Balandra Bay Private Snorkeling (& Sea Lions) Cruise
Experience a luxurious, personalised snorkelling tour to Balandra Bay with abundant marine life and conservation education.
This tour features the San Rafaelito wildlife sanctuary and the lighthouse, snorkelling with sea lions, and a visit to Balandra Bay.
Departs from Marina Palmira
Swim & snorkel with Sea Lions and visit Balandra Bay & Beach
A 5.5-hour tour including the beautiful wildlife sanctuary & lighthouse at San Rafaelito, snorkel & swim with the small colony of sea lions. Continue to Balandra Bay, visiting one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
About:
This Balandra Bay tour lasts approximately six hours and involves 20 to 40 minutes of snorkelling & swimming with sea lions at San Rafaelito (optional) or observing from the deck.
The tour includes activities such as snorkelling, swimming, spending time on a water mat, paddleboarding, visiting the attractive Balandra Bay and its seven beaches, and enjoying a shaded beach setup. On this tour, you’ll be spotting special islands, natural rock formations, landscapes, and marine life in various ecosystems along the beautiful La Paz Bay.
This tour offers a glimpse into a biological exhibition featuring species found nowhere else in the world, except in this area.
On board, we served fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, on-board-made turkey & cheese sandwiches, a delicious, freshly made fish ceviche, accompanied by Mexican salsa, guacamole, chips, snacks, and dessert. Soft drinks (sodas), juices, 24x beers, margaritas, bottled water, and ice are included.
You don’t need to bring extras, but feel free to bring food, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. We will serve those on board.
- Ages 0-99, max of 18 per group
- Duration: 5-6h
- Start time: Check availability
- Mobile ticket
- Meets animal welfare guidelines
- Live guide: English, Spanish
What's included
- Bottled water
- Fresh-cut fruits & vegetables, onboard-made Turkey & Cheese sandwiches, fresh-made fish ceviche, chips, guacamole, Mexican salsa, soft drinks, 24 beers, margaritas, snacks, dessert, and the option of bringing food, snacks, and alcoholic beverages with you
- Soda/Pop
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Air-conditioned indoor area
- 2x hotel style bathrooms
- Yacht indoor & outdoor shaded rest areas
- 2x Paddleboards & water-mat
- Dinghy & shaded beach setup
- Natural reserve access fees & certified local guide
- Professional captain and crew, safety & service orientated
Itinerary
Itinerary
This is a typical (suggested) itinerary for this tour. The tour is flexible and can meet special requests.
- Embarkation at Marina Palmira
- 45 mins cruise time to San Rafaelito – the sea lion colony
- 20 – 45 mins swim & snorkel
- Continue to Balandra Bay (20 mins) – anchor, beach setup
- Swimming, snorkelling, beach time, lunch, paddleboard (2-2.5 hours)
- Cruise back to Marina Palmira (60 mins)
You will visit the San Rafaelito Islet natural reserve (part of Balnadra Bay Natural Reserve) and its surroundings during this trip.
On this tour, you are likely to spot turtles, dolphins, manta rays, whales (all seasonal) and various seabird species, as well as photograph natural rock formations. Our guide on board will point out and narrate a little history.
Duration: 5-6 hours mark.
Departure & return
- Start: Marina Palmira
-
Embarkation
Introduction, safety briefing, short explanation, getting comfortable and departure. -
Disembarkation
Farewell - End: This activity ends at the pickup point.
Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats are not available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below.
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum group of 18 travellers
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
You can review the cancellation policy in this link
Help & Assistance
If you have questions about this tour or need help booking it, we’d be happy to assist you. Just call the number below or use the Check Availability form.
Inquire today about this tour
From: US$1,680.00
MXN$32,000.00(up to 10 passengers)
- Extra person + US$85 / $MX1,700.00 pp
Tour's Itinerary
The following is a typical itinerary for this tour. Tours are flexible and can meet requests.
The itinerary is dependent on weather, sea conditions and time spent on each point. (e.g. The longer we stay in one place, the less time we have to be in the next.)
- Tours can depart at later morning hours, noon, and afternoon hours and include a sunset.
Marina Palmira - Embarkation
San Rafaelito (national park)
observe from deck
Anchor at Balandra Bay
Cruise back to Marina Palmira
Arrive at Marina Palmira
You just visited one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world (& swam with sea lions!)
About the operation
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about our tours and operation:
Our Latest Review on GetYourGuide:
La Paz: Balandra Beach Luxury Yacht Charter Cruise – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Beautiful boat, exceptional hospitality, and an overall wonderful experience. Highly recommended.”
Our Reviews on GetMyBoat
– Listing Accuracy – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
– Vessel & Equipment – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
– Value – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
– Departure & Return – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
– Communication – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
– Itinerary & Experience – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cancellation are free
Changed plans? No problem. Cancel up to 24 hours before the start of your La Paz cruise and you will get your money back.
Personal La Paz cruise
Enjoy a personal cruise through La Paz Bay with an enthusiastic, genuine skipper.
