All-inclusive Snorkel in Balandras Hidden beaches, La Paz

Our review takes a close look at a popular tour offering an 8-hour adventure exploring the stunning beaches and marine life around La Paz, Baja California Sur. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, the detailed info, reviews, and itinerary paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect. It’s a package that blends natural beauty, marine encounters, and leisure aboard a luxury catamaran—perfect for those craving a mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic scenery.

What we really love about this tour is its focus on breathtaking landscapes — especially the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters at one of the world’s top ten beaches, Balandra. The inclusion of sea lion sightings and peaceful coves adds an extra layer of excitement. Plus, the onboard delicious lunch and unlimited drinks make the whole experience feel both indulgent and leisurely.

One potential consideration is the timing—notably, swimming with sea lions isn’t permitted during June, July, and August. Travelers planning their visit should be aware of this limitation if their main goal is to meet these playful marine mammals. This tour suits travelers looking for a well-rounded day of snorkeling, wildlife, scenic views, and good food without worrying about logistical details.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys comfortable transportation, guided insights, and an active but relaxed pace, this trip will likely suit you well. Perfect for those visiting La Paz who want more than just a beach day and are curious about Baja’s marine life and landscapes.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery at Balandra, one of the world’s top beaches, with unique rock formations and birdlife.
• Snorkel in warm, clear waters, searching for colorful fish, starfish, and tropical marine species.
• Sea lion colony visits offer a chance to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat—except during summer months.
• Luxury catamaran experience includes light breakfast, a freshly prepared onboard lunch, and unlimited drinks.
• Kayaking and boat rides add active options for exploring coves and hidden bays.
• Transport logistics involve comfortable, air-conditioned transfers between Cabo and La Paz, with guided commentary in both English and Spanish.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Tour Experience

How the Tour Starts: Convenient Pickup and Scenic Drive

The adventure begins with pickup options from either Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo, with a comfortable 2-hour van ride to La Paz. This drive provides a chance to relax and start soaking in the Baja scenery. Once in La Paz, a guided 30-minute tour offers context about the area’s history and natural highlights, enhancing your understanding before you hit the water.

Boarding the Catamaran: Comfort and Style on the Water

Boarding the French luxury catamaran at the port of Pichilingue, you’ll immediately notice the well-maintained, stylish vessel designed for both comfort and style. The onboard crew is described as professional and friendly, ready to ensure your experience is smooth from start to finish.

Enjoy a light breakfast—likely fresh fruits, pastries, or snacks—as you cruise toward Balandra. The boat itself provides panoramic views, and the open bar is a highlight, offering unlimited national beverages to sip as you relax on deck.

Balandra Beach: A Visual Spectacle

Reaching Balandra, you’ll witness one of the most photographed beaches in Mexico. Known for its mushroom-shaped rock formations and white sandy beaches, Balandra offers a picture-perfect setting. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention the crew sailing past Balandra without stopping (a possible variation in the experience). Still, the overall visual appeal makes it a stand-out stop for photos and first impressions.

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Snorkeling and Marine Life Encounters

The core activity is snorkeling, with about an hour at each of two main spots—Balandra itself and a separate La Paz location. You’ll receive snorkel gear, and the warm, clear waters make it easy to see starfish, tropical fish, and underwater plant life.

A key highlight is the visit to the seal lion colony at San Rafaelito, accessible via a short boat ride in a traditional panga. Here, travelers can swim alongside these playful animals—though, as reviews mention, swimming with sea lions is not permitted during June, July, and August.

Kayaking and Exploring Coves

For the more active guests, kayaks are provided to explore the hidden coves and bays. Paddling around these peaceful waterways offers a chance to experience Baja’s calm and unspoiled coastlines intimately. Some travelers appreciate this as a chance to escape the crowd and enjoy quiet moments amid stunning scenery.

Lunch and Relaxation

After a busy morning of snorkeling and exploring, you’ll enjoy a delicious onboard lunch. The menu is described as freshly prepared, and many reviews mention the good quality of food, which adds great value after physical activity. Accompanying this is the ice-cold open bar, perfect for unwinding in the sun and chatting about the morning’s marine adventures.

Return Journey and Drop-offs

Following lunch, a 30-minute cruise back toward La Paz affords more sightseeing and relaxation under the sun. The return trip is a good time to reflect on the day or chat with fellow travelers. The tour ends with convenient drop-offs at either Cabo or San José del Cabo, making this a flexible option for travelers based in southern Baja.

What Really Matters: The Value and Authenticity

This tour offers a mix of scenic beauty, active snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and relaxed leisure. The price of $179 per person includes a lot—round-trip transportation, guides, snorkel gear, lunch, and unlimited drinks—which, when compared to individual costs for similar activities, provides decent overall value.

The professional guides, fluent in both English and Spanish, are praised for their knowledgeable and friendly service, which enhances the experience. The small group size and intimate settings allow for personalized attention, especially in wildlife encounters.

However, some reviews note inconsistencies—such as not visiting Balandra beach on certain trips or missing the sea lion experience during summer months. It’s worthwhile to clarify these details with the provider before booking, especially if seeing sea lions in summer is a priority.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Bring essentials such as sunscreen, camera, beachwear, and cash for additional expenses like tips or park entry fees.
• Towels are not included, so pack one if you plan to dry off or sit on the deck.
• Be aware of the seasonal restrictions—swimming with sea lions is not allowed from June to August.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 275 lbs—due to safety and equipment limitations.
• Timing varies, so check availability and confirm your pickup details promptly.

Summary: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is a fine choice for adventurous travelers who want a full day of marine exploration with comfort and style. If you love snorkeling, wildlife observation, and scenic boat rides, you’ll find this trip rewarding. It’s particularly appealing for those who value good food and drinks amidst stunning natural backdrops.

However, if your main goal is to swim with sea lions, do double-check the seasonal restrictions to avoid disappointment. The tour’s flexible nature, including the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, makes it a low-risk way to explore La Paz’s coastal treasures.

Overall, it’s a well-rounded, enjoyable outing that balances active marine encounters with relaxing leisure, making it a solid pick for most visitors to Baja California Sur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, round-trip air-conditioned transportation is included, providing a comfortable transfer between Cabo or San José del Cabo and La Paz.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Absolutely, the tour supplies snorkel gear, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own unless you prefer to.

Can I kayak during the tour?
Yes, kayaks are available for exploring the bay’s coves and hidden beaches, allowing for some active exploration.

Will I see sea lions?
You will visit a sea lion colony on San Rafaelito, and you’ll have the chance to swim with them. However, swimming with sea lions is not permitted during June, July, and August.

How long is the boat ride?
The cruise to Balandra and other stops lasts about 8 hours in total, including pickup, travel, activities, and return.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for extra expenses. Towels are not included.

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

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

In essence, this La Paz snorkeling tour offers an excellent mix of natural beauty, marine life, and relaxed luxury. It’s worth considering if you’re eager for a day of exploration, wildlife encounters, and good company, all set against Baja’s inspiring scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: