La Paz: Private catamaran to sloop with food and beverages included

Planning a day out on the water in Baja California Sur? This private catamaran tour from La Paz offers a blend of stunning scenery, marine encounters, and laid-back luxury, all tailored to your group’s pace and interests. If you’re craving a mix of adventure and relaxation with top-notch service, this could be a perfect fit.

What we love about this experience is the flexibility it offers—you’re in charge of how long to stay at each stop and what activities to indulge in. Plus, the included regional food and drinks make for a laid-back, all-in-one adventure. That said, it’s a full-day outing, so it demands a bit of a commitment. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate personalized experiences, enjoy water activities, and want to explore Baja’s natural beauty without the crowds.

One possible consideration is the cost—$1,660 for a group of up to 10 might seem steep, but when you factor in the food, beverages, equipment, and private setting, many find it offers good value. If you’re after a more customizable, intimate day on the water, this tour delivers.

This experience is perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends who want to enjoy Baja’s coast in comfort and style, with plenty of options to tailor the day to your wishes.

Key Points

• Customizable itinerary: You control which beaches and islands to visit and how long to stay.
• All-inclusive amenities: Food, drinks, snorkeling, and paddleboarding are included for a relaxed experience.
• Private group: No crowded tours—your group gets exclusive use of the vessel.
• Stunning scenery: Balandra Bay and nearby islands offer some of Mexico’s most beautiful coastline.
• Marine encounters: Expect to see sea lions and vibrant sea life.
• Flexibility: Great for those who want a personalized, leisurely day at sea.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Departure

Your day begins at DoceCuarenta Puerta Cortés, a convenient and scenic launch site near La Paz. From here, the adventure kicks off with a scenic ride aboard your private catamaran, setting a relaxed tone from the start. The journey is about 8 hours long, providing ample time to explore, relax, and enjoy the various stops.

The Boat: Private and Comfortable

The vessel is a private catamaran designed for comfort and flexibility. It comfortably accommodates up to 10 people, making it ideal for small groups seeking exclusivity. The boat’s layout allows for lounging on deck while enjoying panoramic views of Baja’s coast, or participating in water activities. The onboard amenities include paddleboards, snorkel gear, and a dinghy, giving you plenty of options for exploration.

The First Stop: San Juan Nepomuceno Island

After leaving the marina, you’ll cruise towards San Juan Nepomuceno Island—a scenic highlight with a guided tour, scenic views, and opportunities for walking around and taking photos. The island is known for its rugged landscape and birdlife, offering a peaceful break before heading to the main event.

What travelers say: The guided aspect is helpful for those wanting context about the area’s natural features. Expect about four hours to enjoy this stop, with options to pass by or walk around on your own.

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Balandra Bay: The Showstopper

The crown jewel of the tour is Balandra Beach, often cited as one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches. With its white sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s a picture-perfect spot that beckons for relaxation, swimming, and water activities. You’ll have around four hours here—more than enough time to swim, take photos, or just lounge with a cold drink in hand.

What travelers love: The natural beauty of Balandra is unmatched. Many describe it as a postcard come to life, with some noting the opportunity to see sea lions basking in the sun nearby, adding a touch of wildlife excitement.

The tour offers snorkeling gear and paddleboards, so you can explore the shallow reefs and marvel at the marine fauna, or just stand-up paddle in the calm waters. The included dinghy and beach set make it easy to enjoy the shoreline comfortably.

Food and Drinks: Laid-back and Tasty

One of the highlights is the regional southern Californian dish, typically fish or shrimp ceviche, served with fresh fruit, chips, and an array of beverages—water, soft drinks, and 24 beers of your choice. This casual, delicious meal can be enjoyed on the beach or while relaxing on the boat, giving a true taste of Baja’s coastal flavors.

What travelers say: Elisabeth from the United States called it “a wonderful time,” praising the food and the company of the guides. The food’s quality and the open bar make this a truly relaxed experience.

Playa Gaviota and Marine Exploration

After Balandra, the tour continues to Playa Gaviota, where you can further explore the marine environment. Snorkeling here reveals vibrant reefs and a variety of sea creatures—an ideal spot for underwater discovery. The flexibility of this private tour means you can spend more or less time at each location, according to your preferences.

Return and Reflection

The tour wraps up back at DoceCuarenta Puerta Cortés, with your group having had a full day of seaside adventure, relaxation, and delicious bites. Many travelers appreciate that the entire trip is private, allowing for a more intimate and customizable experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The flexibility of the itinerary is a major advantage—you decide the order, duration, and destinations, making this more than just a cookie-cutter cruise. The all-inclusive package reduces the hassle of bringing your own food or drinks, and the private setting ensures a peaceful day, free from crowded tours.

The scenery—white sands, rocky islands, and crystal waters—delivers stunning visuals at every turn. Plus, the chance to see marine life like sea lions in their natural habitat adds an element of authenticity and awe.

Cost-Value Analysis

At $1,660 for the entire boat and up to 10 guests, the price averages around $166 per person, which can be justified by the exclusivity, food, drinks, and water gear included. For travelers seeking a personalized, relaxed day with top-notch amenities, this offers significant value compared to larger, group tours that might be less flexible or omit some inclusions.

What the Experience is Best For

This tour shines for travelers who appreciate privacy, customization, and comfort. It’s especially attractive for small groups, families, or couples wanting an intimate day on the water without sacrificing quality or scenery. It’s also good for those who want to indulge in water activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding at their own pace.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses—the sun can be intense during the 8-hour ride.
• Wear beachwear and bring a towel for beach stops.
• Arrive on time at DoceCuarenta Puerta Cortés; the tour starts promptly.
• Consider bringing extra snacks or beverages if you want something beyond the included options.
• Pay the required MXN 23,000 before check-in to confirm your reservation—this is a must.
• Bring your own gear if you prefer, as the tour allows for personal food and drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the private 8-hour catamaran ride, food (fish and shrimp ceviche, fruit, chips), drinks (water, soft drinks, 24 beers), snorkel gear, paddleboards, and the dinghy with beach set.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks or ice chest, making it easy to customize your experience.

What activities are available?
Snorkeling, paddleboarding, relaxing on the boat or beach, sightseeing, and photography are all part of the experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While the tour doesn’t specify age restrictions, water activities are generally suitable for children comfortable in the water. Always check with the provider if you have very young children or non-swimmers.

What should I wear?
Beachwear is recommended. Avoid high heels, sharp objects, and anything that can be damaged by water.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

How do I book?
Reservations can be made with a deposit, and you have the option to reserve now and pay later. Full payment (MXN 23,000) is required before check-in.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your planning.

Final Thoughts

For anyone looking to combine scenic beauty, marine life, and personalized service, this private catamaran trip from La Paz offers a compelling package. The focus on flexibility, comfort, and authentic Baja experiences makes it stand out from more generic group tours. You’ll enjoy vast views, the thrill of snorkeling and paddleboarding, and the pleasure of sharing a delicious regional meal—all in your own private setting.

This tour is best suited for travelers craving an exclusive, relaxed day on the water with plenty of options to tailor the experience. While it might seem pricier than a standard excursion, the value is clear when you consider the personalized attention, quality food and drinks, and the chance to explore Baja’s coast at your own pace.

If a day of scenic splendor, marine wildlife, and laid-back luxury sounds appealing, this tour will likely deliver just that. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy Baja’s natural wonders without the hassle of large crowds or rigid schedules.

Ready to explore Baja’s coast on your own terms? This private catamaran tour offers a memorable, authentic adventure that blends nature, comfort, and customization in one smooth package.

You can check availability for your dates here: