Top La Paz Snorkeling

The Baja California Sur peninsula, located in the heart of the Sea of Cortez, is considered one of the best places in the world for ocean safaris and observing marine wildlife in the wild. In recent years, this destination has become popular due to the biodiversity found around Espíritu Santo Island and Cerralvo Island (also known as Jacques Cousteau Island). Between March and June, vast aggregations of Mobula rays gather in these waters, while whales and dolphins are frequently encountered. These conditions have led to orca sightings, as they are attracted to the area to feed on Mobulas. From July to December, warm water temperatures and good visibility provide excellent conditions for exploring the marine environment. During winter, migrating whales travel between the coastline and the islands, creating further opportunities for wildlife encounters. La Paz, Espíritu Santo Island, La Ventana, and Cerralvo Island form one of the best corners of the Sea of Cortez.

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from $135

Likely to Sell Out

Ocean Safari: Sea Lions, Mobula Rays, Dolphins, Orcas & Whales

Ocean Safari: Sea Lions, Mobula Rays, Dolphins, Orcas & Whales

5 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(119)

from $176

Likely to Sell Out

Balandra & Tecolote: hike, kayak and snorkel in paradise

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Enjoy all the beauty the UNESCO-protected Espiritu Santo Island (Isla Espiritu Santo) National Park has to offer on this snorkeling experience. First, spend time snorkeling amid sea lions at Isla los Islotes. Then, stop at an island beach to eat lunch, and to swim, relax, or do more snorkeling, before cruising back with views of Balandra Beach. Bring cash to pay your dock fee and national park fee.

(348)

from $135

Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(177)

from $150

Small Group Whale Shark Snorkeling in La Paz, Mexico

Set sail from La Paz on a small-group boat cruise to see whale sharks and sea lions in their natural habitat. Cruise to San Rafaelito island, where you can dive in to swim and snorkel in the clear waters among schools of tropical fish and colorful corals. You'll also have the opportunity to snorkel in an area known for its wild whale sharks and sea lions before continuing to Balanda Beach for a delicious lunch of fresh ceviche.

(454)

from $188

La Paz Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Tour

La Paz Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Tour

BOAT to Espiritu Santo Island and Balandra

(113)

from $247

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Explore Espíritu Santo Island and the Sea of Cortez without the hassle of arranging boat transportation, wildlife viewing, or marine activities on your own. Led by local guides, this excursion combines opportunities to observe sea lions and discover the region’s unique ecosystems with insights into its geology and natural history. With meals, fresh seafood, and refreshments included, you can focus on the scenery and wildlife while the logistics are handled for you.

(2)

from $153

Espiritu Santo Island and sea lions

Explore the stunning coastline of La Paz on a guided paddle boarding adventure. Launch from hidden beaches and glide through tranquil turquoise waters as you discover vibrant marine life and secret snorkeling spots. Enjoy a leisurely pace while paddling toward a nearby reef, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on your board. With an expert guide leading the way, this experience is perfect for intermediate paddlers looking to connect with nature and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.

4.8

(62)

from $118

Snorkeling and Paddle Boarding Adventure in La Paz

Snorkeling and Paddle Boarding Adventure in La Paz

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

(12)

from $84

Experience the natural beauty of Espíritu Santo Island without the hassle of planning boat transportation, navigation, or wildlife-spotting logistics on your own. This guided excursion helps you make the most of your time in one of the Sea of Cortez’s most celebrated destinations, with opportunities to observe local flora and fauna while learning about the area’s unique ecosystem. With the details handled for you, it’s an easy and responsible way to explore this protected island environment.

Swim alongside the majestic whale shark, the world’s largest and gentlest fish, in the stunning waters of La Paz. From November to April, these ocean giants gather near El Mogote, a sandbar rich in plankton that creates the perfect feeding ground. This natural phenomenon offers a rare opportunity to see these graceful creatures up close in their habitat. Equipped with snorkeling gear, you’ll glide through calm, shallow waters, ideal for observing these gentle giants as they move peacefully through the ocean. Perfect for both experienced snorkelers and first-timers, this adventure is accessible and unforgettable. Starting from the Fiscal Dock in La Paz, we’ll search for the whale sharks upon arrival in the designated area. The experience lasts about 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to swim alongside these magnificent creatures and make lifelong memories.

holy spirit island tour

7 hours

4.8

(198)

from $129

Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La Paz

Every winter, juvenile whale sharks, the largest fish on the planet, gather in La Paz Bay for food. Swimming alongside them is a unique experience that combines admiration and respect for these majestic creatures. Under the guidance of certified experts, you will enjoy a safe and educational encounter while learning about the importance of conservation. This activity not only connects you to nature, but also transforms your perspective on the sea and its wildlife.

