Balandra Lunch Included, 6 Hours

Overview

This six-hour outing from La Paz packs three stops into one day: snorkeling beside whale sharks in the bay, swimming with a sea lion colony, and a served lunch on Balandra beach. MeXplore runs it with a professional guide, snorkel gear, 3mm shorty wetsuits, full food and drinks, traveler's insurance, and the federal permits plus a whale shark conservation donation already folded in. Photos and video come from the guide's GoPro, subject to conditions on the day.

The trip starts at 09:00 at Marina de La Paz, on the corner of Topete and Legaspy streets, and ends back at the same point. The operator states there is no tolerance for late arrivals after the meeting time, because the whale shark zone is strictly regulated by the government. The boat carries a maximum of 9 travelers.

Reviewers describe guides who explain how to enter the water around the whale sharks without disturbing them, and serve a lunch, variously described as burritos, ceviche and fresh food, on a stretch of Balandra reachable only by boat. The listing asks for a moderate physical fitness level, and pregnant travelers or anyone with heart, neck or breathing conditions is excluded by safety and federal rules.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Marina de La PazArrive at 09:00 sharp at Topete 125, corner of Topete and Legaspy. The operator stresses there is no tolerance for lateness because the whale shark area is government regulated.
2. Snorkel with whale sharksSnorkel at the surface beside whale sharks in the regulated bay. Federal rules forbid freediving, so all viewing happens from the surface.
3. Swim with sea lionsContinue to a sea lion colony to snorkel among the animals and the surrounding marine life, which reviewers describe as full of fish.
4. Lunch at Balandra beachFinish with a complete lunch and drinks served on Balandra beach, on a section reviewers say is only reachable by boat.
5. Return to the marinaThe activity ends at the original meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from water temperature to what stays dry.

• Bring your own. Towels, a sweatshirt and biodegradable sunscreen are not included, and the listing flags warm clothes as very important from November through March. One reviewer found the day chilly when out on the boat.
• Fitness and swimming. The listing asks for a moderate fitness level and surface snorkeling only. Freediving is not allowed under federal rules, so all viewing happens at the surface.
• Small boat feel. The tour is capped at 9 travelers, and one reviewer called the small group size perfect.
• Food and drink. A complete lunch and drinks are included, with reviewers naming burritos, ceviche and fresh food.
• Photos of the day. The guide shoots GoPro pictures and videos, which are included with the tour, and one reviewer reported receiving them by email afterward. Quality depends on the day's water and weather conditions.
• Getting there. Transportation to and from the attractions is not included, so travelers make their own way to the marina for the 09:00 start. Aim to arrive early, since latecomers are turned away.

Common issues. Weather is the main risk. The operator warns of possible choppy rides, and the bay can be officially closed to all boat tours on high-wind days; one reviewer reported the tour being cancelled twice for weather and, once rescheduled, shortened with the sea lion swim and Balandra beach cut out, though at a reduced price. Visibility varies, and that same reviewer found the whale sharks harder to see when the water was less clear than usual. Full refunds require cancelling at least 24 hours before the 09:00 start, and pregnant travelers or those with heart, neck or breathing problems cannot join under federal safety rules.

Common Questions