La Paz World class Snorkeling in Balandras Hidden Beaches

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, dramatic rock formations, and snorkeling alongside sea lions, this tour delivers it all — for about $219 per person. We spent roughly eight hours on a luxury French catamaran cruising from Cabo San Lucas to the coast of La Paz, with plenty of opportunities to explore both above and below the water. What makes this experience stand out? First, the stunning scenery of Balandra, one of the world’s top beaches, and second, the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the day both fun and informative.

Two things we really appreciated: the well-organized logistics that made the long day feel seamless and the delicious Mexican-style lunch served on the boat, with options for vegetarians. On the flip side, keep in mind that the drive to La Paz takes about two hours each way, which might be a consideration if you’re not a fan of long bus rides. This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy a full day of adventure, scenic beauty, and a mix of water activities — especially those who are eager to snorkel in some of Mexico’s clearest waters.

Key Points

• Stunning Locations: Explore the iconic Balandra Beach and secret coves along the coast.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Breakfast, lunch, and an open bar make for a relaxed, hassle-free experience.
• Wildlife Encounters: Snorkel among sea lions, starfish, and colorful fish in their natural habitat.
• Long but Rewarding Day: Approximately 8 hours, including travel time, perfect for full-day adventurers.
• Expert Guides: Friendly guides provide insightful commentary and make safety a priority.
• Value for Money: Despite the long day, the combination of activities, scenery, and food makes it a solid investment.

A Detailed Look at the La Paz Snorkeling & Beach Tour

The Journey Begins: From Cabo to La Paz

The adventure starts early, with a pickup in Cabo San Lucas around 8 a.m., in an air-conditioned vehicle. The two-hour drive to Pichilingue port offers a chance to see the stunning coastline and get a quick taste of Mexico’s southern Baja Peninsula. Reviewers highlight that the scenic drive is enjoyable, with some mentioning the opportunity to sleep or relax during the bus ride. It’s a long trek, but the views of the Pacific coast and the comfort of the transport help pass the time.

The Port and Boarding the Catamaran

Once at Pichilingue, you board a luxurious French-style catamaran, which immediately sets a tone of comfort and class. The crew greets you with a friendly vibe, and the boat itself is equipped for a smooth sailing experience. The first part of the day involves a 10-minute waiting period for the admission ticket, which is included in the price, so be sure to arrive on time to avoid missing anything.

Cruising to Balandra Beach

The boat departs for Balandra, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. This stretch of coastline is not just famous for its brilliant cyan waters, but also for its striking rock formations like mushroom-shaped rocks and natural arches. The boat cruise takes about 2 hours and is full of opportunities to snap photos, enjoy the sun, and relax with an open bar that includes beer, spirits, sodas, and water.

Exploring Balandra and Its Hidden Coves

Once at Balandra, you’ll have around two hours to explore this stunning natural area. According to reviews, the area isn’t just a single beach but a collection of bays and coves, protected and beautiful. The guides provide insights into the geology and wildlife, which enhances the experience. Some reviews mention that you might not actually land on the famous Balandra beach itself but will visit nearby coves, which still offer spectacular scenery.

Water Activities: Snorkeling, Kayaking, and Swimming

The highlight? Snorkeling among sea lions and starfish, with the chance to see fish, coral, and other marine species in their natural habitat. Our guides did a great job of explaining safety and making sure everyone felt comfortable. It’s important to note, that swimming with sea lions isn’t permitted during summer months (June to August), but snorkeling and kayaking are still fantastic options.

Kayaks are available for those eager to explore secret coves or simply paddle around the bay, adding a layer of adventure to the day. Many reviewers rave about how clear the water is—making the snorkeling experience memorable, if sometimes a little chilly in the open water.

Lunch and Refreshments on Board

A homemade Mexican-style lunch is served on the boat, including burritos, guacamole, pasta salad, cold meats, and cheeses. This hearty meal is both satisfying and authentic, providing fuel for the rest of the day. An open bar keeps drinks flowing, which many travelers appreciate when relaxing in the sun or lounging on the deck.

