Imagine spending a day cruising along Baja California Sur’s stunning coast, stopping at one of the world’s top beaches, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and spotting playful sea lions—all while enjoying delicious food and drinks onboard a luxurious catamaran. That’s exactly what you get with this full-day all-inclusive snorkeling tour in La Paz, operated by Cabo Adventures, for $179 per person. The experience lasts about 8 hours, combining adventure, relaxation, and a touch of wildlife wonder.
Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the opportunity to see Balandra’s iconic rock formations and diverse birdlife, and the chance to swim with sea lions in their natural environment. These moments are truly special and hard to find elsewhere. The only potential drawback? During summer months (June through August), swimming with sea lions is not permitted, so if that’s your highlight, plan accordingly.
This tour suits travelers who love marine life, beautiful scenery, and easy, all-day comfort. Families with older children, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a balanced mix of adventure and leisure will find this trip well worth the price. Just keep in mind that it’s not ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Key Points
- Beautiful Beaches: Visit one of the world’s top ten beaches, Balandra, known for its unique rock formations and pristine sands.
- Snorkeling & Wildlife: Swim in warm, clear waters and see playful sea lions (except June-August), along with tropical sea life like starfish.
- Luxury & Comfort: Enjoy a full day aboard a French catamaran equipped with a full open bar, delicious onboard lunch, and snorkel gear.
- Variety of Activities: Kayak around hidden coves, explore on local pangas, and relax on deck soaking up the sun.
- Expert Guides: Guides speak both English and Spanish, sharing insights about local nature and wildlife.
- Flexible & Convenient: Round-trip transportation from San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas makes this a seamless experience.
Starting Point & Transportation
The adventure begins with pickup at either Cabo Dolphins in San José del Cabo or Cabo Adventures, making it easy to access regardless of where you’re staying in the area. The transfer is air-conditioned, comfortable, and scenic, typically lasting about two hours to reach La Paz. This journey gives you a chance to relax and get excited about the day ahead, with views of Baja’s rugged coastlines often passing by.
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Guided Tour & Briefing in La Paz
Upon arrival in La Paz, the guides—fluent in both English and Spanish—brief you on the day’s schedule and safety tips. They are praised for their knowledgeable, friendly manner, ensuring everyone feels comfortable before setting off.
Boarding the Catamaran & Balandra Beach
Once aboard your luxurious French Catamaran, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast while cruising to Balandra Bay. The scenery here is breathtaking—think towering rock formations, shallow turquoise waters, and birdlife that flutters all around. This part of the trip feels like a postcard come to life, and many travelers mention being struck by the stunning views.
Balandra is renowned for its white sandy beaches and the iconic mushroom-shaped rock called “El Hongo.” While some reviews note that the boat may sail past the actual beach without stopping—like one traveler who said, “we didn’t go down to Balandra for some reason”—most agree that the scenery is enchanting enough to justify the cruise.
Snorkeling & Wildlife Encounters
After the cruise, you’ll take a short boat trip in a local panga to San Rafaelito Islet, where sea lions lounge in the sun or bark playfully from the rocks. This part of the trip is especially loved, with many reviewers citing the chance to see sea lions in their natural habitat as a highlight. However, a note from the reviews: swimming with sea lions is not permitted during June, July, and August, so if that’s your main goal, plan your trip accordingly.
Back in the water, you’ll snorkel in the warm, crystal-clear waters—searching for starfish, tropical fish, and vibrant coral. The provided snorkel equipment is generally well-regarded, making it easy for both beginners and more experienced swimmers to enjoy.
For those who prefer staying dry, kayaking is available, allowing you to explore the hidden coves and smaller bays at your own pace. Many travelers enjoy paddling around, taking in the quiet, scenic beauty of the bay.
More Great Tours NearbyLunch & Relaxation
As the boat makes its way back, the crew sets up a delicious, freshly prepared onboard lunch. It’s a real treat—calming after a busy morning—and many reviewers describe the food as “good” or “delicious.” The full open bar serves unlimited national beverages, perfect for unwinding in the sun.
