Balandra & Tecolote: Kayak, Snorkel & Hike with Marine Guides

Summary

Kayak balandra snorkel rocky reefs hike tecolote lunch beachside

You’ll kayak across Balandra’s glassy bay with a local marine guide, snorkel above reefs alive with color, then hike coastal trails between cacti and sea cliffs to Tecolote Beach. Lunch is fresh ceviche right on the sand (vegan option too), with time to rest before heading back—plus all gear included.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was how the sand at Balandra squeaks under your feet — not like regular sand, almost powdery. We met our guide, Ana (she’s a marine biologist from La Paz), right by the water where pelicans were already arguing over breakfast. She handed us life jackets and pointed out the kayaks lined up in the morning sun. I was nervous about tipping but Ana just grinned and said, “Don’t worry — even my abuela does this.” That helped.

Paddling out in those tandem kayaks felt easier than I expected. The water was so clear you could see little fish darting below. At some point I realized I’d stopped talking — just listening to the slap of paddles and feeling salt on my lips. We pulled up near a rocky reef for snorkeling; Ana showed us a sea star clinging to a rock and told us its name in Spanish (I tried to repeat it — she laughed). The current wasn’t strong but the water was cool enough to wake you up fast. There’s something about breathing through a snorkel that always makes me feel like an awkward seal.

The hike from Balandra to Tecolote started with wet shoes — tide was higher than usual so we sloshed through a patch of shallow water before hitting dry sand again. It’s about 5 km but honestly it didn’t feel long; maybe because Ana kept stopping to show us weird plants or explain which birds were nesting on the cliffs. At one point we stood on a rocky hill with wind whipping around us and she pointed out where desert meets ocean — that line of green cactus against blue water is still stuck in my head. There were moments of quiet too, just crunching footsteps and distant waves.

Tecolote beach felt like arriving somewhere earned — there were chairs waiting for us under shade and someone brought over icy sodas before lunch. The ceviche tasted extra sharp after all that salt air (they have vegan stuff too if you ask). We sat around swapping stories until almost 3pm, sandy feet buried in cool shadow. If you’re thinking about this day trip from La Paz, just know you’ll need your own car or taxi for pickup — they can help set it up if you ask. Anyway, I still think about that view above Balandra sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak, snorkel, hike, and lunch

• Kayak and snorkel in Balandra
• Hike 5 km from Balandra to Tecolote
• Stop at beaches and snorkel rocky reef
• Enjoy views of desert, hills, and ocean cliffs
• Rest and have lunch at Tecolote beach

Top questions

How long is the hike from Balandra to Tecolote?

The hike is about 5 km and usually takes around 2.5 hours depending on pace and tide conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is included as part of your day trip experience.

Do I need my own transportation for this tour?

Yes, you’ll need a car or taxi for pickup; they can help coordinate transport from downtown La Paz if needed.

What fitness level is required for this activity?

An intermediate level of fitness is recommended due to kayaking, hiking over mixed terrain, and possible wet sections.

Are meals included during the tour?

Yes, lunch at Tecolote Beach is included—fresh local ceviche with vegan options available upon request.

Who leads the tour?

Bilingual local guides who are also experienced marine biologists lead the activities throughout the day.

How long does kayaking and snorkeling take?

The combined kayaking and snorkeling section lasts around 2 hours at Balandra before starting the hike.

Is there an age or weight limit for kayaking?

The tandem sit-on-top kayaks are recommended for people up to 90 kilos per person; check directly for specific age limits.

What’s included

Your day includes use of tandem kayaks with life jackets, all snorkeling equipment, bottled water and soda throughout, plus a fresh ceviche lunch (vegan options available) right at Tecolote Beach after your hike—all guided by friendly bilingual marine biologists who know every inch of Balandra’s coastlines. Entry fees and taxes are covered too; transport can be arranged if you ask ahead.