Wildlife· Los Islotes· Mexico
Los Islotes Sea Lion Colony
24° 35.9′ N · 110° 24.1′ W
A cluster of guano-white volcanic rocks off the north tip of Isla Partida where several hundred California sea lions breed - the pups swim up, tug at fins and somersault around snorkelers. The signature encounter of the Sea of Cortez.
Practical
Position: Los Islotes sea lion attraction in OpenStreetMap. CONANP counts about 400-600 sea lions (La Paz Divers says 900+). Depths to about 18 m; caves, arches and rock formations. Rules: no overnight anchoring at Los Islotes (Club Cruceros). Swimming with the sea lions runs September 1-May 31; June-August is the protected breeding season when swimming may not be allowed (GoLaPaz via Enfurgomolamas; sea.net). Cruisers report tour moorings; a guide is technically required and many cruisers stay at least 15 m off the shoreline - keep hands close, as big males can nip. Tour boats arrive around 11:00 am; come early. Dive boats come 60-80 minutes from La Paz. Do not feed or touch the animals; jet skis are banned. Inside Archipiélago Espíritu Santo National Park: every person aboard needs the daily CONANP bracelet (225 MXN/person/day on the CONANP page) or an annual Conservation Passport.
Best for
Snorkeling with sea lions
Season
Sept-May; breeding season June-Aug