Isla Espiritu Santo

The Basics

Only reachable by boat, Isla Espiritu Santo features unspoiled beaches and dozens of bays teeming with tropical fish and marine life. It’s most often visited on a day trip from La Paz, and the only way to spend any substantial amount of time here is to camp. Multi-day camping trips allow for the freedom to explore the island’s hiking paths and terrain. One of the highlights of a visit to Isla Espiritu Santo is a chance to snorkel with sea lions at Los Islotes.

Most visitors arrive as part of a snorkeling tour from Todos Santos or La Paz that includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Full-day tours from Los Cabos visit Todos Santos, Isla Espiritu Santo, and Balandra Beach. There’s also a popular glamping tour to consider.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Isla Espiritu Santo is a must-see for nature and wildlife lovers.

• Choose a half-day or full-day snorkeling tour with hotel pickup and drop-off.

• Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, especially during high season.

• Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water, as the island offers little shade.

How to Get There

The easiest way to visit Isla Espiritu Santo, located in the Gulf of California off Baja California Sur, is on a boat tour from La Paz. Or, if you’re visiting independently, there are motor boats (pangas) that leave from Tecolote Beach, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of La Paz.

When to Get There

Isla Espiritu Santo can be visited year-round. Winter sees large numbers of tourists, whereas other times of year are less crowded. Spring and fall strike a nice balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds. During summer, expect daytime highs of 95°F (35°C) with higher-than-average humidity and a chance of wet weather.

Isla Espiritu Santo Wildlife

Isla Espiritu Santo is one of the best places in Mexico to view wildlife. The surrounding waters are teeming with tropical fish, and visitors have a chance of seeing sea turtles, manta rays, sea lions, dolphins, and blue or humpback whales. It’s also a popular bird-watching destination for blue-footed boobies, reddish egrets, great blue herons, and yellow-footed gulls.

How much does it cost to dive at Isla Espiritu Santo, Mexico?

Diving tours to Isla Espiritu Santo vary in price depending on things such as duration, inclusions, and whether it’s a private or a group tour. Group tours with snorkeling start from around US$100, while 2-tank diving tours cost around US$175. Private boat charters cost several hundred dollars more.

How can you visit Isla Espiritu Santo, Mexico?

Isla Espiritu Santo is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers must visit with an authorized operator. There are restrictions on how many people can visit. All boats—whether group or a private charter—depart from the marinas or the Malecon pier in La Paz to Isla Espiritu Santo.

How long is the boat ride from La Paz to Isla Espiritu Santo, Mexico?

The boat ride from La Paz to Isla Espiritu Santo typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the size and type of vessel, and the weather. Some boats may take longer. Many tours stop en route, extending the journey. The distance is about 22 miles (36 kilometers).

What is Isla Espiritu Santo, Mexico known for?

Isla Espiritu Santo is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s known for its natural beauty and marine biodiversity. The island has beautiful, deserted beaches and a variety of endemic flora and fauna. People visit to swim, snorkel, dive, kayak, hike, SUP, and enjoy other outdoor activities.

What is life like on Isla Espiritu Santo, Mexico?

Mexico’s Isla Espiritu Santo is uninhabited by humans so life is probably good for its animals, many of which are endemic to the island. Black-tailed jackrabbits, round-tailed ground squirrels, blue-footed boobies, ring-tailed cats, and sea lions are among the species. Many people visit to snorkel and swim with sea lions.

Where do cruise ships dock at Isla Espiritu Santo, Mexico?

There is no cruise ship dock at Isla Espiritu Santo, Mexico, but travelers visiting Baja California by cruise ship can take a tour from La Paz. Boats depart from the marinas and Malecon pier in La Paz. Take a group guided tour or charter a boat for a private tour.

Ways to explore

Only reachable from the water, Isla Espiritu Santo is best visited on boat tours from nearby La Paz, as well as guided day trips from Los Cabos with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Itineraries vary depending on the season, but most cruises highlight swimming with sea lions at Los Islotes—a breeding colony with 300 of the mammals—plus lunch on the beach and plenty of snorkeling stops amid rich marine life.

If you want to spend more than a few hours at Isla Espiritu Santo, exploring its many hiking trails and rock formations on land, the best option is to camp.

Accessibility

Some boat tours are wheelchair accessible—it’s best to contact the provider in advance to make arrangements.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water, sunscreen, beach towel, cash for tips and park fees

What to wear

Swimsuit, sunglasses, hat, extra layers for windy boat rides

Not allowed

Isla Espiritu Santo is part of a protected national park, so don’t disturb wildlife or natural or cultural artifacts.

Amenities

Many boat tours provide drinks, meals, snorkeling gear, and round-trip transportation to nearby hotels.

Address

The easiest way to visit Isla Espiritu Santo, located in the Gulf of California off Baja California Sur, is on a boat tour from La Paz. Or, if you’re visiting independently, there are motor boats (pangas) that leave from Tecolote Beach, about 17 miles (28 kilometers) north of La Paz.

Driving

You can’t drive to Isla Espiritu Santo, but you can get close by heading to La Paz, the most common tour departure point. Coming from Cabo San Lucas, take Highway 19 north up the peninsula—the drive takes about two hours.

Public transportation

Buses from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz are available, but they take at least 3.5 hours each way. Since Isla Espiritu Santo boat tours depart in the morning, it’s best to book an excursion with transportation included.

Best times to visit

Depart from La Paz in the early morning to maximize your time on Isla Espiritu Santo, where you’ll need at least a half day to visit multiple beaches and reefs.

Best days to visit

Every day is a good day to visit Isla Espiritu Santo—just keep an eye on sea conditions leading up to the day of your tour.

Best months to visit

Avoid visiting the island from June to August, when it’s not possible to swim at Los Islotes, as it's sea lion mating season. June through November offer the warmest weather for swimming.