La Paz (Baja California Sur), including Espiritu Santo

On-water Safety

• Use an SMB for open-water ascents and busy bays.
• Expect variable visibility and thermoclines; do not separate from the group.
• Treat seamount days as advanced: current, blue-water navigation, and surface chop are common.

Wildlife Interaction Safety

• Sea lions: keep hands in, no chasing, and end the interaction if animals become pushy.
• Whale sharks: snorkel-only, guided, and rule-based. Never touch or block the animal's path.

La Paz has hospitals and private clinics, and the region has hyperbaric medicine providers. In any suspected DCS case, call local emergency services first, then contact DAN for coordination and medical advice.

Protected Area Basics

• Pay required park fees and follow ranger instructions.
• Pack out all trash. Do not dump anything overboard.
• Do not collect shells, corals, or rocks, and do not feed wildlife.
• Use mooring systems where provided and avoid anchor damage.

Practical In-water Rules (espiritu Santo)

• Avoid standing on, grabbing, or kicking coral. Keep a buffer from reef structure.
• Gloves are commonly prohibited in protected zones to discourage contact.
• Many surface activities require flotation (often a life jacket) for snorkel and apnea groups.

Seasonal Protection

• Sea lion access at Los Islotes can be seasonally suspended for breeding.
• Regulated wildlife activities are quota-based and can pause based on monitoring.