
La Paz by boat: whale sharks, sea lions and Balandra
Wildlife and beaches on the Sea of Cortez. Pick your trip, book online and check where it leaves from.
You’re going to love La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, on the Sea of Cortez, with a seafront promenade (the Malecón) where many of our trips start. It is a quiet city that looks out onto some of the best wildlife and beaches in Mexico.
From here you can swim with whale sharks in winter, snorkel beside sea lions at Espíritu Santo Island, or spend a day on the white sand of Balandra Beach, on a shared or a private boat.


The 5 best reasons to visit La Paz
- 1
Whale sharksFrom October to April the largest fish in the world visits the Bay of La Paz, and you can swim alongside one.
- 2
Sea lionsEspíritu Santo Island has a colony of more than 400 sea lions and you can snorkel near them when conditions allow.
- 3
Balandra BeachWhite sand, shallow turquoise water and desert hills make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
- 4
A UNESCO settingEspíritu Santo Island is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- 5
A relaxed cityA waterfront promenade, cafés and the harbour make La Paz an easy base.
What to do in La Paz
- Swim with whale sharksA small-group trip with wetsuit, snorkel and certified guides, from October to April.
- Visit Espíritu Santo IslandSea lions, snorkelling, paddleboards and a picnic lunch on a beach.
- Spend a day at BalandraPaddleboard or swim in the shallow bay, or combine it with the sea lions.
- Walk the MalecónThe seafront promenade, with views of the bay at sunset.
- Book a private boatYour own boat for the group, with paddleboards, lunch and permits included.

When to go to La Paz
La Paz has a dry, warm climate. Whale sharks are seasonal and the calendar on each trip page shows the dates on sale.
Whale shark season
October to April
Whale sharks are in the bay, and days are pleasant; a jacket helps on the water in winter.
€€€The most requested months: book ahead.
Shoulder season
May and June
Warmer days, with sea lions and Balandra available.
€€Prices are usually lower than in winter.
Hot season
July to September
Hot days. Swimming with sea lions may be restricted in June, July and August because of their breeding season.
€Fewer visitors and lower prices.
Our pick: November to March for whale sharks. For sea lions and Balandra, any month works; in summer bring a hat and plenty of water.
How to get to La Paz
La Paz has its own airport and is connected by road and ferry with the rest of the peninsula and the mainland.
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By plane
La Paz has an international airport with flights from Mexican cities. Check the airlines for the current routes.
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By car or bus
La Paz is on the peninsula’s main road, a few hours from Los Cabos. Check the transfer and bus operators.
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By ferry
Ferries from the mainland arrive at a port near La Paz. Check the operators’ current timetables.
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To the boat
The Malecón (Restaurante Vid’ah Bistro, Paseo Álvaro Obregón) or Marina Cortez (2415 Topete), depending on the trip. Transport to the meeting point is not included; arrive 10 minutes early.

Boat trips and attractions in La Paz
The Sea of Cortez is the reason to come. You can swim with whale sharks from October to April, snorkel with sea lions at Espíritu Santo, spend a day at Balandra Beach or combine all three in one long day on the water.
At the end of this guide you will find all our experiences in La Paz, with live availability and secure online payment.
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How your day works
Each trip has its own meeting point, times and inclusions: check the trip page before you book.
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Book online
Pick a date with live availability and pay securely.
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Meeting point
The trip page tells you where to meet and whether hotel pickup is included.
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Safe on board
Professional crews, with life jackets and safety equipment where the trip includes them.
Your day, step by step
- 1Book online and choose your date.
- 2Check the meeting point or pickup details on the trip page.
- 3Arrive a little early: some trips ask for 20 or 30 minutes, it is on the page.
- 4Enjoy the trip with your crew.
Map and key points
- ⚓Meeting pointRestaurante Vid’ah Bistro, La Paz MalecónMeeting point of most trips, at Paseo Álvaro Obregón.Directions ↗
- ⚓Meeting pointMarina CortezMeeting point of the whale shark and one of the Espíritu Santo trips (2415 Topete).Directions ↗
- 📍NearbyBalandra BeachDirections ↗
- 📍NearbyEspíritu Santo IslandDirections ↗
Before you set off
Exact meeting point
Trips leave from the La Paz Malecón: Restaurante Vid’ah Bistro (Paseo Álvaro Obregón) or Marina Cortez (2415 Topete), depending on the trip. Transport to the meeting point is not included; arrive at least 10 minutes before departure.
Address: Malecón de La Paz · Marina Cortez, Baja California Sur
Good to know
- Whale sharks are seasonal (October to April) and access to their area is authorised by the federal authorities: sightings are never guaranteed.
- During the sea lion breeding season (June to August) swimming around the colony may be restricted.
- Life jackets are required in reef areas and the route can change with the weather and the sea.
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel.
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Your booking confirmation (on your phone or printed).
- A little cash for tips or fees paid on site.
What you will see
The Bay of La Paz and the islands of the Sea of Cortez, seen from the water.
Whale sharks
The largest fish in the world visits the Bay of La Paz from October to April.
Espíritu Santo Island
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a colony of more than 400 sea lions and pristine beaches.
Balandra Beach
White sand and shallow turquoise water among rust-coloured desert hills.
Enjoy with peace of mind
Local operators
The trips are run by local operators who know these waters.
Live availability
Dates and times come straight from the operator’s calendar.
Clear prices online
The price you see is what you pay online; fees payable on site are listed on each trip page.
WhatsApp support
Message us and we will answer your questions before and after you book.
Ready to sail?
Pick your experience and book direct, or message us and we will help you choose.
Experiences we offer in La Paz
✓AvailableLa Paz⏱ 6 h 30 min · 👥 up to 12
Whale Sharks, Sea Lions and Balandra Beach Combo
Full day on the Sea of Cortez from La Paz: swim with whale sharks (Oct–Apr), snorkel with sea lions and relax at Balandra Beach, with lunch included.
- Duration
- ⏱ 6 h 30 min
- guests
- 👥 up to 12
from €250.12 / person
✓AvailableLa Paz⏱ 5 h · 👥 up to 10
Private Balandra Beach and Sea Lions Boat Trip
Private boat from La Paz to the sea lions of San Rafaelito and Balandra Beach: snorkelling, paddleboards, picnic lunch and permits included.
- Duration
- ⏱ 5 h
- guests
- 👥 up to 10
from €178.57 / person
✓AvailableLa Paz⏱ 7 h · 👥 up to 10
Private Espíritu Santo Island and Sea Lions Tour
Full-day private boat to Espíritu Santo Island (UNESCO): sea lion colony, snorkelling, paddleboards, beach and picnic lunch from La Paz.
- Duration
- ⏱ 7 h
- guests
- 👥 up to 10
from €196.51 / person
✓AvailableLa Paz⏱ 7 h · 👥 up to 12
Espíritu Santo: Sea Lions, Snorkelling and Paddleboard
Shared day trip from La Paz to Espíritu Santo Island: more than 400 sea lions, snorkelling, paddleboards, beach and picnic lunch included.
- Duration
- ⏱ 7 h
- guests
- 👥 up to 12
from €223.43 / person

