Combo With Ceviche Beach Picnic

Overview

This Sea of Cortez outing combines three La Paz activities in one day on the water: snorkeling with whale sharks, swimming among sea lions, and time at Balandra Beach. It runs about 6 hours 30 minutes, starting and ending at a restaurant on the La Paz Malecón, and is capped at 12 travellers per departure.

The day begins with check-in at Restaurante Vid'ah Bistro on the Malecón. The whale shark stop comes with entrance permits and bracelets already covered, and the captains hold the certifications required to operate in that zone. Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, beach chairs, an umbrella and a picnic lunch are all part of the package.

It suits confident swimmers who are comfortable in open water and able to board and exit a small boat without assistance. Families with teenagers have done well on it, judging by reviews, and the shared format needs at least 5 guests total to run. Anyone arriving by cruise ship should note that whale shark entry times are set by federal authorities and cannot be guaranteed to match port hours.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet on the MalecónCheck in at Restaurante Vid'ah Bistro, Paseo Álvaro Obregón 28, at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start.
2. Gear upSnorkeling equipment and wetsuits are provided, and whale shark area permits and bracelets are handled by the operator.
3. On the waterThe listing names whale sharks, sea lions and Balandra Beach as the tour's stops, with beach chairs and an umbrella provided, but does not state the order or timing of each stop.
4. LunchA picnic lunch is included: fish ceviche with tostadas, ham and cheese sandwiches, diced fruit, cookies and chips, with water and soft drinks.
5. Return to the MalecónThe tour ends back at the original meeting point. Roundtrip transportation is not included.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help the day go smoothly, from what to pack to how the wildlife stops actually work.

• What to bring. Pack a swimsuit, towel, hat and sunglasses. A jacket or sweater is useful in winter months. Skip sunscreen, oils and lotions before swimming, since products that wash off can harm marine life.
• Swimming ability. Guests need to be comfortable swimming in open water and able to use the provided snorkel gear and life jacket safely. Children must stay under adult supervision.
• Group size. The departure is capped at 12 travellers and needs a minimum of 5 total guests to run. Reviewers describe an attentive crew, and the listing notes most travellers can participate.
• Food and drink. Lunch and soft drinks are covered, including fish ceviche with tostadas, sandwiches, fruit, cookies and chips. Alcohol is not included but you may bring your own, with no glass bottles on board.
• Photos. The crew takes photos and videos during the tour and shares them at no extra charge. Guests are asked never to disturb wildlife for a shot.
• Wildlife is wild. Whale sharks and sea lions are wild animals, so sightings and behavior cannot be promised.

Common issues. Roundtrip transportation is not included, so everyone makes their own way to the Malecón meeting point. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for pregnant travellers or those with back problems, and requires boarding a small boat independently. Weather and sea conditions can change the itinerary, and if the port closes the operator offers a reschedule or full refund. One reviewer wished the day had lasted longer. The tour runs October to April only, matching the whale shark season.

Common Questions