Snorkeling in La Paz from Cabo San Lucas: Balandra Beach

Catamaran to Balandra: snorkeling, kayaking, sea lions and a full day on the water

A snorkeling and kayaking tour from Cabo San Lucas to Balandra Beach in La Paz, departing from the port of Pichilingue on a French catamaran with a local guide. You snorkel in warm water for starfish and tropical fish, kayak the hidden coves, swim with sea lions in their natural habitat, and return to the boat for lunch and an open bar. The 8-hour day includes hotel pickup from Cabo, breakfast and lunch onboard, snorkel gear and kayaks, plus a 2-hour scenic drive along the Pacific coast where humpback whales breach in winter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and cruising in La Paz

• Drive scenic route to La Paz
• Drive through La Paz to Pichilingue port
• Board luxury French catamaran
• Cruise to Balandra Beach
• Swim and snorkel in warm waters
• Kayak and explore hidden bays
• Relax on secluded white sandy beach
• Enjoy lunch and open bar onboard
• Cruise back to port

The experience

You leave Cabo San Lucas in an air-conditioned vehicle for a 2-hour coastal drive to La Paz. The route runs along the Pacific, and in winter you may see giant humpback whales breaching in the deep ocean. Once you reach Pichilingue, you board the luxury French catamaran and meet your local guide, who speaks English or Spanish.

The boat takes a 2-hour cruise into the Sea of Cortes toward Balandra Beach, voted one of the top ten most stunning beaches in the world. Once there, the day opens into choices: snorkel in the warm, crystal blue water searching for starfish and tropical sea life; kayak into the coves and hidden bays; or swim to a secluded white sandy beach. The rock formations and birdlife make the location distinct from the resort beaches most visitors see. You can also swim with sea lions in their natural habitat if conditions allow.

The crew prepares lunch onboard while you're in the water: local style burritos, homemade guacamole, pasta salad, cold meats and cheeses. Vegetarian options are available. An open bar with beer, spirits, sodas and water runs throughout the day. You chill on deck, soak up the sun, and head back to port for the return drive to Cabo. A $20 USD national park fee is paid per person at check-in.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear and kayaks.
• hotel pickup from Cabo San Lucas in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• light breakfast and full lunch onboard.
• unlimited open bar with beer, spirits, sodas and water.
• local guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Cabo Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you follow the commentary in whichever language suits you. Book this one if you want the full story of what you're seeing without a language barrier slowing the day down.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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's the water like for snorkeling at Balandra Beach?

Balandra's water is warm and clear, home to starfish and tropical sea life. The beach sits in the Sea of Cortes and is sheltered enough for kayaking in the coves and hidden bays as well as snorkeling.

How long is the drive from Cabo San Lucas to the boat?

The scenic drive to La Paz is around 2 hours once you leave Cabo San Lucas. Hotel pickup is included, and the route runs along the Pacific coastline where you may spot humpback whales breaching in winter.

What snorkel gear and kayaks do I need to bring?

Snorkeling equipment and kayaks are both included on the catamaran. You don't need to bring your own or rent separately.

What happens if I don't want to snorkel or kayak the whole time?

You can swim to the secluded white sandy beach and relax while the crew prepares lunch, or simply stay on deck. The day is structured so you choose how to spend your time in the water and on the boat.

What's included in the meals and drinks?

Breakfast is served light onboard as you cruise. Lunch includes local style burritos, homemade guacamole, pasta salad, cold meats and cheeses, with vegetarian options available. An unlimited open bar with beer, spirits, sodas and water runs throughout the day.