Return Journey and Additional Stops

After a leisurely lunch and some more snorkeling or kayaking, the boat heads to a secret beach for a final swim or relax. The return trip offers more stunning views and the chance to unwind with drinks. The entire experience wraps up around 6 p.m., with the bus returning you to Cabo.

What the Reviews Tell Us

The majority of travelers give this tour a perfect rating, praising the friendly staff, spectacular scenery, and delicious food. One reviewer, Valerie_R, called it “well worth it” and highlighted the “amazing day” and “history and explanations” provided by the guides. Others appreciated the seamless organization and great value, especially given the inclusion of food, drinks, and water gear.

However, some reviews point out important details to consider. For example, Lily_S noted that you don’t actually land at Balandra Beach itself but visit a series of bays within the protected area—something to keep in mind if your expectation was to set foot on that iconic beach. Plus, a few travelers mentioned the long drive and that snorkeling with sea lions is not permitted in summer months, which could be disappointing if that was your main goal.

A notable caution from Trevor_P concerns the pickup process, emphasizing the importance of checking your meeting times carefully to avoid missing the tour. Also, one reviewer experienced jellyfish stings, so packing a rashguard or protective clothing might be wise during warmer months.

Group Size and Comfort

The tour caps at 30 travelers, which keeps things manageable and allows guides to give more personalized attention. Many reviews mention that the group feels intimate enough to ask questions and interact comfortably.

Cost and Value

At $219, the price includes transportation, a guided experience, all water gear, meals, and drinks. While it might seem pricey, the value lies in the combination of scenery, safety, and convenience — especially considering that you’re visiting one of the top beaches in the world with all gear and food included.

Who Is This Tour For?

If you’re an active traveler who loves water-based adventures, appreciates beautiful scenery, and enjoys well-organized excursions, this trip is a strong choice. It’s particularly suitable if you want to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, spot marine wildlife, and indulge in delicious Mexican food in a relaxed setting. Keep in mind the long travel time and the importance of being punctual, especially with the pickup. It’s best suited for adventurous couples, families, or groups looking for a full-day escape with a touch of luxury.

Summary: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a rich mix of scenery, wildlife, and comfort. The guides are praised for their kindness and knowledge, which adds depth to the experience. The stunning coastal views combined with the opportunity to snorkel among sea lions and starfish make it a memorable day. The included meals and open bar elevate the trip from a simple excursion to a true vacation highlight.

While the long drive and some limitations regarding sea lion swimming in summer** are worth noting, these are minor compared to the overall value and authentic experience provided. If you’re seeking a full day of beautiful beaches, marine life, and relaxed luxury, this is a top-notch choice.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes a pickup in Cabo San Lucas and transportation to and from the port, making the logistics very convenient.

How long is the drive to La Paz? The scenic drive from Cabo San Lucas to Pichilingue port takes about 2 hours each way.

What is included in the price? The price covers transportation, a light breakfast, a Mexican-style lunch, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and an open bar with beer, spirits, sodas, and water.

Can I swim with sea lions? Swimming with sea lions isn’t permitted during June, July, and August, but snorkeling around other marine life is still excellent.

What should I bring? Towels are not included, so bring your own. Packing a rashguard or protective clothing is advised, especially during jellyfish season.

What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is vegetarian food available? Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request.

What is the maximum group size? The tour limits groups to 30 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

What do travelers say about the experience? Most reviews are glowing, praising the friendly guides, stunning scenery, and delicious food. Some have mentioned the long travel time but still found the trip worthwhile.

To sum it up, this snorkeling and beach tour offers a well-rounded day of scenic cruising, marine wildlife, and authentic Mexican cuisine. It’s perfect for those who want to see the best of La Paz’s natural beauty without sacrificing comfort or convenience. While it requires some patience with travel times and weather considerations, the overall experience is likely to be one of the highlights of your Baja adventure.