Isla Espiritu Santo
Isla Espiritu Santo
5
About
Marvel at wildlife and nature at their best at Isla Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot. Seize the chance to swim with sea lions, sea turtles and dolphins, see over 100 bird species, and catch sight of whale sharks. You can also go hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and sport fishing. For a relaxing day out, chill by the pristine beaches, and catch a glorious sunset. If you can’t get enough, spend the night glamping on the island. Join a snorkeling day tour inclusive of hotel pickup, or get here via a luxury yacht cruise. – Tripadvisor
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
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Wendy D
Phoenix, AZ156 contributions
Jun 2021
I regret booking my Espiritu Island tour with Dany Tours. We spoke to a man at a booth off the malecón by the whale shark statue. We signed up for an Espiritu Island tour that was supposed to include snorkeling at three different locations. We were told that with the three snorkeling locations we would not go see the sea lions at Los Islotes, but we were OK with that since we would not be able to snorkel with them anyway because it was mating season. The next day (day of the tour) he texts us and asks us to come early. We did arrive early, but I am not sure why since we ended up sitting around for almost an hour and did not leave early.
The tour itself was a big disappointment. I was looking forward to some good snorkeling and our first (and only) snorkeling spot was not very impressive. There were a few fish but nothing amazing. I thought we still had two snorkeling spots left so was surprised when we left Espiritu Island and headed to a beach for lunch.
After lunch and sitting around at that beach for a while we headed back to La Paz. We did stop at a rock covered with bird poo and we were told that we could go snorkeling there, but it smelled strongly of bird poo and did not look like a snorkeling spot (there were no other boats with people snorkeling there). I suspected that the poo-covered rock was in fact not a snorkeling spot and they only offered us the opportunity to snorkel there so they could say they gave us the opportunity, knowing that nobody would want to snorkel in the potentially toxic water.
After that we headed to La Paz. It was quite upsetting; instead of snorkeling at three locations we only got to snorkel at one very mediocre location. Not only did we not get the snorkeling we were promised, but we also saw very little of Espiritu Island (I do not think we made it even halfway up the island). We thought we were giving up seeing the sea lions and Los Islotes in exchange for more snorkeling, but in fact gave up seeing the sea lions and Los Islotes for absolutely nothing. Very disappointing.
The tour itself was a big disappointment. I was looking forward to some good snorkeling and our first (and only) snorkeling spot was not very impressive. There were a few fish but nothing amazing. I thought we still had two snorkeling spots left so was surprised when we left Espiritu Island and headed to a beach for lunch.
After lunch and sitting around at that beach for a while we headed back to La Paz. We did stop at a rock covered with bird poo and we were told that we could go snorkeling there, but it smelled strongly of bird poo and did not look like a snorkeling spot (there were no other boats with people snorkeling there). I suspected that the poo-covered rock was in fact not a snorkeling spot and they only offered us the opportunity to snorkel there so they could say they gave us the opportunity, knowing that nobody would want to snorkel in the potentially toxic water.
After that we headed to La Paz. It was quite upsetting; instead of snorkeling at three locations we only got to snorkel at one very mediocre location. Not only did we not get the snorkeling we were promised, but we also saw very little of Espiritu Island (I do not think we made it even halfway up the island). We thought we were giving up seeing the sea lions and Los Islotes in exchange for more snorkeling, but in fact gave up seeing the sea lions and Los Islotes for absolutely nothing. Very disappointing.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy H
6 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Went on the Espiritu Santos your. On the group snorkelling activity I did not feel safe. I was the slowest swimmer because of no experience with flippers. I soon fell a long way back from the group. It was scary because there were male sea lions on the rocks and we had been strongly warned not to swim away from the group. I felt isolated and unsafe. The swim guide, Antonio, seemed only interested in the faster swimmers. It would have been very easy for Antonio to fall back and support me but he did not do this until the very end, by then I was anxious. I had planned our visit to Mexico to include Espiritu snorkelling and I am hugely disappointed and angry. The tour company will now review it's safety protocol, but I still question why Antonio did not come back to me when so easy to do so. He initially argued when I spoke to him in the water towards the end. Avoid this company for snorkelling unless you are a very strong swimmer.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn B S
Sparks, NV63 contributions
Jun 2021
Tailhunter Fishing and Guide service booked a skin diving trip for me to go to Isla Espiritu Santo. Despite the water being rough, we were able to circle most of hte island and see blue footed boobies, sea lions with pups, frigate birds, etc. The skin diving was over pristine, live coral. There were so many tropical fish! What a treat!
