Whale sharks and sea lions snorkeling plus Balandra beach lunch

Whale sharks off La Paz are one of those rare wildlife moments where the ocean feels personal. This trip is interesting because you get a real snorkeling setup and a small group on the water, then spend real time looking and swimming, not rushing. One good bonus is the guides keep the day organized so you are not constantly getting shuffled around.

I especially like that you get a relaxed rhythm once you are at the whale shark area. In the water, snorkeling happens in tiny groups (2 to 4), and the guide takes turns, so you can get in more than once without that frantic, one-and-done feeling. I also like that the guides, including Karla and others like Kala and Chrissy, focus on safety and respect for the animals, so you feel confident even if you are not a strong swimmer.

The main consideration is the weather. This is a boat day, and if winds pick up or visibility is off, conditions can be cooler, choppier, and sometimes the schedule can change. Plan to bring warm layers, and know you might get an alternate date if the bay closes officially.

Key highlights I think matter

• Max 9 travelers, and snorkeling is split into groups of 2 to 4 for calmer water time
• Surface snorkeling only, with federal permits and a whale shark conservation donation included
• Wetsuits (3mm shorties) plus mask, snorkel, and fins so you are not hunting gear
• GoPro photos and videos included, with quality depending on the day’s conditions
• Balandra beach lunch with fish ceviche, burritos, fruit, and soft drinks
• You can usually snorkel multiple times, since the guide does not force just one entry

Meeting at Marina de La Paz, and the real reason to be punctual

Your day starts at Marina de La Paz, with the meeting point listed at Topete 125, Zona Comercial, La Paz, B.C.S. The instructions are very clear: be there on time. If you are even slightly late, it can mess with group timing because you are going out on a set schedule.

Once everyone checks in, the vibe is practical. You get organized quickly, and the whole plan makes sense: gear first, then you head out to where the whale sharks are spotted.

If you are staying in La Paz proper, plan to budget time for getting to the marina. Transportation to and from attractions is not included, so you will want your own plan, whether that means a taxi ride, rideshare, or walking if you are close.

Gear and safety rules that keep this from feeling chaotic

This tour includes the key snorkeling gear: mask, snorkel, fins, and a 3mm wetsuit shortie. That matters because the water off La Paz can feel chilly depending on the month and wind, and a wetsuit helps you stay comfortable longer. It is not just for warmth, either. Better fit and comfort means you can focus on the wildlife instead of fighting your body position.

You will also get what the tour describes as pictures and videos of your day with a GoPro. One helpful detail: the photo and video quality can depend on the sea conditions that day. So if it is a little choppy, do not expect every shot to look like it came from a movie set.

Safety is also spelled out. The tour is restricted for safety and federal rules to people who are pregnant or have heart, neck, or breathing problems. And freediving is not allowed. The focus is surface snorkeling only.

That surface-only rule is a good thing. It keeps the experience accessible, and it lowers the risk of people overextending themselves underwater.

Chasing whale sharks from the control stand, then snorkeling in relaxed rotations

After gear up, you head to the whale shark area and the team requests a spot in the control stand for whale shark observation. That part matters because it means the operation is coordinated for wildlife protection, not just boats freelancing wherever.

When whale sharks are located, you start with watching, then you move into snorkeling. The tour is designed so you do not get stuck waiting with nothing to do for long stretches. Snorkeling happens in groups of 2 to 4 at a time on the water, and the guide rotates between groups.

Here is what I like about that rotation model for you as a swimmer: you get turns without feeling like you are holding everyone else back. If you are nervous, this structure makes it easier to settle in. If you are excited, you still get multiple chances to go in when you want.

The tour also makes a clear point that you are not limited to just one or two entries. How many times you get into the water depends on you, and the guide works the timing during the whale shark presence. In real terms, that means if the whale sharks are around and you still want more time, you are more likely to get it.

What it’s like in the water with whale sharks

The goal is close, calm encounters. Whale sharks are not something you “hunt.” They are something you watch, then swim respectfully around when it is your turn.

You will likely spend time simply spotting them first, then adjusting your pace so you do not disturb their movement. Because the snorkel groups are small, you have fewer people to manage in the water, which helps keep things smooth.

If you are not an experienced snorkeler, you should still be okay. One of the best signals from the experience is that people who do not consider themselves strong swimmers still enjoy it a lot. The guides take turns and give instructions so you are not guessing what to do next.

Also, if weather creates choppier water or reduced clarity, whale sharks can be harder to spot. That is not a guaranteed issue, but it is a real variable in open water snorkeling. If the sea is not cooperating, you will still be doing your best, and the team will work to find the animals and keep your time as worthwhile as possible.

Sea lions on the same trip, with a different kind of excitement

Sea lions are part of the fun package, and you get snorkeling time around their area. This is a different experience than whale shark viewing. Whale sharks tend to be slow and steady. Sea lions can be curious and active, and the ocean around them can feel busy in a good way.