You can relax on the deck, soak in the scenery, or chat with fellow travelers. The crew’s friendly attitude and professional service help make this part of the day memorable.
Return Journey & Drop-Off
After a relaxing afternoon, the boat heads back to La Paz, then a two-hour van ride takes you back to your original pickup spots. This makes the entire day convenient and stress-free, removing the hassle of planning transportation independently.
Reviews highlight the expert guides and the stunning scenery as major pluses. One traveler remarked, “Great crew, good food, fun activities, and we learned a lot about the nature and sea,” emphasizing the educational aspect of this trip. Another noted, “We loved the way the crew handled everything smoothly,” which is reassuring for first-time snorkelers or those concerned about safety.
However, some travelers mention that the website’s initial description about visiting the sea lion colony could be misleading, as not everyone reports going ashore there. It’s worth clarifying with the operator if this is a priority.
What’s Included & What to Bring
Included in the price are round-trip transportation, snorkel gear, kayaks, a light breakfast, lunch, and unlimited national bar drinks. It’s a good value considering the full day of activities and amenities.
What to pack: camera, sunscreen, beachwear, cash (for optional tips or park fees). Towels aren’t provided, so bring your own if you plan to swim or sit on the beach.
Important Considerations
- Swim with sea lions is not permitted June-August, which may disappoint some wildlife lovers.
- It’s not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 275 lbs, mainly due to safety and comfort reasons.
- The $20 USD park fee isn’t included, so be prepared to pay that at the entrance.
- The tour is approximately 8 hours long, so it’s best suited for travelers with a full day to spare.
If you’re into marine wildlife, stunning landscapes, and prefer to relax onboard while still enjoying adventure, this tour offers excellent value. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive day trip without the hassle of organizing multiple activities or transport. Families with older children, couples, and solo travelers looking for an authentic Baja experience will find this both enjoyable and worthwhile.
However, if you’re focused solely on swimming with sea lions during the summer months, you might need to consider other options, as this activity is seasonally restricted. Also, if mobility is an issue or young children are in tow, check with the operator about suitability.
This all-inclusive snorkeling tour in La Paz offers a fantastic way to spend a full day soaking up Baja California’s natural beauty. The combination of luxury transport, guided wildlife encounters, and relaxed onboard amenities makes it a solid choice for travelers seeking both adventure and comfort.
The stunning scenery and knowledgeable guides make this tour more than just a boat ride — it’s a chance to connect with Baja’s unique marine environment while enjoying delicious local food and drinks. For those seeking a balanced mix of exploration, wildlife viewing, and leisure, this experience hits the mark.
While it may not include every specific activity travelers hope for, most come away with memorable moments and plenty of photos to prove it. If you value authentic encounters in beautiful settings and don’t mind a full day out, this tour is definitely worth considering.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best for children over 5 years old, as younger kids may find the full-day experience too long or challenging.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkel equipment is provided, but you might prefer to bring your own mask or fins for a better fit.
Can I swim with sea lions during this tour?
Sea lion swimming is not permitted June through August. Outside those months, it’s usually allowed, but confirm with the operator.
Is there any additional fee I should prepare for?
Yes, a $20 USD park entrance fee is not included and should be paid at the entrance.
What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a camera, sunscreen, beachwear, cash for extras, and towels if you’d like to dry off or sit on the sand.
How long is the total experience?
About 8 hours, including transportation, activities, and return.
Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, making the experience accessible for most travelers.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
Is this a good value?
Given the all-inclusive nature, multiple activities, transportation, and wildlife encounters, many find the $179 price tag quite reasonable for a full-day adventure.
In brief, this tour offers a well-rounded, comfortably paced introduction to Baja’s marine environments, with enough flexibility and amenities to satisfy most travelers looking to combine nature, leisure, and local scenery in one memorable day.
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