Snorkeling with sea lions in La Paz: kayak, hike, lunch

Hike to Balandra, paddle its mangroves, then dive with resting sea lions

This full-day adventure from La Paz combines a 3 km hike to Balandra beach, kayaking through mangroves and seabird habitat, and snorkeling at San Rafaelito to observe sea lions in their natural resting area. Bilingual marine biologist guides lead the day, which includes lunch with fresh ceviche, all snorkeling and kayak gear, and boat transport that skips the land-route lines to Balandra. The tour requires intermediate fitness and returns by mid-afternoon.

The Experience

You start at Muelle Fiscal in La Paz and board a panga boat that takes you straight to El Tecolote beach, where the hike to Balandra begins. The 3 km walk crosses rocky and sandy terrain with views of cliffs, intertidal zones, and desert landscape—your shoes will likely get wet depending on the tide. Arriving by boat means no waiting in the land-access lines; the day starts moving the moment you step off the dock.

Once at Balandra, you'll eat lunch on the beach with fresh local ceviche (vegan options available), then explore the mangroves and surrounding beaches by tandem sit-on-top kayak. Life jackets are provided, and the kayaks are rated for up to 100 kg per person. The guides are marine biologists, so they point out seabirds and explain the ecology as you paddle. After kayaking, the boat takes you to San Rafaelito, a resting area where sea lions haul out to rest—not a breeding colony—and you enter the water with snorkeling gear to observe them in their natural habitat.

The schedule shifts with wind, waves and tide, so the order of stops may change. You'll need intermediate fitness for the hike and the water time. Soda, bottled water and all equipment stay included. Return to La Paz is around 3:30 pm.

What’s included

• Panga boat transport from Muelle Fiscal in La Paz to El Tecolote and back.
• 3 km guided hike to Balandra.
• lunch with fresh ceviche and vegan options.
• tandem sit-on-top kayaks with life jackets.
• snorkeling gear and instruction at San Rafaelito.
• bilingual marine biologist guide.
• soda and bottled water throughout the day.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Mexico Travel Adventure

Is this one for you?Arriving by boat skips the land-route lines to Balandra and works for anyone without a car or staying in central La Paz—the day starts on the water instead of in traffic. The intermediate fitness requirement means the hike and water time suit someone comfortable with a few hours of movement, not a casual beach day.

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Top questions

How difficult is the hike to Balandra?

The hike covers 3 km of rocky and sandy terrain with beautiful coastal views and takes around 1 hour. It requires intermediate fitness, and depending on the tide, your shoes will get wet. The terrain is uneven but not technical.

Can I bring my children on this snorkeling trip?

Children are welcome from age 8 and up. They'll use the same kayak and snorkeling gear as adults, and the guides can adjust the pace and stops to suit younger participants.

What are the sea lions like at San Rafaelito?

San Rafaelito is a resting area where sea lions haul out to rest between dives, not a breeding colony. You'll snorkel in the water nearby and observe them in their natural habitat while the guides explain their behavior and ecology.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is fresh local ceviche served on Balandra beach. Vegan options are available—ask when you book. Soda and bottled water are included throughout the day.

What if the weather changes during the day?

The schedule may shift depending on wind, waves and tide conditions. The guides will adjust the order of stops to keep everyone safe and comfortable, but all activities—hiking, kayaking and snorkeling—will still happen.