Los Islotes

Los Islotes is a pair of rocky islets — one of which forms a natural arch — located at the northern tip of the Espíritu Santo Archipelago within Espíritu Santo National Park, in the Sea of Cortez near La Paz, Mexico. The site sits about 60 to 80 minutes by boat from La Paz and is open to both scuba divers and snorkelers of all certification levels, including beginners.

The terrain runs from the surface down to around 18 metres (the site maximum listed for this location), with coral walls lining the arch and rocky relief around both islets. Much of the marine life, including the sea lion colony, occupies the shallower water close to the rocks, making depth less of a factor here than at many other local sites.

Los Islotes is home to a resident colony of over 900 California sea lions (Zalophus californianus); the playful juveniles frequently interact directly with divers and snorkelers. The site's protected no-fishing status sustains dense fish populations, and encounters with schooling fish, reef fish, and other species are typical throughout the season. The arch in particular is a concentration point for sea lions.