6 Hours, Sea Lions Plus Balandra

Overview

This six-hour outing from Tuna Tuna Tours packs three of the La Paz area's main draws into one day: snorkeling with whale sharks, swimming near a sea lion colony, and a beach stop in the Balandra area with lunch on the sand. The boat leaves from Marina de La Paz, at the corner of Topete and Legaspi streets, with check-in requested at least fifteen minutes before departure. The trip ends back at the same marina.

The group is capped at ten travellers, and reviewers described the trip as a small-group experience, with one traveller reporting easy turn-taking in the water alongside the whale sharks on a departure of just five people. One reviewer also described clear instructions on safety and how to behave around the boat and animals. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, lunch, snacks, soft drinks and beer are all provided, and underwater photos and videos are included.

Reviewers frequently mentioned spontaneous extras on the ride: dolphins, humpback whales with calves, rays, and even a grey whale on one trip. The listing states that most travellers can participate, though travellers with back problems or pregnancies are advised against it, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Marina de La PazArrive at the corner of Topete and Legaspi streets, go through the blue gate marked Marina de La Paz, and check in at the Tour Meeting Point by the boat ramp at least fifteen minutes before departure.
2. Whale shark snorkelingThe group enters the water with the guide to swim alongside the whale sharks.
3. Sea lion colony snorkelThe trip includes swimming at a sea lion colony, which reviewers describe as the mature colony rather than the reproductive colony at Los Islotes.
4. Beach lunch at BalandraThe trip then moves to a beach in the Balandra area for a homemade lunch and time on the sand.
5. Return to the marinaThe boat heads back to Marina de La Paz, with reviewers reporting occasional dolphin, ray and whale sightings along the way.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this day on the water.

• Wetsuit advice. Wetsuits are included, and one reviewer advised bringing a full-body suit because tiny jellyfish in the water can sting sensitive skin. Sensitive swimmers may prefer more coverage than a standard suit provides.
• Start time varies. Although the listing shows a 09:00 start, whale shark viewing is assigned time slots the day before, so the actual departure can shift earlier or later. One reviewer reported a 7AM slot that worked out perfectly. Keep your morning flexible.
• Group feel. The maximum group size is ten, and reviewers described the trip as a small-group tour. One traveller on a departure of five people said the small numbers made for easy turn-taking in the water with the whale sharks.
• Food and drink. Lunch, snacks, soft drinks and beer are all included, along with all fees and taxes. Multiple reviewers singled out the homemade beach lunch as a highlight. Only gratuities are listed as not included.
• Photos. Underwater pictures and videos from the crew are part of the package. You do not need to bring your own camera gear to come away with images.
• Fitness and pace. One reviewer described a guide who was a strong swimmer and determined to get everyone their swim with the whale sharks. Most travellers can participate.

Common issues. The experience requires a minimum number of travellers and good weather, and if either forces a cancellation you are offered a different date or a full refund. Not wheelchair accessible. One reviewer warned that tiny jellyfish can sting, so sensitive swimmers should consider a full-body wetsuit. Gratuities are not included.

Common Questions