La Paz: Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Beach

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/8

Duration6h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

Whale Sharks, Sea Lions & Mexico's Best Beach in One Morning

You board a small boat with a marine biologist, swim alongside a whale shark in open water, then snorkel with sea lions at a coral reef, and finish on Balandra Beach with fresh ceviche and a cold drink. All gear, photos, and lunch are included. Morning slots fill fast via WhatsApp request the day before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale shark snorkeling and beach visit

Join small-group marine biologist tour
Snorkel alongside whale sharks
Swim with sea lions at San Rafaelito
Visit Balandra beach
Relax on white sand
Enjoy fresh ceviche and cold beer

The Experience

The boat leaves the dock at one of four daily slots—7am, 9am, noon, or 2pm—and within minutes you're scanning the water for the telltale shape of a whale shark. A marine biologist is on board, not just pointing things out but actually explaining what you're seeing: how these massive filter feeders move, why they're here, what makes them gentle despite their size. You slip into the water with snorkeling gear already fitted, and there it is—the largest fish on Earth, unhurried and curious, moving through the blue like something from another world. The group stays small, capped at 10 people per boat, which means you're not jostling for position or waiting your turn to get close.

After the whale shark encounter, the boat heads to San Rafaelito, where sea lions are waiting. They're playful and unafraid, and the water here is different—shallower, warmer, ringed with coral and small colorful fish that dart between the rocks. You can stay in as long as you want, and the guide keeps talking, pointing out details you'd miss alone. Then comes Balandra, the beach that made it onto every "best of Mexico" list without trying too hard. White sand, turquoise water so clear you can see the bottom from the shore, and a small wooden palapa where lunch appears—fresh ceviche, cold beer, soft drinks. You're sitting on the sand with your feet in the water, and the morning's adrenaline has settled into something quieter and more real.

One practical thing: the morning slots (7am and 9am) require you to request a spot via WhatsApp the day before at 3pm, and they fill on a first-come, first-served basis. If the morning is full, you'll be assigned noon or 2pm instead, and the operator will let you know. The noon and 2pm turns are less competitive, but they're also less likely to have whale shark sightings—that's just how the water works in La Paz. Underwater photos and videos are included, along with the wetsuit, snorkeling gear, and all entry fees. It's a full morning, and you're back by early afternoon.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup (confirm with the operator), snorkeling equipment and wetsuit, a marine biologist guide, snorkeling at two sites with whale sharks and sea lions, entry to Balandra Beach, fresh ceviche and lunch, cold beer and soft drinks, underwater photos and videos, and all fees and taxes. You'll be back by early afternoon.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Tuna Tuna Tours

Is this one for you?Right for travelers in La Paz who want to swim with whale sharks without the chaos of larger groups—the 10-person cap and marine biologist guide make the difference. Plan to request your morning slot the day before via WhatsApp; if it fills, you'll get noon or 2pm instead, which is still a full day but with lower odds of whale shark sightings.