UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · Sea of Cortez
The crown jewel of the Sea of Cortez — privately. Sea lion colonies, pristine anchorages, and coral reefs that rival the Caribbean. Day trips and multi-night passages from La Paz.
The Destination
There is a moment, somewhere between the final stretch of La Paz Bay and the first limestone arches of Espíritu Santo, when the Sea of Cortez stops being a backdrop and becomes the main event. The water shifts from slate to cobalt to a crystalline turquoise that belongs in the Caribbean — except it is 20°C and filled with sea lions.
Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez "the world's aquarium," and this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is its most spectacular chapter. But getting there the right way — with the right vessel, the right itinerary, enough time — makes the difference between a postcard and a memory you recount for decades.
Our expeditions access every corner of the island that no tour boat reaches: hidden coves, sea lion haul-outs unreachable by land, overnight anchorages with zero other boats in sight. This is Espíritu Santo the way it deserves to be experienced.
Every Expedition
Los Islotes, at the northern tip of the archipelago, hosts one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Pacific. We anchor nearby and snorkel among hundreds of sea lions at arm's length — curious, playful, and utterly wild.
Inflatable kayaks and full snorkeling gear are included on every charter. We guide you through sea tunnels, past reef fish, and into the coral gardens that make Espíritu Santo a diver's pilgrimage.
The island belongs to you at night. Drop anchor in Ensenada Grande or Caleta Candelero with no other boats in sight. Sleep to the sound of the sea, wake to sunrise over red cliffs with coffee on the trampoline.
A Day on the Water
Every day on the expedition has a rhythm. Here is what a full day looks like on a 2-3 night passage.
07:00
Coffee and breakfast on the forward trampoline as the sun crests the cliffs of Espíritu Santo. The water is flat, the anchorage private, the light extraordinary.
09:00
The dinghy takes the group to Los Islotes. Masks on, fins on, into the water with 500 sea lions who treat humans as acceptable entertainment. Your guide identifies individuals by their behavior.
12:30
Sail to the longest and most sheltered bay on the island. Swim to the beach, hike the headland, kayak the perimeter. Lunch on board — whatever the chef caught that morning.
18:30
An easy sail back south to a protected anchorage for the night. Sundowner cocktails on deck as the island turns from gold to amber to black. Dinner under stars you forgot existed.
Choose Your Journey
Depart La Paz at dawn, reach Espíritu Santo by mid-morning. Sea lion swim at Los Islotes, snorkel tour, beach landing, lunch on board, return by sunset. Perfect introduction to the island.
The most popular format. Two nights at anchor — enough time to explore multiple bays, settle into the rhythm of the sea, and wake twice to that extraordinary dawn silence. Espíritu Santo at its most rewarding.
Circumnavigate the island. Reach the northern tip and anchor in coves that see perhaps ten boats a year. Fish, snorkel, dive, read, and come back changed. For the group that wants to truly disappear.
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Begin Planning
Tell us your dates and group size. We'll match you with the right vessel and build the perfect Espíritu Santo itinerary around your schedule.