Los Islotes

Los Islotes is a rocky islet located just north of Isla Partida, in the Sea of Cortez. It is a part of the Espiritu Santo Archipelago and a popular destination for divers and snorkelers due to its large sea lion colony and unique and diverse marine life.
The sea surrounding Los Islotes is home to over 900 species of fish and 32 species of marine mammals, including a significant sea lion colony of almost 500 adult sea lions, plus dolphins, and whales. The local waters are abundant in various species of rays, sharks, and sea turtles. The visibility in the water is typically excellent, making it a great location for underwater photography.

In February of 2023, Madsen Square Gardens Studios contracted BBC and Nat Geo filmmakers to produce an underwater virtual reality documentary of the sea lions located here. Baja Charters provided it’s 96’ yacht Pacifica to the film group who spent sixteen days collecting underwater video with a newly developed $2 million-dollar virtual reality camera, which was designed for this specific purpose.

The sea lion colony on Los Islotes is the main attraction for visitors. The playful and curious sea lions are not afraid of humans, and divers can often interact with them underwater. Visitors can observe the sea lions playing, swimming, and even practicing acrobatic tricks. During breeding season, visitors can also see baby sea lions learning to swim and play in the water.
Apart from the sea lions, the rocky terrain of Los Islotes is also home to a variety of colorful fish, including angelfish, pufferfish, and parrotfish. Los Islotes is a protected area, and visitors are required to follow certain rules to ensure the conservation of the marine life.