Balandra Beach Snorkeling Tour: Turquoise Bay & Mushroom Rock

Swim in a shallow turquoise bay, then walk the shoreline to the mushroom-shaped rock

A full-day snorkeling trip from La Paz to Balandra Beach, a protected natural area with capacity-limited entry slots, plus Tecolote Beach on the Gulf of California. You're picked up at 6:30 am to secure the morning slot when the water is calmest. A bilingual guide handles permits and transport, sets up umbrellas and chairs at Balandra, and brings snorkel gear on board. Lunch and drinks come at Tecolote before returning around 2:30 pm. If Balandra's slot is full, you visit the lookout instead and spend extra time at Tecolote at no added cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

Beach day at Balandra and Tecolote

• Pick up at La Paz hotel at 6:30 AM
• Visit Balandra Beach with umbrellas and chairs
• Swim, snorkel, and walk shoreline at Balandra
• Travel to Tecolote Beach
• Relax and have seaside lunch at Tecolote
• Return to La Paz hotel around 2:30 PM

The experience

The mushroom-shaped rock at Balandra is the draw, but getting there means timing: the beach sits inside a Protected Natural Area with daily entry slots controlled by environmental authorities, which is why pickup happens at 6:30 am from your downtown La Paz hotel. The early start lands you in the morning slot when the turquoise water is at its quietest. Once there, the guide sets up umbrellas and chairs while snorkel gear stays on board. You swim in the shallow bay, walk the shoreline, and photograph the rock formation at your own pace.

From Balandra, the route continues to Tecolote Beach on the Gulf of California, where the pace shifts to something more relaxed. A seaside lunch with water and soft drinks is included. You have beach time before the van heads back to La Paz, arriving around 2:30 pm. Transport, bilingual guide commentary in Spanish and English, permits, snorkel equipment and the beach setup all come with the booking: the logistics that usually scatter a beach day are handled.

Balandra's entry cannot be guaranteed because slots fill by capacity. If the morning slot is full when you arrive, the day pivots: you visit the Balandra lookout instead and the guide extends your time at Tecolote Beach at no extra charge. Dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free can be accommodated if you note them at booking.

What’s included

• Bilingual guide in Spanish and English.
• hotel pickup and return transport in La Paz.
• entry permit to the Protected Natural Area.
• snorkel gear.
• beach setup at Balandra with umbrellas, chairs and cooler.
• lunch and bottled water at Tecolote Beach.
• soft drinks throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 28 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by La Paz City Map

Is this one for you?The bilingual guide speaks Spanish and English, so you follow the commentary comfortably in either language. The early 6:30 am departure and the environmental slot system mean this works best if you're staying in central La Paz and can be ready to leave at that hour. The payoff is catching Balandra when it's calmest and least crowded.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the mushroom-shaped rock at Balandra?

The mushroom-shaped rock is a natural formation on the shoreline at Balandra Beach that you can walk to and photograph during your free time in the water. It's the landmark feature of the protected bay.

Why do we leave so early from La Paz?

Balandra is a Protected Natural Area with limited daily entry slots set by environmental authorities. The 6:30 am pickup gets you to the morning slot when the beach is quietest and entry is most likely to be available.

What happens if Balandra's entry slot is full?

If the morning slot is full, you visit the Balandra lookout instead and spend the rest of the day at Tecolote Beach with no extra cost. The guide extends your time there to make up the day.

Is snorkel gear included, and do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel gear is on board and included in the tour. You don't need to bring your own equipment.

What's included in the lunch at Tecolote Beach?

Lunch is a seaside meal with bottled water and soft drinks included. If you have dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, let the operator know when you book and they'll accommodate them.

Can I bring an infant or young child?

Yes. Specialized infant seats are available, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Let the operator know at booking if you need a car seat.