La Paz World class Snorkeling in Balandras Hidden Beaches

If you’re considering a day out exploring the incredible coastline near Cabo San Lucas, the La Paz snorkeling tour to Balandra and its secret beaches might catch your eye. This tour promises a blend of scenic boat rides, snorkeling with sea lions and starfish, kayaking, and a delicious Mexican lunch—all on a luxurious French catamaran.

What we especially like about this experience is the stellar reviews on the staff’s friendliness and the beautiful scenery. Plus, the inclusion of food, drinks, and equipment makes for a hassle-free day of adventure. However, one thing to keep in mind is that it’s a long day—around 8 hours in total—so patience with travel time and weather considerations are key. This trip is best suited for those who love being on the water, enjoy snorkeling, and are looking for a full day of scenic exploration.

Key Points

• Luxurious experience aboard a French catamaran with all-day amenities
• Stunning natural scenery at Balandra Beach, one of the world’s top beaches
• Snorkeling with wildlife such as sea lions and starfish in their natural habitat
• Hearty Mexican lunch and open bar included, making it a true all-day outing
• Long travel distances involved, with approximately 2 hours each way from Cabo
• Family-friendly for adults and older children, but expect a full day with some physical activity

What This Tour Offers at a Glance

This tour is designed to give you a full taste of the La Paz coastline, combined with the thrill of snorkeling and kayaking in crystal-clear waters. The experience kicks off with a scenic drive from Cabo San Lucas, giving you a glimpse of the coast’s beauty before you even hit the water. Once you arrive at Pichilingue port, you’ll step aboard a well-equipped French catamaran, ready for a day filled with adventure and relaxation.

The price of $219 per person seems reasonable considering the all-inclusive nature—breakfast, lunch, drinks, and equipment are covered. Reviews consistently highlight friendly staff, good value for money, and delicious food. But some travelers mention the lengthy journey and the fact that you don’t actually land at Balandra Beach itself, which might be a letdown if you expected a beach landing.

The Itinerary in Depth

Stop 1: Depart from Cabo San Lucas

The day begins early, with a pickup to head north along the coast toward La Paz. The drive takes around two hours, giving you plenty of time to sit back, enjoy the scenery, and get excited for the day ahead. Many reviews note the comfortable transportation, with comments like “the long ride was totally worth it,” and “you can sleep during the trip.” The drive provides a great opportunity to see Mexico’s rugged coastline and some local sights.

Stop 2: Drive through La Paz en Route to Pichilingue

As you pass through La Paz, you’ll get a quick glimpse of the former capital, adding some local flavor to your trip. It’s mostly a transit point before heading to the port, so don’t expect to explore the city unless you’re planning a longer stay.

Stop 3: Boarding at Playa Pichilingue

Once at Pichilingue port, you’ll board your luxury French catamaran. The boat is air-conditioned, with ample space to relax and take in the views. The first onboard highlight? A light breakfast—probably something simple but satisfying to set the tone for the day.

Stop 4: Balandra Beach and Snorkeling

The centerpiece of the tour—Balandra Beach—is famous worldwide for its shallow, calm waters and striking rock formations. While reviews clarify that you won’t actually land on the iconic beach itself, you’ll cruise into the area, enjoying views of the protected natural landscape.

Here, you’ll have about two hours to snorkel, kayak, or swim. You’ll likely encounter sea lions, starfish, and various fish species, all in their natural habitat. Many reviewers mention the beautiful, clear waters and the chance to see wild wildlife up close, which makes the snorkeling part of the experience feel genuine and rewarding. One guest shared, “The water is like glass, and the crew was fantastic,” highlighting how memorable the water activities are.

Food and Drinks

A big plus is the all-day food and drink. Breakfast on board is light, but the real treat is the Mexican-style lunch, featuring burritos, guacamole, pasta salad, and cold meats and cheeses. The open bar includes beer, spirits, sodas, and water—perfect for unwinding after some water-based fun. Several reviews mention the delicious food and helpful staff, making the long day more enjoyable.