(57)

from $135

Swim with the giant of the sea The whale shark

Swim with the giant of the sea The whale shark

Our tours are conducted by local people with years of experience in water activities in the Sea of Cortes, our personal and personalized treatment makes a difference. You will experience a different experience from the rest of the tours made in the city of La Paz. You will also learn about the impressive biology of whale sharks from our guides prepared and trained to give the best possible environmental interpretation. Enjoy a rich snack consisting of fruit, snacks, sodas and natural water.

(22)

from $147

Experiences with whale sharks in La Paz

Explore the vibrant underwater world of La Paz on this unique snorkeling activity, featuring guided access to a renowned coral nursery and a natural reef. Experience a comprehensive educational talk on coral conservation, while snorkeling through the nursery’s incubation beds. Perfect for families and nature lovers, this eco-adventure emphasizes sustainable practices and marine preservation. With small group sizes, enjoy personalized attention as you discover the rich marine biodiversity in Pichilingue. Roundtrip hotel transportation is included for your convenience, making this a hassle-free addition to your La Paz itinerary. - Guided snorkeling in a coral nursery and natural reef - Educational talk on coral ecosystems and conservation - Small group experience for personalized attention - you can include roundtrip transportation from your La Paz hotel with addtional fee

4.5

(37)

from $147

Coral Nursery Snorkeling Eco Adventure in La Paz

Coral Nursery Snorkeling Eco Adventure in La Paz

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(3)

from $59

We offer private trips so you can have a great time with your family and/or friends. Since your group will be the only one on board we can spend more time doing the activities of your choice, we can personalize your food, equipment and special requirements. Our boat are nice and confortable, in super good shape. Our crew members are mainly marine biologists to make your trip more knowledgeable.

Balandra Private Boat Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

(31)

from $852

Discover the beauty of La Paz with our expert naturalist guides, who will enrich your experience with detailed information and environmental education about our charismatic local species. We tailor every detail to your needs, from food and beverages to maintaining an intimate group size, with a maximum of 8 people. Enjoy a unique snorkeling adventure with sea lions. Immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey with us.

Sea Lion Snorkeling & Island Beach Picnic – Espíritu Santo Tour

Sea Lion Snorkeling & Island Beach Picnic – Espíritu Santo Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Espiritu Santo Island Private Tour: Sea Lions and paddle boarding

(6)

from $176

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

from $1,499

Snorkeling with the friendly sea lions of the Espíritu Santo Archipelago is one of the most unforgettable marine wildlife experiences in La Paz. This standard group tour is ideal for travelers looking for an exciting and affordable ecotourism adventure while sharing the experience with other nature lovers. The package rate is valid for groups from 1 up to 8 participants. Guided by marine wildlife experts, guests will snorkel alongside playful sea lion pups in their natural habitat while learning about the ecology, behavior, and conservation of the species through our science-outreach approach. The experience also includes beach time and a fresh picnic on a beautiful beach within the Espíritu Santo Archipelago. Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits are included. This experience operates year-round, with sea lion snorkeling available from September through May depending on local regulations and weather conditions. Maximum 16 participants per boat. Duration: approximately 8 hours.

Private - snorkel with Sea Lions in Espíritu Santo

Private - snorkel with Sea Lions in Espíritu Santo

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $893

Snorkeling with sea lions at Espíritu Santo Island offers an incredible opportunity to connect with nature while exploring a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Swim alongside a lively colony of playful sea lions in the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez, guided by certified experts who ensure a safe and educational experience. After your aquatic adventure, relax on a picturesque beach with a delightful picnic, creating lasting memories in one of Mexico’s most stunning locations. For a more personalized experience, our service is private, tailored to your group's needs.

Sea Lion Snorkel at Espíritu Santo Island Private trip

Sea Lion Snorkel at Espíritu Santo Island Private trip

8 hoursFree Cancellation

(7)

from $940

This isn’t just a boat tour - it’s a private, tailored experience designed for those who crave adventure without the crowds. You won’t just see the Sea of Cortez. You’ll feel it, live it, and lose yourself in its beauty. Our expert crew, which is safety - and customer-service-oriented, goes beyond service to create unforgettable moments. Snorkel with sea lions in their natural habitat, lounge on hidden bays where it’s just you and the view, and explore the nearby Pichilligue and Las Gaviotas beaches. Enjoy freshly prepared meals, from ceviche to margaritas at sunset, all on a yacht designed for comfort. There is no rush, little schedules - just open water, endless horizons, and the perfect morning or afternoon at sea. Book now and experience La Paz Bay like never before.

