All-inclusive Snorkel in Balandras Hidden beaches, La Paz

Discover the All-inclusive Snorkel in Balandras Hidden Beaches in La Paz, a 8-hour tour offering a blend of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and relaxing indulgence. Priced at $179 per person, this trip is ideal for those who want to enjoy crystal-clear waters, delicious onboard food, and a full open bar in a single day. The tour departs from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo, with round-trip air-conditioned transportation included, making it a convenient choice for visitors based in Baja California Sur.

While the tour emphasizes snorkeling and wildlife viewing, particularly the chance to see sea lions in their natural habitat, it also offers a scenic cruise, kayaking, and a leisurely lunch. The professional guides are bilingual, ensuring clear explanations and safety throughout. A key consideration is that swimming with sea lions is not permitted during June, July, and August, which travelers should keep in mind. This experience suits those seeking a well-rounded day of marine adventure paired with comfort and good food.

Key Points

• All-inclusive day trip covering snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and relaxing on a luxury catamaran
• Departure from La Paz, with transportation from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo included
• Visit Balandra Beach, one of the world’s top ten beaches, with iconic rock formations and birdlife
• Swim and snorkel in warm, clear waters, searching for starfish and tropical sea creatures
• Sea lion colony visit at San Rafaelito is a highlight, with seasonal restrictions in June, July, and August
• Enjoy a freshly prepared onboard lunch and unlimited national open bar

You can check availability for your dates here:

Departure from Cabo and San José del Cabo to La Paz

The tour begins with round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned van. Guests are picked up from designated locations in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours each way. This setup ensures a comfortable start and end to the day, especially after a full day of activities.

The guides, fluent in English and Spanish, greet guests at the pickup points and provide a scenic overview of the Baja California Sur coast during the transfer. The convenient logistics make this tour accessible for visitors based in the southern resorts, minimizing hassle and maximizing time at the beaches.

Cruising into Balandra: A Top-Ranked Beach in La Paz

After arriving in La Paz, the tour continues with a guided 30-minute exploration of the town’s highlights before heading to Balandra Beach. Known for its unique rock formations, white sand, and calm, shallow waters, Balandra is consistently ranked among the world’s top ten beaches.

Travelers get to enjoy approximately an hour of snorkeling in the warm, transparent waters, which are perfect for spotting starfish and tropical fish. The shallow bay allows for easy swimming and kayaking, with equipment provided, giving guests the chance to explore the coves and discover secluded spots.

Snorkeling at La Paz: Marine Life and Tropical Fish

Back in La Paz, the adventure continues with a second snorkeling session in the crystal blue waters. The guided activity highlights the chance to see a variety of tropical sea creatures in their natural environment, making this a vibrant underwater experience.

The professional guides ensure safety and enjoyment, pointing out interesting marine life along the way. The clear waters and warm temperatures make snorkeling particularly accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels, as long as swimmers are comfortable in open water.

Visiting the Sea Lion Colony at San Rafaelito

A highlight of this tour is the visit to the sea lion colony at the small islet of San Rafaelito. Guests take a short cruise on a local panga boat to reach the islet, where sea lions lounge in their natural habitat.

It’s important to note that swimming with sea lions is not permitted during the peak months of June, July, and August, but viewing the animals from the boat remains a memorable experience. The sea lions are lively and curious, offering excellent photo opportunities and an authentic encounter with Baja’s marine wildlife.

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Lunch and Refreshments on the Luxury Catamaran

A key feature of this tour is the delicious onboard lunch, which is freshly prepared by the crew. Guests relax on the deck while enjoying ice-cold refreshments from the unlimited open bar, including soft drinks, beers, and perhaps some cocktails.

The luxury French catamaran provides ample space for lounging, sunbathing, or just soaking in the views. The professional crew makes sure everyone is comfortable and well-cared-for during the meal and chill-out time, creating a relaxed atmosphere for the afternoon.

Kayaking and Hidden Bays Exploration

Along With snorkeling, guests can use kayaks to explore the bay and discover hidden coves and beaches. The calm waters and scenic surroundings make kayaking a fun and peaceful way to see the area from a different perspective.

Paddling around the bay, travelers can get closer to the coastline, explore secluded spots, or simply enjoy the gentle exercise in a stunning setting. All kayaking equipment is included, and guides are available for assistance if needed.

Return Journey and Drop-off in Cabo and San José del Cabo

After a full day of snorkeling, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and relaxing, the tour returns to La Paz port. Guests are then transported back in the air-conditioned van for the 2-hour drive to their original pickup points in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo.

The tour concludes with a drop-off at the same locations where the pickup occurred, providing a smooth end to the adventure. The timing allows for a full day of marine activities without feeling rushed.

Additional Inclusions and Practical Details

The tour package includes round-trip transportation, use of snorkel gear and kayaks, a light onboard breakfast, a freshly prepared lunch, and an unlimited national open bar. The visit to the sea lion colony is also part of the experience.

Guests should bring a camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for optional extras like photos or park entrance fees. Towel use is not included, so packing a towel is recommended. The protected national park entrance fee of $20 USD per person is payable onsite.

Limitations and Seasonality of Sea Lion Encounters

A notable limitation is that swimming with sea lions is not permitted during June, July, and August. Travelers visiting during these months will still enjoy viewing the sea lions from a boat, but cannot get in the water with them. This restriction is important for planning expectations.

The tour is also not suitable for children under 5 years, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people over 275 lbs (125 kg), due to safety and activity constraints.

Why Choose This Tour: Strengths and Considerations

This experience stands out for its combination of wildlife encounters, scenic beaches, and onboard comfort. The professional guides ensure smooth logistics and engaging commentary, adding value to the trip. The luxury catamaran and delicious food elevate the day from standard snorkeling excursions.

However, some reviews note that not all stops may go as planned, such as the omission of a beach landing in one case. It’s also worth remembering that seasonal restrictions on sea lion swimming could affect expectations.

Travelers who appreciate a full-day, all-inclusive outdoor adventure with plenty of downtime and scenic views will find this tour appealing. It provides a good balance of activity, wildlife, and relaxation in Baja California Sur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip air-conditioned transportation from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo is part of the package.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What activities are included?
Snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife viewing of the sea lion colony, and on-board lunch and drinks are included.

Can I swim with sea lions?
Swimming with sea lions is not permitted during June, July, and August. Viewing from the boat remains possible.

What should I bring?
Guests should pack a camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for optional extras.

Are children allowed?
The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish.

What is the cost?
The tour costs $179 per person.

Are towels provided?
No, towels are not included, so bringing your own is recommended.

Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, a $20 USD national park entrance fee per person applies and is paid onsite.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there similar experiences?
Yes, several options are available, including trips to Espiritu Santo Island and private tours, which can be explored via provided links.

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