The Experience and What Travelers Say

The majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides, with some quoting staff as making them feel “totally welcome” and providing interesting commentary about the wildlife and scenery. One reviewer said, “Your guide did an awesome job of giving some history and explaining everything,” which adds depth to the trip beyond just the visuals.

Many reviews mention the boat ride as smooth and scenic, with stunning views of the coast and the sea lions swimming nearby. One guest emphasized how wildlife sightings made the experience even more special, noting “lots of seals, dolphins, and pelicans.” The food and drinks also draw high praise, with many describing the meals as delicious and well-prepared.

However, not all reviews are glowing. A few travelers felt misled about swimming with sea lions, since the tour states it’s not permitted in June, July, and August. Another pointed out that the travel time is quite long—about 4 hours on the road in total—and that the last snorkeling stop was less appealing due to its depth and limited swimming options.

One honest review pointed out a major logistical consideration: “The time spent in the van exceeds the time spent on the water,” which makes this a longer day than some might prefer if they’re not fans of extended bus rides. Still, the overall consensus remains positive, especially when considering the value for money.

The Long Journey and Considerations

If you’re someone who values a quick trip, this might not be the best fit. The two-hour drive each way is the biggest time investment, so expect to be in transit for about four hours. The experience itself, including water activities and meals, takes around 4 hours, making it a full day affair.

The tour also involves a $20 fee for Balandra Beach entrance, paid at check-in, which adds a small extra cost. Plus, if you’re planning to swim with sea lions, be aware that it’s not permitted during certain months, which might affect your expectations.

Some reviews mention jellyfish stings (aguamala), so packing a rashguard or bringing some vinegar or baking soda for stings might be wise if you’re prone to reactions. The guides do warn about jellyfish, so safety comes first.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see some of Mexico’s most beautiful waters and wildlife without the hassle of planning logistics. It suits those who enjoy snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and relaxing on a boat with good food and drinks. The all-day format makes it suitable for those who don’t mind a long day, especially if you’re keen on experiencing the coast’s natural beauty.

It’s a bit less ideal for travelers who prefer quick visits or want to land at Balandra Beach itself. Also, families with very young children might find the long bus ride and water activities a stretch, but older kids who enjoy water sports should have a good time.

The Bottom Line

This La Paz snorkeling tour offers a comprehensive and engaging day on the water, with top-notch guides, spectacular scenery, and plentiful wildlife encounters. The luxurious boat, tasty meals, and open bar make it feel like more than just a snorkeling trip—it’s a full-on day of relaxation and adventure.

While the long travel time might be a dealbreaker for some, those who love being on the water and seeing wildlife up close will find it well worth the effort. The consistent rave reviews attest to its value and enjoyable atmosphere.

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and wildlife-rich experience that combines comfort with adventure, this tour should definitely be on your list.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point is offered, and you should confirm your pickup time and location via the tour operator.

How long is the entire tour?
The full experience lasts around 8 hours, including approximately 2 hours of travel each way from Cabo San Lucas, and about 4 hours on the water and at Balandra.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation, a light breakfast, a Mexican-style lunch, use of snorkeling gear, kayaks, and an open bar with beer, spirits, sodas, and water.

Are there any additional fees?
Yes, there’s a $20 fee for Balandra Beach entrance, paid at check-in. Also, snorkeling with sea lions isn’t permitted June through August.

Can children join this tour?
The tour is most suitable for adults and older children; expectant mothers are not permitted due to physical activity and water exposure.

What should I bring?
Towels are not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim. Consider packing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a rashguard if you’re sensitive to jellyfish.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How crowded is the tour?
The group size is limited to a maximum of 30 travelers to keep the experience intimate and manageable.

If you love outdoor water activities, wildlife encounters, and scenic boat rides, this La Paz snorkeling trip offers a memorable day. Just be ready for a long but rewarding journey through some of Mexico’s most captivating waters and landscapes.