Snorkel or Sunset in La Paz aboard a 42 feet Yacht

from $1,408

Swim with the largest fish on Earth in one of the few places where this is possible. Our whale shark experience is more than just a tour, it’s a rare chance to connect with one of the ocean’s most peaceful and impressive creatures in their natural environment. A Peaceful Encounter: Whale sharks are massive, yet incredibly gentle. Most of the individuals we see here are juveniles, but even at this young stage, they’re already between 4 and 9 meters long, impressive to see up close. Small Groups, Big Moments: We keep our groups small so you get space, time, and a more personal experience. You’ll be just meters away, swimming alongside these incredible animals. Learn As You Explore: Our certified guides are not just here for safety, they’re passionate about the ocean. During the trip, they’ll share stories, facts, and everything we know about these amazing animals, their behavior, and why protecting them matters.

Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist

Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(109)

from $167

Sea Lions & Mega-Paddleboard Tour in Espiritu Santo

There’s just no other way to say it… you simply can’t experience the beauty of Espiritu Santo Island -UNESCO World Heritage Site- until you get out on the water. Snorkeling with sea lions, surrounded by fish, invertebrates and birds, will make those moments when pups frolick around you magical. Savor our local flavors, with our delicious home-made fish and veggie ceviche, while you bask in the Sun at the beach. What makes this tour unique is the moment when you stand on our super-fun mega-paddelboards. Experience Espiritu Santo Island like few others, paddling along the shoreline, awed by meeting of desert and sea and there’s more, when fish leaping out of the water, pelicans diving from up high or turtles coming up for air appears suddenly. You won’t find anything like this anywhere else, so join us and knock this iconic La Paz experience off your bucket list. *Note: During the mating season from June 1 to August 31, snorkeling takes place at the San Rafaelito instead of Los Islotes.

Sea Lions & Mega-Paddleboard Tour in Espiritu Santo

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

3.0

(2)

from $205

Likely to Sell Out

Whale sharks and sea lions snorkeling plus Balandra beach lunch

Spot the gentle giants of the shark world and playful sea lions on this small-group snorkeling excursion from La Paz. Get to know your fellow travelers and friendly crew as you cruise over to the whale-shark site, where you will break into groups of two to four with your eagle-eyed guides for snorkeling directly above these carpet feeders. Round off the adventure with a freshly prepared Mexican lunch on the beach.

Whale sharks and sea lions snorkeling plus Balandra beach lunch

Discover the spectacular Balandra Bay on a private boat exclusively for your group. Sail through crystal-clear waters, visit the iconic Balandra Mushroom Rock, and experience the thrill of swimming with sea lions in San Rafaelito. Enjoy free time on a paradisiacal beach, paddleboard, snorkel, and savor a delicious ceviche while enjoying one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Sea of Cortez. A personalized, comfortable, and unforgettable experience for families, couples, and groups of friends looking to discover the best of La Paz in an authentic and exclusive way.

4.9

(73)

from $247

Balandra Tour Private Boat

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $676

Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach

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What are people saying about La Paz

Olivier_Q, May 2026

Highly recommended

The tours to Espiritu island all looks the same, so I chose this one and I really did not regret. Alex was the guide, and Christian the captain. They both did a great job of entertaining us during the entire tour. Alex was very generous with information and all questions were welcomed. The tour itself was well organized, the sailing was smooth, snorkeling was great, a bit of current, but Alex lead through this. I would definitely take other tours with these guys. Thanks.

Balandra & Tecolote: hike, kayak and snorkel in paradise

Victoria_A, Apr 2026

Active day at Balandra

This is a wonderful relaxing day in a beautiful setting. The combination of hiking, snorkelîg and kayaking with marine biologists was extra special and we appreciated the expertise of our guides Fernando and John. This special area is renowned and we had a perfect day of sun, crystal clear waters, and plentiful wildlife! The snorkeling was especially exciting, due to many fish species spotted and a special sighting of rays. Strongly recommend booking a tour like this to access this strictly controlled preserve and to optimize your time here. Our hike was between easy and moderate, best if you feel steady with climbing and descending some stretches. Kayaking was peaceful.

Whale sharks and sea lions snorkeling plus Balandra beach lunch

Paige_D, Apr 2026

Wonderful day in La Paz

We swam with a juvenile whale shark which was just wonderful and then went to an outcrop of rocks to see and swim with the sea lions. We ended our great day by having lunch on Balandra beach which was so beautiful and lunch of burritos and ceviche was really good. Thank you to the captain and (forgot his name) guide .

La Paz Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Tour

Lisa_m, Mar 2026

Saw it all!!

PABLO and our Captain were fabulous!! They managed to get us up with 2 whale sharks.dolphins. sea lions.and a grey whale !! Very knowledgeable and worked so hard to help a young 7 year old jump into the ocean for a great time!! Perfect day and great fun!!

Small Group Whale Shark Snorkeling in La Paz, Mexico

Kira_W, Mar 2026

We swam with Whale...

