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Sea of Cortez Combo: Whale Sharks, Sea Lions & Balandra Beach
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6 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in:
English
and 1 more
Offered languages
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- English
- Spanish
This experience brings together some of the best adventures the Sea of Cortez has to offer—all in one unforgettable day!
Swim alongside whale sharks, the world's largest fish, as these magnificent creatures migrate seasonally to the Bay of La Paz. Seeing one up close in its natural habitat is a rare opportunity and one of the most exciting wildlife encounters Baja California Sur has to offer.
And that's only the beginning. Continue to San Rafaelito Reef to snorkel alongside a colony of sea lions in their natural habitat before heading to Balandra, one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Here, turquoise water and white sand set the scene for the final stop. Enjoy fresh ceviche by the sea, grab a paddleboard and explore the bay, take a swim or simply relax on the beach with your favorite drink.
Whale sharks, sea lions and Balandra bring together three different sides of the Sea of Cortez in a single adventure. This is an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life!
What's Included
Snorkeling Equipment & Wetsuits
Photos & Videos of Your Tour at No Additional Cost
Certified Whale Shark Captains & Guides – Officially Authorized to Operate in the Whale Shark Area
Picnic Lunch – Fish Ceviche with Tostadas, Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Diced Fruit, Cookies & Chips
Water & Soft Drinks
Beach Chairs & Umbrellas
Certified Tour Guide
Whale Shark Area Entrance Permits & Bracelets
Alcoholic Beverages
Gratuities
Roundtrip Transportation
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Meet your guide at Restaurante Vid'ah Bistro, located directly on the La Paz Malecón (boardwalk), on Paseo Álvaro Obregón between M. Pineda and Marqués de León. Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time for check-in.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
There are few experiences in the world that match swimming alongside the largest fish in the ocean! Whale sharks are known as the "gentle giants of the sea" and can measure up to 40 feet (12 meters) in length. Whale sharks migrate to the Bay of La Paz in winter in search of food. Join us on this adventure from October to April!
Important: Whale shark area access is federally regulated. Your reservation does not guarantee access on a specific date or time.
Our guides will brief you on what to expect. Then head by boat to the whale shark area, where you'll snorkel alongside the world's largest fish!
After swimming with whale sharks, the adventure continues at San Rafaelito Reef, where you'll snorkel alongside a colony of sea lions and observe these incredible animals up close in their natural habitat.
Then we'll take you to one of the best beaches in the world: Balandra, where you'll enjoy paddleboarding, fresh ceviche and your favorite drink while you dip your toes in the crystal-clear turquoise water!
After an incredible day, enjoy the beautiful Baja coastline on the boat ride back to La Paz. Live this unbelievable experience with us and scratch it off your bucket list!
Important: Whale shark area access is federally regulated. Your reservation does not guarantee access on a specific date or time.
Our guides will brief you on what to expect. Then head by boat to the whale shark area, where you'll snorkel alongside the world's largest fish!
After swimming with whale sharks, the adventure continues at San Rafaelito Reef, where you'll snorkel alongside a colony of sea lions and observe these incredible animals up close in their natural habitat.
Then we'll take you to one of the best beaches in the world: Balandra, where you'll enjoy paddleboarding, fresh ceviche and your favorite drink while you dip your toes in the crystal-clear turquoise water!
After an incredible day, enjoy the beautiful Baja coastline on the boat ride back to La Paz. Live this unbelievable experience with us and scratch it off your bucket list!
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Seasonal Tour: This tour is offered from October to April, during the seasonal presence of whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz. Exact season dates may vary each year based on whale shark migration and regulations established by Mexican federal authorities.
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Additional info
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- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Seasonal Tour: This tour is offered from October to April, during the seasonal presence of whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz. Exact season dates may vary each year based on whale shark migration and regulations established by Mexican federal authorities.
- Whale Shark Access & Entry Times: Access to the whale shark area is strictly controlled by Mexican federal authorities and operates through assigned entry times. Your tour reservation does not guarantee a specific entry time to the whale shark area. Entry is subject to authorization and availability for the day of your tour.
- Cruise Guests: If you are arriving by cruise ship, please provide your complete cruise ship name, arrival time and departure time when booking. Whale shark area entry times cannot be guaranteed in advance and may not always be compatible with your ship's time in port.
- Authorized Whale Shark Operation: Your captains and guides hold the required certifications and permits to legally operate in the whale shark area. Guests must follow all instructions provided by the crew and applicable wildlife regulations.
- Marine Life & Environmental Protection: Please respect all marine life and follow your guide's instructions at all times. Do not touch, chase, feed or disturb whale sharks, sea lions or other wildlife. Sunscreen, oils, lotions or other products that may enter the water and harm marine life should not be applied before swimming or snorkeling. Never approach or disturb wildlife for photos or videos.
- Minimum to Operate: This shared tour requires a minimum of 5 guests in total to operate. The minimum applies to the tour departure, not to each individual booking.
- Meeting Point & Transportation: Roundtrip transportation is not included. Please arrive at Restaurante Vid'ah Bistro on the La Paz Malecón at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
- Wildlife: Whale sharks, sea lions and other marine life are wild animals. Sightings, abundance and behavior cannot be guaranteed.
- What to Bring: Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat and sunglasses. A jacket or sweater is recommended during winter months. If bringing sunscreen, please follow your guide's instructions regarding when and where it may be used.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol is not included, but you're welcome to bring your own. Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on board.
- Weather & Sea Conditions: The itinerary, snorkeling locations and access to certain areas may change due to weather, sea conditions, wildlife activity or restrictions from authorities.
- Port Closure: If the port is closed to navigation by local authorities and the tour cannot operate, you may reschedule your tour or receive a full refund.
- Cruise Guests – No Port, No Pay: If your cruise ship does not call at La Paz, you will receive a full refund.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- Guests must be able to independently board and exit a small boat. This tour may not be suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.
- Swimming & Snorkeling: Guests participating in water activities must be comfortable swimming in open water and able to safely use the provided snorkeling equipment and life jacket. Children must remain under adult supervision.
Tags
Snorkeling
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Whale Watching
Ports of Call Tours
On the Water
Swimming
Shore Excursions
Small Group
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Cancellation Policy
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This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
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