LA PAZ GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Salt, Sun and Sea Lions: Snorkeling Balandra Bay’s Coral Gardens
A guided 4-hour tour departing from Marina La Paz that includes a boat ride to a sea lion colony for snorkeling, views of Balandra and Mushroom Rock, and a beachside lunch with photos and video included.
Salt, Sun and Sea Lions: Snorkeling Balandra Bay’s Coral Gardens.
Over four hours you’ll board at Marina La Paz, don wetsuits and snorkel among a small sea lion colony and vibrant coral reef, then finish with a relaxed beach lunch and included photos and video—an itinerary that balances active snorkeling with time to explore Balandra’s famously sculpted shoreline.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
San Rafaelito: Sea lions and reef fish
A roughly 20‑minute boat ride brings you to San Rafaelito, a small sea lion colony of around 80 animals set among a healthy coral reef where snorkeling puts you in close proximity to playful sea lions and plentiful fish.
Balandra and the Mushroom Rock
The tour shows you the sculpted beach of Balandra and its Mushroom Rock; on favorable days guides may also point out blue‑footed boobies around Gaviota Island.
Beach lunch, gear and photos included
Guides provide premium snorkel gear, 3mm wetsuits and biodegradable SPF50 sunscreen; lunch is served on a private beach with shade, table and chairs, and the operator supplies photos and video so you can focus on the experience.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You meet at Marina La Paz and, once aboard, the guide issues wetsuits, masks, fins and biodegradable sunscreen and briefs the group on sea lion biology, safety and how to make the most of the snorkel. After a short ride you enter clear water around a compact sea lion colony and coral reef; later the boat moves to Balandra for shoreline views and a leisurely beach lunch where you have time to relax and explore.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who should skip it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a towel, hat, sunglasses and camera; dress in layers and arrive early to find parking. Bring cash if you plan to tip the crew.
The tour supplies premium snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins), a 3mm wetsuit (short or long by season), biodegradable SPF50 sunscreen, water, sodas, snacks and a beach lunch; photos and video of the trip are provided.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Balandra Bay Tour?
The tour is four hours long, departing at 10:00 AM and returning around 2:00 PM.
Where do I meet the group?
You meet the guide at Marina La Paz prior to boarding the boat.
Are snorkel gear and wetsuits provided?
Yes—premium snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) and a 3mm wetsuit are provided, along with biodegradable SPF50 sunscreen.
Is lunch included and can dietary needs be accommodated?
Lunch on the beach is included and can be customized for vegetarian, vegan, gluten or lactose intolerances—notify the operator of other restrictions in advance.
What are the age and health restrictions?
Public tours require participants to be at least 5 years old; infants and children under 5 are allowed only on private tours. The activity is restricted for people with a cardiac history, back or neck problems, and for pregnant women; a liability release is required.
How large are the groups?
Group size is limited—the operator lists a maximum of seven people.