive feedback does not go unnoticed. It is valuable information for our whole team, so please do not hesitate to reach out with any further comments or questions. Sincerely, Roberto Polanco GM
via Viator
Not at promised
A lot of this trip was NOT as stated in the description. I don't expect the people of Mexico to know English unless you promise a bilingual guide. This guide was NOT bilingual. That caused some issues. Also this trip is NOT 4 hours. It was supposed to be 11am-3pm. It didn't leave until 12 and we got back after dark! It was over 6 hours. Not great if you have plans/reservations later that day. Or have a long drive back to Cabo in the dark. The snorkel gear was trash and barely usable. And there wasn't enough of it. Our "guide" was about 14 and honestly kind of rude. When we stopped on the beach for snacks he took the only shade and sat on the cooler so nobody could get anything. And of course he was the first to get food. He seemed to have an attitude. When we saw some rays jumping out of the water he blocked everyone's view so he could get the best pictures and we couldn't. We never knew how long we would be at a stop. We're we going to be there 10 minutes or and hour? Nobody knows because we didn't have a bilingual guide! My daughter got stung by jellyfish and we got yelled at by the "guide" for trying to get her back to the boat. A well maintained boat?! Haha... No. It was uncomfortable and at one point wouldn't start. Made everyone uneasy and uncomfortable. And our "experienced" captain ran into another boat. It wasn't all bad. The scenery was beautiful and we saw a lot of wildlife. The beach meal was nice if you could get past the "guide" who was blocking it most of the time. Nice place but I'd book with someone (anyone) else.
Response from the operator: Dear guest, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We sincerely apologize for the disappointing experience you had during your tour with us. Your encounter with your guided not reflect the high standards we aim to provide. Rest assured, we take your comments seriously and will address the issues with our team to such occurrences in the future. We understand the importance of effective communication in the english language and swift resolution in such situations, and we regret falling short in your case. Your feedback is invaluable, and we appreciate your understanding. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back. We also will update the times, since it’s winter times, we are coming back one hour after it’s stated.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 39
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Espíritu Santo Island: snorkel SEA LIONS and Balandra Small Group: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cabo San Lucas.
How much does Espíritu Santo Island: snorkel SEA LIONS and Balandra Small Group cost?
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Prices start at $2200 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cabo San Lucas usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Espíritu Santo Island: snorkel SEA LIONS and Balandra Small Group take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cabo San Lucas is not rushed.
Is Espíritu Santo Island: snorkel SEA LIONS and Balandra Small Group worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 39 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.2/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cabo San Lucas, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Espíritu Santo Island: snorkel SEA LIONS and Balandra Small Group?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Espíritu Santo Island: snorkel SEA LIONS and Balandra Small Group suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Espíritu Santo Island: snorkel SEA LIONS and Balandra Small Group?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cabo San Lucas can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cabo San Lucas and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Espíritu Santo Island: snorkel SEA LIONS and Balandra Small Group start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cabo San Lucas within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas?
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On Outty we rank every Cabo San Lucas experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cabo Desert Off-Road & Beach Horseback Combo and Tequila Tasting, Humpback Whale Watching Tour in Cabo San Lucas, Cabo All-Inclusive Private Beach Club with Open Bar and Buffet. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cabo San Lucas?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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