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
erykah36
Ucluelet, Canada7 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Booked with Delfine tours through Mario. Tried to scam us of our deposit. We gave him 400pesos and thought we would get it back. When we were ready to board the boat he kept saying we would get it and we finally got angry and told other operators. He managed to give us back 300pesos meanwhile he had a pocket full of money. He tells you he is cheaper prices which he is but in the long run it will ruin your day as you will be begging for your $ back and wished you would have booked through a more profesional company. BEWARE OF MARIO!!
Written November 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan B
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Couples
We had a terrific trip with BOA, circumnavigating the island and camping on pristine beaches. We explored by hiking, snorkeling, birding, swimming, and sitting on the beach enjoying the evening. The excellent technical skills of the guides, paired with their enthusiasm and kindness, was exceptional. Guides successfully made sure all levels of paddlers could be accommodated. Their efficiency and superb cooking skills resulted in delicious healthy meals always served with a smile.
Written January 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thetravelinkind
New Braunfels, TX1 contribution
Jun 2022
This was one of the most amazing days of my life. fantastic boat ride, snorkeling, lunch on a remote beach. Incredible marine life all around you including sea lions. All of the tour operators out of Playa el Tecolote know the area well and will give you an authentic day in the life of this wonderful body of water!
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Homeboat
Geneva, Switzerland2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
RUN AWAY!!! BIG SCAM!!! A tourist trap excursion to avoid at all costs. It’s expensive and very long (6 hours of excursion including 5 hours of sailing without moving and seeing nothing). Just one hour on one of the island's beaches and then back. It's really not worth it to travel so much for that. Not to mention the meal where you have to share a mango and an avocado for 15 people with a little ceviche and a few pieces of bread. The organizers talk a lot to make your head hurt and go very slowly to save fuel.
Written September 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yosif2018
Washington DC, DC68 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Espiritu Santo, Isla Partida, and Los Islotes are not to be missed. It is as if someone flooded Monument Valley in the States with an ocean teeming with wildlife. We chartered a catamaran from DYC at Costa Baja Marina and spent five days and four nights in the ensenadas of these islands. We did the seal tour at Los Islotes with Dive in La Paz. Great guide: Cesar. The seals come right up to you.
The sunsets and snorkeling in the coves are amazing. We all had wet suits with neoprene socks/boots, and were able to stay in the water for hours with the sun shining to warm our backs. If you like the ocean and snorkeling and stark natural beauty, do not miss this place.
The sunsets and snorkeling in the coves are amazing. We all had wet suits with neoprene socks/boots, and were able to stay in the water for hours with the sun shining to warm our backs. If you like the ocean and snorkeling and stark natural beauty, do not miss this place.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon G
Aurora, NE38 contributions
Feb 2020
Isla Espiritu Santo is an island inhabited by Sea Lions. My sister and I signed up for the tour that swims with the Sea Lions that live there. We took a smaller boat out with Choya Tours and had a wonderful time. It’s a 6 hour tour that gives you a chance to snorkel with the sea lions, have lunch on a beautiful beach and learn a little history along the way. Before we left on the boat you have the option to rent a wet suit which I would advice since the water is chilly. When we reached the island the sea lions were everywhere on the rocks and in the water. We were only to touch the babies. My sister had a baby come and put its head on her shoulder, I had a female swim across my back and a baby that wanted me to play tag. It was a wonderful experience and would recommend.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norval B
3 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
A terrific half day adventure. The whales are in shallow water so sightings are often (early march) the guides are fantastic check if the water is murky before you book. Ours was murky and the whales suddenly extremely close to is a bit startling and we didn’t want that close of an encounter.
