La Paz & Balandra: Catamaran Snorkel, Sea Lions & Beach Lunch

Summary

Snorkel with sea lions cruise Balandra beach lunch from Cabo

You’ll start your day with a local welcome in La Paz before boarding a French catamaran bound for Balandra Beach. Snorkel among playful sea lions, kayak hidden coves, then enjoy homemade lunch and drinks onboard. It’s not just about swimming—it’s that feeling of sun on your skin and Baja salt in your hair that lingers long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

We’d just pulled into the port at Pichilingue when our driver, Jorge, leaned out his window to wave at someone selling mangoes by the curb. He handed us one — sticky, sweet, and still warm from the sun. That’s how the day started, which I guess set the tone for everything that followed. The catamaran was waiting for us, white sails catching a bit of breeze, and our guide Carla was already joking about who’d be brave enough to swim first (not me, as it turned out).

I didn’t expect how quiet it would feel once we left La Paz behind and drifted toward Balandra Beach. There’s this moment where you can smell salt and sunscreen mixing together and hear nothing but water tapping against the hull. Carla pointed out pelicans perched on those weird mushroom-shaped rocks — she called them “El Hongo,” which I tried to pronounce (badly). Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish — probably butchered it. We hopped onto a little panga boat for the sea lions. They barked at us like rowdy dogs and one pup swirled right past my feet while I snorkeled. My mask kept fogging up but honestly I didn’t care; seeing those eyes underwater felt unreal.

Lunch was simple but perfect—homemade guacamole, burritos, cold beer from the open bar. The crew played some old ranchera songs while we lounged on deck, sun-warm and salty-skinned. A couple of us kayaked around the cove after eating; others just floated or napped in patches of shade. There’s something about drifting back toward shore with your hair stiff from saltwater and your mind kind of emptied out by all that blue—I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic drive and catamaran cruise

• Drive scenic route to La Paz
• Pass through former capital city
• Arrive at Pichilingue port
• Board luxury French catamaran
• Cruise to Balandra Beach
• Swim and snorkel in bay
• Kayak and explore hidden beaches
• Take panga boat to see sea lions
• Enjoy lunch and open bar onboard
• Cruise back to port

Top questions

How long is the drive from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz?

The scenic drive takes around 2 hours each way once leaving Cabo San Lucas.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests.

Are meals or drinks included during the trip?

A light breakfast, homemade lunch, and unlimited open bar are included onboard.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request.

Is hotel pickup included from Cabo?

Yes, hotel pickup is included before the tour start time—confirm details after booking.

What wildlife can you see at Balandra Beach?

You may see sea lions up close while snorkeling or on a panga boat ride; also birds like pelicans.

Are there any extra fees not included in the price?

A $20 USD national park fee per person is paid at check-in.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels except expectant mothers.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned hotel pickup from Cabo San Lucas, entry to Balandra Beach via French catamaran with a friendly local guide, use of snorkeling gear and kayaks, a light breakfast to start things off right, homemade lunch with burritos and guacamole onboard plus an unlimited open bar—all before heading back to Cabo in comfort.