The guides do not just point you toward wildlife and hope for the best. They provide guidance on what you are seeing and how to move. That makes a huge difference when you have to share the water with animals that can change direction quickly.

One practical note: if you are hoping for the smoothest possible water day, you will want to dress for it. Warm layers and the right wetsuit fit can be the difference between “This is perfect” and “Why is my body freezing.”

Balandra beach lunch: where you finally get to breathe

After the snorkeling portion, you get lunch at Balandra beach. This is one of those stops that turns the day from pure ocean time into a full experience with scenery and a break.

The menu includes fish ceviche, made with marinated fish plus tomato, onion, cilantro, and cucumber. You also get burritos, with two options listed: beans and cheese, or shredded meat. Fruit and soft drinks round it out.

What makes this lunch feel like real value is that it is not just a snack tossed into a cooler. You get a proper pause on one of the more beautiful beaches in the area, with time to sit, eat, and reset before you head back.

If you tend to get hungry once you are in the water, you will appreciate the timing and the food variety. Ceviche plus burritos plus fruit is a lot more satisfying than many half-day boat lunches.

Weather realities and what to pack (especially Nov to March)

This is a boat tour, so conditions matter. The tour provider says they will let you know 2 to 3 days in advance if the weather forecast is poor. Sometimes waves can be moderate and the ride can feel choppy. Other times, high winds can cause the bay to be closed officially to all boat tours.

That means you should pack like you are going out on a real ocean day, not a casual lake swim. Bring a towel and warm clothes. The guidance specifically calls out that warm clothes are VERY important from Nov to March.

Also bring biodegradable sunscreen. Regular sunscreen can be an issue around marine environments, so this is a smart requirement.

One more gap to plan for: towel and sweatshirt are not included, and transportation is not included. So build a simple checklist and you will be glad you did.

If you get a cooler day, you can still have a great wildlife experience. Just don’t treat warmth like an optional feature.

Price and value: is $250.92 actually fair?

At $250.92 per person for about 6 hours, the price may look high until you break down what is included.

You are paying for:

• Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) plus a 3mm shortie wetsuit
• A professional guide
• Federal permits and a whale shark donation for conservation
• Complete food and drinks, including fruit and soft drinks
• Traveler’s insurance
• GoPro photos and videos (quality varies by conditions)
• A small-group setup, max 9 travelers

Also consider what is not included: transportation, towels, and sunscreen. That is normal for a marina-based activity, but it still matters for your total cost.

For me, the value part is the combination. You are not just paying for entry to a beach or a standard swim. You are paying for permits, wildlife-respecting operations, small-group water time, and the equipment you would otherwise have to rent or buy. If you care about doing this right and getting actual time with the animals, the price starts to look fair.

Who should book this tour, and who should think twice

This tour makes a lot of sense if you:

• Want a guided snorkeling day that is not crowded
• Care about safety and clear instructions
• Like the idea of snorkeling more than once when whale sharks are present
• Want a full day arc, wildlife first, then a proper lunch at Balandra

It is also a strong pick if you are a moderate swimmer. The tour includes wetsuits and rotates groups in a way that helps you manage the experience.

Think twice if you:

• Are pregnant, or have heart, neck, or breathing issues (the tour is restricted for safety and federal regulations)
• Need freediving, because freediving is not allowed, only surface snorkeling
• Are very sensitive to cold, especially in the Nov to March window, since warm clothing is emphasized and boat rides can get choppy

If you are traveling as a couple, you should like the small group size. Families often like sea lions as much as whale sharks, since kids generally find the colony time fun and visual.

Should you book Mexplore’s whale sharks, sea lions, and Balandra lunch?

I would book it if your goal is a well-run, small-group wildlife snorkeling day with built-in gear, permits, food, and a real beach lunch at the end. The standout for me is the way you get time on the water in controlled groups, plus the guide rotation that gives you multiple snorkeling opportunities.

I would hesitate only if you dislike the idea of a weather-dependent boat day. When the sea is rough, it can change how comfortable you feel, and sometimes the schedule can shift.

If you go prepared, dress warm, and show up on time at the marina, this is the kind of La Paz experience that has a good chance of living up to the hype, without feeling rushed or touristy.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 6 hours.

Is transportation to and from the attractions included?

No. Transportation is not included. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

The tour provides mask, snorkel, fins, and a 3mm wetsuit shortie.

Can I freedive on this tour?

No. Freediving is not allowed. Only surface snorkeling is allowed under federal regulations.

How many people are on the tour?

The group size has a maximum of 9 travelers.

Will I get photos or videos?

Yes. The tour includes pictures and videos taken with a GoPro, and the quality can depend on the day’s conditions.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the weather forecast is poor, you will be notified 2 to 3 days in advance. In some cases the bay may be closed officially to boat tours.

What is included in lunch?

Lunch includes fish ceviche and burritos (beans and cheese, or shredded meat), plus fruit and soft drinks.