Definitely Cantamar tours they are the best!
Definitely Cantamar tours they are the best!
Written March 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janeth D
Aguascalientes, Mexico
Buenas tardes
viajare a finales de agosto de este año, me podrías orientar un poco de los costos a isla espíritu santo, saliendo de la paz o playa el tecolote, ya que buscando aqui en internet no me aparece un precio aproximado y solo me interesa el tour a esta isla.
agradecería mucho me dieras tus recomendaciones, saludos y gracias
Written May 31, 2023
Gabriel G
Monterrey, Mexico
Hola, Marthita, ¿tendrás alguna agencia de tour que nos recomiendes para hacer este tour? Mil gracias.
Written November 5, 2020
A mi me organizo todo Sebastian Del Valle te paso su tel es muy bueno!!
+52 612 132 1995 Soy Gabriela rivero saludos y buen viaje
Written November 6, 2020
ciao, scusa ma che agenzia avete usato per fare insieme tutte queste cose ? io ho visto che o ti portano a isla spiritos. oppure ti portano a vedere squali balena, ma non tutto insieme. quanto avete pagato ? grazie per la risposta
Written October 6, 2019
lo sentimos, no organizamos el viaje nosotros mismos, pero había muchos agentes en La Paz que pueden ayudarlo.
Written October 24, 2019
Hola! Cuál es el costo actual al tour de la isla ? Con quien recomiendan ? Por que mencionan que algunos valen 800 y otros 1200 . Cuál es la diferencia ?
Si lo tomas desde La Paz te vas directo a la isla o llegan a otra playa y de ahí van a la isla ?
Gracias
Written September 27, 2019
Hola.. yo tomé uno que me costó 1150.00 por adulto y 800 por un menor, en baja tours en La Paz, ellos te llevan y te traen hacia tu hotel o te dejan en el malecón si así lo deseas, es un servicio muy completo y a mi parecer valió la pena el pago, lo único que no coincide es que te dicen que te servirán ceviche y en realidad es ensalada de atún. Te incluye bebidas. La lancha o catamarán (dependiendo de las personas que viajen) sale de Pichilingue, como te comento ellos te llevan y traen, de encargan de todo tu solo pagas :), yo no quise agarrar el de 800.00 porque era con vendedores "ambulantes” y no sé si ofrezcan alguna garantía o sean seguros. De ahí que preferi pagar un poco más.
Espero te sea útil esta información
Written September 28, 2019
Recomiendo contactar algún operador de su hotel y que le brinde un tour privado, cuesta mas pero no está a la expectativa de que le brinden un refrigerio con platos lavados en la playa, contaminando el agua y molestando a la fauna que merece respeto, el paisaje de la Isla Espíritu es majestuoso, le sugiero los avistamientos de lobos marinos, buen viaje.
Written July 12, 2019
Buenas tardes, disculpa el costo por personas es de $850, podrias indicarme por favor en que parte del maleco tomo el tour
Written May 29, 2019
Recuerdo que me cobraron 800 y sale del monumento de La perla
Written May 30, 2019
Is this trip to Isla Espiritu Santo toddler and infant friendly? I'm very paranoid when it comes to the ocean but I really dont want to regret not doing this! I read reviews about the trip there being choppy in the boats and all and all i see are little boats where I have anxiety one of my kids or myself will fall over 🤣 I probably wont be snorkeling but Im sure my 10yr old and husband might want to. Not sure if maybe Its better for me to sit out and stay with the girls meanwhile they both do this trip...? Suggestions please! We're going toward the end of June
Written May 23, 2019
Its not an infant friendly. The trip is fun and nice but it is a long boat ride and sometimes can get very bumpy... its beautiful islands
Written May 24, 2019
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