We swam with Whale sharks… this was an incredible experience! The tour was worth every penny. The captain and tour guide were amazing. They were very thorough and very kind. It was myself, my husband, and our 2 kids ages 14 and 17. We were able to have multiple swims with the sharks and with each turn we were more and more comfortable and confident. We all agreed this was truly a once in a lifetime experience! Tuna Tuna is hands down 10/10.

Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist

Elizabeth_P, Feb 2026

It was amazing!! We wore...

It was amazing!! We wore shorty wetsuits and the water was warm. The visibility was poor according to our guide but we saw the whale sharks very well when we were close. We saw them both vertical feeding and swam along side. Our team was excellent: Mar was our Guide Hamza was our marine biologist and spotter —- both were very knowledgeable and took care to give us the best experience. Our captain Julio was perfect at getting us close. I definitely recommend this tour!!

Espiritu Santo Island and sea lions

Jacek_K, Feb 2026

A beautiful day in nature with very nice and helpful people!

It was a beautiful expedition combining many interesting elements: seeing the island of Espiritu Santo in full glory with beautiful nature, brilliant beaches, crowned with a meeting with California sea lions!Special thanks to our guide Kael, who took care of us. The crew of Azul Baja – respect!

Whale Shark Swimming Adventure: Small Group with Marine Biologist

George_L, Feb 2026

Whale shark swimming La Paz

There are many options to swim with whale sharks in La Paz, but I feel that these guys were the safest, most professional group! They put us right in with the whale sharks and kept looking for a cooperative whale shark that we could swim with for 15-20 minutes. Not all whale sharks will stay around and let you swim with them. These guys were knowledgeable and respectful to us and the wildlife! We will book with them again next time!

Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure

Loren_F, Jan 2026

Incredible trip

Fantastic tour. The guide and captain were very helpful and polite. They were very mindful of making sure everyone was happy. The sea lions were very friendly and playful, coming right up to us and even playfully biting/pulling my fins. This was my highlight. After this we went to the most beautiful beach, with the bluest water I had seen. The sand was perfect. They then proceeded to feed us lunch, and their ceviche was the most delicious that I have had. 10/10 The return trip was nice as well. They took us up to Belandra bay and get some pictures of the mushroom rock. And I can’t forget to mention that we saw a humpback breach, once in the morning, once on the way back. Overall, this was an outstanding trip and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is in La Paz.

Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter - Premium Service

Genevieve_Y, Dec 2025

Whale Shark - WOW!! - with VIP Tours

Wow! Wow!! WOW!!! So worth it!! Our guide Fatima and boat captain Fernandito were amazing!! We had an incredible experience!! We booked the Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter - Premium Service with La Paz Whale Sharks VIP Tours for our family of six: my husband, myself, and our four children, ages 12 to 15 years. We were greeted promptly and friendly at the marina and given time to be fitted into our snorkeling equipment and wetsuits before embarking on our tour! On the way, we were educated about the Whale Shark Sanctuary Area and the protections and history of the whale sharks in La Paz. Fatima was knowledgeable and enthusiastic and made the entire experience a joy! Once in the Sanctuary, her and Fernando wasted no time calmly and quickly locating several whale sharks for us to observe from the boat and then swim alongside! I can't even put into words how awesome it feels to swim with one of these ocean giants! Just WOW!! I'm not going to lie, it was tiring! We had to swim along at a pretty good clip to keep up with our whale shark, but Fatima kept us on track and helped us easily while in the water. Fernando kept the boat nearby, ready for us to take breaks as needed or getting us into position to slip back into the water to swim with the whale shark again! My younger kids and I could only keep up for about 15-20 minutes at a time, but our oldest son swam along for almost the entire time. Once we got over the initial shock, swimming with the whale shark was thrilling! We had an outstanding experience with La Paz Whale Sharks VIP Tours, and we will book with them again! My only recommendation is to practice swimming and snorkeling before enjoying this adventure! My kids and I are very comfortable in the ocean and know how to snorkel. We are not avid swimmers, but we can all swim moderately well, plus the provided fins really helped. My husband is a good swimmer, but he was inexperienced with snorkeling and a bit uncomfortable in the ocean. It took him a couple of times in the water to get the hang of swimming with the whale shark, and removing his life vest actually helped give him more independent maneuverability and helped Fatima position him correctly with the whale shark. He was a little worried about sinking, but the wetsuit provided enough buoyancy, that the life jacket was not necessary. Once our time was up and everyone felt completely satisfied with the experience, we returned to the marina. We were provided water, juice, fruit, and snacks on the return trip and took a slight detour to watch a couple of dolphins in the bay! A couple of hours after returning to the dock, we received an email with our photos and videos provided by Fatima. So cool!!! Thank you Fatima, Fernandito, and VIP Tours! We don't know when we will make it back to La Paz, but when we do, we look forward to our next tour with you! P.S. - We had lunch at The Dock Cafe, and it was delicious. I strongly recommend the chilaquiles!