All-inclusive Snorkel in Balandras Hidden beaches, La Paz

Planning a day on the water in Baja California Sur? This all-inclusive snorkeling adventure around La Paz offers a mix of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and relaxing luxury that’s hard to beat. We’ve taken a close look at the experience to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your Mexican getaway.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, like Balandra, which is often ranked among the top ten in the world. Plus, the opportunity to swim with sea lions in their natural habitat is genuinely special—something that makes this trip stand out. The onboard amenities, especially the full open bar and freshly prepared lunch, add a layer of comfort that makes the whole day feel like a true escape.

That said, a key consideration is that swimming with sea lions isn’t permitted in June, July, and August. If you’re traveling during these months, you’ll need to plan for other activities or sights. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a mix of wildlife, scenic beauty, and laid-back luxury, especially those keen on snorkeling, kayaking, and enjoying good food in a relaxed environment.

Key Points

• Stunning Beaches: Visit Balandra, one of the world’s top beaches, known for its unique rock formations.
• Wildlife Encounters: Get close to sea lions in their natural setting at San Rafaelito.
• Luxury Comfort: Cruise aboard a French Catamaran with an open bar and freshly cooked onboard lunch.
• Variety of Activities: Snorkel, kayak, or relax on a secluded white-sand beach.
• Transport & Convenience: Round-trip air-conditioned transfer from select pickup points.
• All-Inclusive Value: Equipment, guides, snacks, lunch, and drinks included at the listed price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the La Paz Snorkel & Beach Tour

This tour offers an impressive blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and comfort, all packed into roughly a full day (8 hours). Starting from either San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas, you’ll be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle to La Paz, making the journey comfortable and straightforward. Once there, a professional guide introduces the tour, setting the tone for a memorable day.

The Journey to Balandra

The 2-hour scenic drive from Los Cabos to La Paz sets the scene for the adventure. We found this part of the day to be a good chance to relax, and our guides—who spoke both English and Spanish—were friendly and informative. Upon arrival, you’ll take a brief 30-minute guided tour of La Paz, gaining some local insight before heading to the water.

Boarding the luxury French Catamaran in Pichilingue, the cruise begins with a light breakfast served onboard. It’s a relaxing way to start, with the gentle motion of the boat and the promise of what’s ahead. The vessel itself is described as a comfortable space, ideal for soaking up the sun, sipping drinks from the open bar, and enjoying the views.

Balandra: One of the Top Beaches in the World

Balandra’s reputation as one of the most beautiful beaches globally is well-earned. The shallow, calm waters, combined with the iconic mushroom-shaped rock formations and white sandy shores, create a picture-perfect setting. Many reviews highlight how the scenery is even more striking in real life than in photos, with one guest noting, “It’s like walking into a postcard.”

The water here is warm and inviting, perfect for snorkeling. You can swim or paddleboard around the bay, searching for starfish, tropical fish, and other marine creatures. The shallow nature of the bay makes it easy for beginners to enjoy, while the backdrop provides ample opportunities for stunning photos.

Encountering Sea Lions at San Rafaelito

One of the highlights of this trip is visiting the small islet of San Rafaelito, home to a sealion colony. A short cruise on a local panga boat allows you to get close to these playful creatures in their natural environment. According to reviews, seeing the sealions in the wild feels authentic and uncommercialized—no cages or shows, just genuine wildlife.

However, it’s important to note that swimming with sea lions is not permitted during June, July, and August. If you’re visiting outside these months, you’ll have the chance to snorkel among them, making for a memorable wildlife experience. Guests have described the sealions as curious, often swimming just beneath or around the boat, adding an element of spontaneous delight.

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Snorkeling & Kayaking

After the sealion visit, the boat anchors in another bay where you can snorkel in the warm, clear waters. The tour provides snorkel gear, allowing you to explore the underwater world at your own pace. Expect to see colorful tropical fish, starfish, and other marine life—perfect for all skill levels.

Kayaks are also available, giving you the chance to explore the coves and hidden spots around the bay. This is a fantastic way to add some active fun to your day, or simply paddle along and enjoy the tranquil scenery.

Beach Relaxation & Lunch

Later, you’ll be guided to a secluded white-sand beach where you can relax, sunbathe, or take a swim. The crew prepares a delicious onboard lunch, featuring fresh ingredients and local flavors, served with plenty of ice-cold drinks from the open bar. This aspect of the tour is particularly appreciated, as it combines the comforts of a restaurant with the stunning natural setting.

Guests often mention how the food exceeded expectations, with feedback like, “The lunch was surprisingly delicious and plentiful.” The combination of good food, drinks, and sunshine makes for a perfect laid-back afternoon.

Returning to La Paz

The journey back is equally scenic, with the crew keeping everyone refreshed and entertained. As you head toward port, you can continue enjoying your drinks, take in the sunset if timing allows, and reflect on a day filled with beautiful sights and wildlife encounters.

What’s Included & What to Consider

This tour offers excellent value, especially considering the inclusions: round-trip transportation, guides in both English and Spanish, snorkel and kayak gear, a light breakfast, a full lunch, and unlimited national drinks. The only extras you’ll need to handle are towels, a small fee for the national park, and optional photo packages.

One review pointed out that the tour might feel long for some, especially if you’re not a fan of boat rides or long days. The 8-hour duration can be a full day, but most guests find it well-paced and worth it for the variety of activities.

Important Tips

• Be sure to bring your camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for extras.
• Note that swimming with sea lions isn’t allowed in summer months.
• The tour is not suitable for children under five, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 275 lbs, which is good to keep in mind for family planning.
• Pickup times and locations are confirmed after booking, so keep an eye on your email.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is a fantastic choice for travelers who love wildlife, scenic beaches, and a touch of luxury. If you’re interested in snorkeling or kayaking, the warm, calm waters of Balandra will appeal. The onboard food and drinks elevate the day from simple sightseeing to a full-day indulgence.

It’s particularly suited for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation. Those seeking a straightforward, well-organized day with professional guides and all the essentials covered will find this tour offers solid value.

However, if you’re visiting in peak summer months and really want to swim with sea lions, you might need to look at other options or plan accordingly to maximize your wildlife encounters.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip air-conditioned transportation from select pickup points in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is included.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, with a flexible start time depending on availability.

Can I snorkel with sea lions?
Sea lion swimming isn’t permitted during June, July, and August, but you can see and observe them during this time.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for small extras or souvenirs.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a light breakfast and a freshly prepared lunch are included, along with unlimited drinks from the open bar.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 5, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people over 275 lbs.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What activities are included?
Snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife viewing at the sea lion colony, and beach relaxation.

How is the guide service?
Guides are professional, bilingual (English and Spanish), and knowledgeable about the local environment and wildlife.

Final Words

This all-inclusive La Paz snorkeling tour offers a well-rounded mix of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and luxury comforts. It’s perfect for those who want a hassle-free day exploring the stunning beaches and marine life of Baja California Sur. Whether you’re keen on snorkeling, wildlife spotting, or simply relaxing with a drink in hand, this trip covers it all.

The combination of beautiful scenery, friendly guides, delicious food, and fun activities make it a standout choice for a memorable day in Mexico. Just remember to plan around the seasonal restrictions on sea lion swimming if that’s a priority, and pack your essentials for a day of sun and sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: