Snorkeling in Balandra with sea lions and paddleboards

Paddle through mangroves, then snorkel with sea lions at a rocky reef

A full-day snorkeling activity in Balandra Bay near La Paz where you paddleboard through mangroves and desert shoreline, eat lunch on a secluded beach, then boat to San Rafaelito reef to snorkel among sea lions, fish and shallow coral. The bilingual guide teaches paddleboarding basics to all levels. All gear, wetsuit and lunch are included. Children from age 5 are welcome.

The experience

You meet at the shop in La Paz at 8:00 am, get fitted for a full wetsuit, and boat out to Balandra Bay. The paddleboards are oversized and stable: the guide walks beginners through the basics on the water, and there's time to practice before you head into the mangroves. The shallow, calm water lets you explore the least-visited side of the bay, where the desert meets the trees and the water stays clear enough to see down.

After paddleboarding, you beach the boards and eat lunch on the sand: homemade fish ceviche or hummus, depending on what you request at booking. You bring your own water bottle or use the mugs they provide. The beach is quiet and the water stays calm, so you can float, wade or rest before the final leg.

The boat then takes you to San Rafaelito reef, a rocky outcrop a short distance away where a sea lion colony lives. You snorkel here among the sea lions, schools of fish and shallow coral formations. The return to La Paz takes the rest of the afternoon, with an estimated arrival back at the shop around 3:00 pm. The whole outing runs about seven hours from start to finish.

What’s included

Full 2–3mm wetsuit, paddleboards with paddle and leash, snorkeling equipment, bilingual guide, lunch (fish ceviche or hummus, your choice), soda or pop, and a natural protected area bracelet.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and FridayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 27 Nov

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Eco Migrations

Is this one for you?Seven hours is a full morning and afternoon, so plan this for a day when you have nothing else scheduled in La Paz. If you're new to paddleboarding or snorkeling, the guide teaches both from scratch, and the calm water of Balandra Bay and the shallow reef make it manageable for all fitness levels.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Under 5: they 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 paddleboarding like if I've never done it before?

The guide includes an introduction to paddleboarding for all experience levels, and the oversized boards are stable in the calm water of Balandra Bay. You get plenty of time to practice before exploring the mangroves, so beginners feel comfortable quickly.

Can my five-year-old come snorkeling?

Children from age 5 are welcome on the activity. The guide can advise on how your child will manage the snorkeling portion at San Rafaelito reef, depending on their comfort in the water.

What happens if I have a dietary preference for lunch?

Lunch is homemade fish ceviche, but you can request hummus or let the operator know your dietary preference when you book. They'll arrange an alternative that works for you.

What's included in the price?

The price covers the full 2–3mm wetsuit, paddleboards with paddle and leash, snorkeling equipment, lunch, a soda or pop, a natural protected area bracelet, and a bilingual guide throughout the day.

How early do I need to arrive, and what if I'm running late?

Meet at the shop at 8:00 am. The operator waits 15 minutes for late arrivals before canceling the outing. No refund is given for no-shows, so arriving on time is essential.