8-Guest Combo, Balandra Lunch

Overview

Eight guests, one boat, and a morning or afternoon of water time around the Bay of La Paz. La Paz Tiki Tours runs this trip from Marina de La Paz with a licensed captain and a multilingual guide who gets in the water with the group, and the whole thing runs about five hours. Depending on how the park assigns whale shark slots that day, you either start with the sharks or head first to the sea lion colony at San Rafaelito, with the order confirmed once the permit comes through.

The water portion is the heart of it. You swim with whale sharks inside the federally protected viewing area, then snorkel a rocky reef pinnacle where the listing counts roughly 40 to 50 sea lions plus tropical reef fish. Between stops the boat passes Mushroom Rock and Isla Gaviota, where blue-footed boobies perch, and dolphins sometimes ride the bow wake. After the snorkeling, the crew anchors at Balandra Bay and sets up chairs, umbrellas and shade right on the sand, with a beach picnic of fish ceviche, tostadas, burritos, fruit, snacks and drinks.

Gear is fully covered: snorkel equipment, life jackets, 3mm shorty wetsuits, park bracelets and conservation permits are all in the price, so there is nothing to rent on the day. The small-group format is built around unhurried time in the water rather than quick looks from the boat.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Marina de La PazThe tour starts at Marina de La Paz on Calle Topete in Barrio Manglito.
2. Speedboat outA 25-minute speedboat ride out into the bay.
3. Whale shark or sea lion swimAround 1.5 hours of swimming, snorkeling and wildlife viewing at the first assigned site, either the whale shark area or the San Rafaelito sea lion colony, depending on the permit slot.
4. Second snorkel stopA 30-minute ride, then 30 minutes at the second site for more snorkeling and wildlife viewing.
5. Balandra Bay lunchAfter a 10-minute transfer, two hours at Playa Balandra with lunch, a beach picnic, free time and swimming. Chairs and umbrellas are set up by the crew.
6. Mushroom RockA 15-minute sightseeing pass by Balandra's Mushroom Rock formation.
7. Return to the marinaA 30-minute speedboat ride back to Marina de La Paz. Hotel drop off is not included.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what matters before you book, from timing to what the listing asks you to bring.

• Flexible start time. Departure times are assigned by the municipal permitting system and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Morning slots are granted late the previous afternoon and same-day afternoon slots at 8:00 AM. The operator confirms your exact time as soon as the slot is set.
• What to bring. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a hat, quick-dry clothing and sunscreen. Towels are not provided, and the listing specifically asks for reef-safe sunscreen. Bring your own since it is not supplied.
• Swimming and pace. This is an in-water tour, not a viewing cruise. The guide stays with the group in the water and offers personalized instruction. Wetsuits and life jackets are provided.
• Food and drink. Lunch is a beach picnic at Balandra with fish ceviche, guacamole, tostadas, burritos, seasonal fruit, soft drinks and purified water. Share any dietary restrictions or allergies with the operator in advance.
• Season and rules. Whale shark season generally runs from November to the end of April. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you cannot touch or feed marine life or litter.
• Photos and logistics. Photography by the operator is listed as included.

Common issues. The main frustration is scheduling: exact departure times depend on federal slot assignments and are only confirmed the afternoon before or the morning of the tour, so the order of stops can change and rigidity on timing is a real problem. Whale shark access also depends on the protected area being open, which happens only when at least six sharks are counted, with no more than 14 boats allowed per window. Towels and hotel drop off are not included, and gratuities are separate. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the tour.

Common Questions