Service oriented
We are available 24/7 to answer any questions that you may have. Contact us via phone, e-mail and/or WhatsApp.
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Book Your Balandra Snorkeling Tour Today
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Balandra Bay & Beach
Arriving at the beautiful Balandra Bay and beach. The comfortable setting onboard has plenty of shade and seating areas.
Amenities onboard include restrooms and well-appointed open bars. This is part of a tour departing from the La Paz marina and cruising along La Paz Bay’s coastline.
Balandra Bay Experience: Relaxation, Exploration, and Gourmet Delights
Upon reaching Balandra, you’ll have a generous 2-3 hours to unwind on the beach, indulge in a refreshing swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters, or explore the fascinating rock formations and the nearby mangrove forest.
A delectable lunch awaits, with a wide array of options, including fresh seafood, ceviche, tacos, salads, and mouthwatering desserts, all prepared onboard by our skilled crew.
The tour also offers an open bar service, serving a variety of domestic beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the journey.
Snorkeling With Sea Lions in La Paz
Experience the thrill of snorkeling with sea lions at Lobera San Rafaelito, a wildlife sanctuary in La Paz Bay. The sanctuary offers a unique chance to swim alongside a vibrant sea lion colony.
Tours are organized specifically for this adventure, ensuring a memorable encounter with these playful marine animals.
- Guided Snorkeling: Enjoy a guided tour with expert instructions on interacting safely with the sea lions.
- Designated Snorkeling Areas: Swim in designated zones around the island, maintaining a respectful distance from the sea lions.
- Strict Regulations Compliance: Follow government guidelines to protect the sea lion habitat, including no feeding, touching, or harassing the animals.
- Conservation Education: Learn about the sea lion colony and the importance of preserving their natural environment.
Respecting the Sanctuary’s Boundaries
This tour combines adventure with education, highlighting the significance of conservation efforts in La Paz Bay. Strict regulations ensure minimal disruption to their natural behaviors and breeding grounds. Snorkelers must remain in the water, as access to the island is restricted to protect the sea lions’ habitat. This means no climbing.
Luxurious and Personalized Snorkeling Tour
Experience La Paz’s rich marine life through luxurious snorkeling tours. Our exclusive excursions blend indulgence and adventure for discerning travelers.
Board a private, high-end yacht, with every detail crafted for your comfort. A dedicated crew caters to your needs.
Relax on plush sun loungers, enjoy refreshing cocktails, and savor gourmet cuisine prepared by our onboard chef as you cruise to pristine snorkeling spots.
Abundant Marine Life and Conservation Education
Experience the vibrant ecosystem of the Sea of Cortez up close. Our snorkeling tours offer an incredible array of marine life.
Expert guides, passionate about conservation, provide insights into diverse species and the marine ecosystem.
Witness tropical fish, sea turtles, and more in their natural habitat.
Our tours educate and inspire, emphasizing sustainable practices and conservation efforts. Learn about local marine life challenges and protection measures.
By joining, you support local conservation initiatives and help preserve the Sea of Cortez’s biodiversity for future generations.
- Sea Lion Encounters: Get up close and personal with the playful and curious sea lion colonies that inhabit the waters around Balandra Bay. Witness their graceful movements and natural behaviors in their marine habitat.
- Pristine Snorkeling Sites: Explore multiple snorkeling sites within Balandra Bay, including secluded coves, hidden beaches, and split bays, offering opportunities to discover diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
- Abundant Marine Biodiversity: Immerse yourself in the rich ecosystem of the Sea of Cortez, home to a wide variety of tropical fish, parrotfish, angelfish, gobies, moray eels, and other fascinating marine creatures.
- Balandra Beach Access: Swim or paddleboard to the stunning Balandra Beach, renowned for its picturesque setting and unique rock formations. Relax under palapas (thatched umbrellas) for shade and enjoy the scenic beauty.
- Snorkeling Gear Provided: No need to bring your own equipment; snorkeling gear, including masks, snorkels, and fins, is provided on board the yacht or catamaran for your convenience.
- Guided Tours: Benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable guides who will ensure your safety, provide insights into the local marine life, and share conservation efforts in the region.
- Ethical and Sustainable Practices: Participate in tours that prioritize ethical and sustainable interactions with wildlife, ensuring minimal disturbance to the sea lion colonies and marine habitats.
- Photographic Opportunities: Capture unforgettable memories by taking photographs and videos of sea lions, marine life, and breathtaking landscapes.
By participating in these snorkeling tours, you’ll not only experience the thrill of swimming alongside sea lions but also explore the natural wonders of Balandra Bay and contribute to the preservation of this remarkable marine ecosystem.
Onboard food & drinks
- Chips & Mexican salsa, guacamole, fish ceviche, fresh cut fruit, and dessert
- For 4-hour trips or longer, turkey & cheese sandwiches on a fresh baguette are added and served
- *Complimentary drinks, including margaritas, 24 beers (light & regular), juices, sodas, bottled water and ice
