Espiritu Santo & Balandra Bay Private Snorkeling (w/ sea lions) Cruise
An 8-hour cruise includes visiting the Sea Lions Wildlife Sanctuary, Balandra Bay, Espiritu Santo Island, and a lunch onboard.
Departs from Marina Palmira or Marina Costa Baja
Come on for a Luxury Yacht Experience. Enjoy Ultimate Snorkeling at the Wildlife Sanctuary, Visit Balandra Bay & Espiritu Santo Island, Paddleboard & Swim.
Tour's Itinerary
Welcome Aboard
Embark on an exclusive luxury cruise day as we depart from La Paz’s Marina Palmira (or Marina Costa Baja) to the enchanting Balandra Bay. Known for its pristine sands and crystal waters, Balandra invites you to relax and indulge in a truly unique experience.Engage with nature at San Rafaelito Wildlife Sanctuary
Arrive at San Rafaelito, a perfect spot for marine enthusiasts. View the bustling sea lion colony, take pictures, and ask questions. If you’re feeling adventurous, jump in for a swim or snorkel alongside these playful creatures.Morning Delights at Balandra Bay
Anchor in the calm waters of Balandra Bay. Take a refreshing swim or dive into snorkeling to explore vibrant reefs. Enjoy paddleboarding or a leisurely dinghy ride to the beach. Capture the serene beauty of the bay and reconnect with nature on a scenic hike.Lunch Onboard
As noon approaches, savor a gourmet lunch prepared by our skilled crew. Dine on deck with panoramic views of the bay, featuring fresh local ingredients and exquisite flavors.Afternoon Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island
Post-lunch, cruise to the nearby Espiritu Santo Island, a natural paradise. Discover its hidden coves and breathtaking marine life. Snorkeling here offers a glimpse into a diverse underwater ecosystem, promising sightings of exotic fish and sea lions.Sunset Return:
Conclude your day with a tranquil cruise back to La Paz. Relax on deck, enjoying the changing colors of the sky as the sun sets over the desert and the horizon.Your Tour Features:
- Professional (certified) crew and captain
- Snorkeling gear, water mat, paddleboards, dinghy boat
- Satisfying food and drinks and refreshments
- Environmental fees and permits
Departure Details:
- Departure Point: Marina Palmira/Marina Costa Baja
- Duration: Full day (8 hours)
- Departure Time: 10:00 AM (recommended) or custom
San Refaelito, the Sea Lions Wildlife Sanctuary
Premier Snorkeling Destination and Experience
San Rafaelito, the secluded islet just north of La Paz, offers a gateway to extraordinary marine encounters. Here is the place for snorkelers seeking intimacy with nature.
Famed for its playful sea lion colony, the islet ensures memorable interactions. These friendly creatures, especially the curious pups, provide a unique snorkeling experience in the nutrient-rich waters of the Sea of Cortez.
Adventure, Photo ops, Exciting Snorkeling
- Encounter Playful Sea Lions – Journey to San Rafaelito, a pristine islet near Balandra, for a unique snorkeling experience. Encounter friendly California sea lions in their natural habitat.
- Experience the Marine Life
Snorkel beside curious sea lion pups and witness their playful nature firsthand. The visibility is good for close-up views. - Best Season for Visits –
Visit during June and July for optimal encounters. This period marks the breeding season, presenting lively interactions with sea lion pups. - Luxury Snorkeling Tours –
Embarking on a curated snorkeling adventure from La Paz’s marina Plamira (or Costa Baja). Enjoy inclusive services, snorkeling gear, wetsuits (during winter), and a freshwater shower when you return to the yacht. - Combine with Balandra Beach
After snorkeling, we are headed to Balandra Beach, renowned as Mexico’s finest. A perfect blend of adventure and relaxation awaits.
Balandra Bay & Beach
Idyllic Anchor Spot
Balandra Bay boasts pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. Dropping anchor here is irresistible, even for a brief lunch stop.
Renowned for the restored Mushroom Rock, “El Hongo,” the site promises enduring charm. Engineers have skillfully restored it, ensuring its majesty endures.
Savor Lunch Onboard
Relish in the lunch served onboard. Enjoy eating in comfort as you soak in Balandra’s stunning views.
Explore Balandra
- Swim in Crystal Waters – into the refreshing waters of Balandra. The clear blue invites you for a swim.
- Snorkel Among Vibrant Reefs – Discover the underwater beauty. Snorkeling here reveals colorful marine life.
- Hike Scenic Trails – Trek the picturesque trails. Experience breathtaking views and nature’s tranquility.
- Dinghy Adventures – Take a dinghy ride to the shore. Enjoy easy access to Balandra’s beautiful beaches.
- Paddleboarding Fun – Paddleboard over serene waters. Glide smoothly and enjoy the peace.
Espiritu Santo Island
Gateway to Marine Splendor
Espíritu Santo Island offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, making it a perfect choice for a luxury day trip. The island allows swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding in calm, clear water and enjoying a meal while soaking the scenery. Visitors are sure to create memories in this stunning marine paradise.Exploring the Natural Majesty of the islands
- Discover Espíritu Santo Island – Located 20 miles north of La Paz, Isla Espíritu Santo is a stunning retreat. Linked to Isla Partida by a slender channel, the islands boast a dramatic geological past. Here, colorful striated layers of pink, ivory and black rock emerge, telling tales of ancient plate movements.
- Idyllic Anchorages – Western shores offer serene anchorages amidst white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Surrounded by lush green mangroves, these bays invite luxurious relaxation. Each cove offers unique secrets to uncover, and it is ideal for hiking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
- Pristine Beaches and Marine Life – Guests can snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful coral reefs and diverse marine species, including tropical fish, rays, and more. The visibility is exceptional, often reaching up to 60 feet, allowing for a breathtaking underwater experience.
- Scenic Exploration – Our tours are led by experienced crew who know the area well. They often take visitors to hidden coves and magnificent rock formations, providing opportunities for sightseeing and relaxation near the beach. The crew shares valuable insights about the island’s natural and cultural heritage, enhancing the overall experience.
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
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.
Don't wait any longer
Book Your Adventure Day Cruise Today
Secure your sport
