Snorkeling La Paz: Whale Sharks, Sea Lions & Balandra Beach

Swim alongside whale sharks in calm water, then play with sea lions on a colorful reef.

Snorkel with whale sharks and sea lions in La Paz's Bay of La Paz and at San Rafaelito reef, capped with a picnic lunch at Balandra Beach. The group stays under eight people, led by naturalist guides who speak English, Spanish or Dutch. All snorkeling gear, wetsuit, food, drinks and GoPro footage are included. The boat departs from La Paz and returns the same day.

The experience

You start in the Bay of La Paz swimming with whale sharks, the world's largest fish, in water calm enough that you can move at your own pace. The guides are trained naturalists who share marine science throughout the day, not just pointing out what swims past. After an hour or so in the bay, the boat heads to San Rafaelito, where a sea lion colony lives among colorful corals. They're curious and playful, and the reef itself is the draw if the animals don't approach. The whole snorkeling portion runs about four hours across both sites.

Gear is handled for you: first-class wetsuits, masks, fins and snorkels come on the boat, fitted to your size. Bottled water and snacks are available throughout the morning. Around midday you pull ashore at Balandra Beach (one of Mexico's most photographed beaches, with pale sand and turquoise shallows), where lunch is set up. The menu includes vegan options if you need them, and local beer is on hand. You get time to swim, rest or walk the beach before heading back to La Paz.

The boat is private to your group, which maxes out at eight people. By the end of the day you'll have professional GoPro footage of yourself in the water, shot and edited by the crew. Public transportation runs near the departure point if you're staying elsewhere in La Paz and don't have a rental car.

What’s included

• First-class wetsuit and full snorkeling gear fitted to your size.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the morning.
• picnic lunch at Balandra Beach with vegan options available.
• local beer.
• professional GoPro footage shot and edited by the crew.
• naturalist guide in English, Spanish or Dutch.
• private boat for your group of up to eight people.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:15

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 16 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Dutch

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 26 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Baja Sur Tours

Is this one for you?The boat departs from La Paz itself, so you don't need a car or a ride to a distant marina: public transportation reaches the departure point if you're staying in the city without a rental. The small group size and private boat mean you move at your own pace between the whale sharks and the reef, with the guide's attention on your experience rather than herding a crowd.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 are whale sharks like to snorkel with?

Whale sharks are filter feeders that eat plankton, not people, and they're slow-moving and gentle. The Bay of La Paz is one of the few places on earth where you can swim alongside them in shallow, calm water. You're in control of your distance and pace the whole time.

How much time do you actually spend in the water snorkeling?

The snorkeling portion spans roughly four hours across the two sites: the Bay of La Paz with whale sharks, and the San Rafaelito reef with sea lions. You're in and out of the water multiple times, with breaks on the boat between locations.

Is the picnic lunch at Balandra Beach included, or do I pay extra?

Lunch is included. The meal is set up on the beach and includes vegan options. Local beer and bottled water are also part of it. You have time to eat, swim and explore the beach before the boat returns to La Paz.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear, or is it provided?

All gear is provided: first-class wetsuits, masks, fins and snorkels come on the boat and are fitted to your size. Bottled water and snacks are included throughout the day as well.

Will I get photos or video from the day?

Yes. The crew shoots professional GoPro footage of you in the water and provides edited documentation at the end of the day, so you have a record of the snorkeling itself.