Whale Sharks and Sea Lions Snorkeling Plus Balandra Beach Lunch

Snorkel with whale sharks and sea lions, then relax at Balandra Beach with a delicious lunch. Small groups, expert guides, and unforgettable memories await.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Topete 125 - We will meet at “Marina de La Paz” located at the intersection of “Topete and Miguel de Legaspy” streets. It is VERY important to arrive on time.
    Then we will provide you with all the necessary gear: mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit (shortie). After that, we will head to the whale shark area and request a spot at the control stand for…
What's Included
  • Professional guide
  • Federal permits and whale shark donation for its conservation
  • Use of snorkel equipment and wetsuits (shorties 3mm)
  • Traveler’s insurance
  • Complete food and drinks
  • Pictures and videos of your tour with GoPro (quality depends on conditions)
What's Not Included
  • Towel, sweatshirt and biodegradable sunscreen
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Gratuities
Meal Options
  • Fish ceviche - Marinated fish with tomato, onion, cilantro and cucumber, all seasoned and served alone or with chips.
  • Burritos - Flour tortilla, two options: with beans and cheese or shredded meat
  • Additionals - We also bring fruit and soft drinks
Additional Information

This tour offers a combination of the “Whale Shark Tour” with “Sea Lions and Balandra.” In addition to swimming with whale sharks, participants will also:
Explore the “San Rafaelito” islet and snorkel with sea lions, a coral reef, and the diverse marine life surrounding them. Discover “La Gaviota” Island, which is home to the Blue-footed Booby (season:…

Location
Topete 125
Topete
It is VERY IMPORTANT to arrive on time at the hour. There's no tolerance after the meeting time since the whale shark area is strictly regulated by the Government. We will meet at "Marina de La Paz" which is located in the corner of "Topete and Legaspy" streets.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(72 Ratings)
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Paige_d
Apr 9, 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 .
Review provided by Viator
Melt47
Apr 8, 2026
Great trip, small group - Took my 11 year old on this trip and we loved it! They did an amazing job spotting whale sharks and dropping us to get the best views. The sea lions and snorkeling were great, and lunch was delicious. Highly recommend this operator!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Blsattler
Apr 7, 2026
Amazing memory!!! - I highly recommend doing this once in a lifetime experience! I was interested in swimming with the whale sharks and Mexplore Tours was recommended to me by another tour company who I’d used previously but didn’t offer whale shark tours. I booked the 6 hour whale shark, sea lions, & Balandra Beach tour. The meeting point was easy to find, and the staff was very welcoming. It was a group of ten, plus the marine biologist guide and the driver of the boat. They were very organized and professional, letting us know exactly what to expect. Snorkeling gear, wetsuits or life jackets, photos/videos, and snacks and lunch was included. It was amazing to get so close to such gentle creatures. And I felt very safe while in the water with the guide, Karla, especially when she took turns holding our hands to remain close to the whale shark as it swam.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mkyeager1
Apr 6, 2026
All the stars ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - What an amazing experience! First of all, our guide Karla was incredible—so friendly and full of positive energy. I left knowing so much more than when I arrived; her passion for these gentle giants and for conservation truly shines through. I also love that Mexplore pays careful attention to the rules designed to protect the whale sharks. It felt great to be out with a company that genuinely cares about their well-being! We had an amazing time with not only whale sharks but sea lions and colorful fish ! We even saw puffer fish !!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cindyrella99la
Apr 4, 2026
The most memorable day! - The most incredible experience! I traveled with a 10 and 7 year old and our guide Karen made sure they were safe and got the most of their experience. We got to swim alongside a whale shark, around sea lions and had a wonderful lunch setup for us on Balandra. We also saw dolphins and humpback whales. Would highly recommend traveling with MeXplore.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Quest04852225520
Apr 3, 2026
Unique experience thanks to a top provider - The tour is highly recommended. It was a unique experience with very friendly and competent guides. Our expectations were exceeded. Far away from the many animal sightings, you were looked after in such a way that you lacked nothing. It was all super well organized. In addition, Karla has responded to individual needs, so that everyone (small children, conditionally weaker or more fearful people to give way, who did not have good visibility and were therefore allowed to go into the water again) got their money's worth. We are very happy to have chosen the provider.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidnsteph
Mar 18, 2026
A Day in the Waters of La Paz - With a group of 7 we were able to get our own boat with a captain, Alejandro, and a well English spoken guide, Angel. I think we could have fit 9 souls but we lucked out with a private tour for our group. Angel was in the water everytime we were viewing the shark and sea lions. The boat used was a ski boat. That type of boat made it really easy to get in and out of the water by sliding off the rear/climbing on to get out. Getting in and out when trying to catch a view of the whale shark is important as the shark moves quickly at its slowest pace and the boat is constantly moving to stay ahead of the shark and picking swimmers up. The other boats had a ladder or steps that dropped into the water to help swimmers get out. Messing with fins and a ladder or steps isn’t easy especially if you’re not used to snorkeling/diving. Since the whale shark swims at a fast pace a light stretch might be warranted if you’re starting cold. You will be swimming at a fast pace to keep up. For our nina (kiddo), Angel was able to pull them a bit to catch a glimpse but they were tiny. The sea lion viewing was around a tiny rock island surrounded by a lively coral reef with a lot of reef fish. The island is guarded by the sea lions and we were told not to get close to their territory (rocks). It easy to get close so one must be mindful of where they are. The sea lions and sea birds will be jumping and diving around you which was exciting to see. Water was clearer on the island than with the shark. Lunch on the beach was another delight. Ice cold bebidas (drinks) with freshly made ceviche, guacamole (made by captain Alejandro) and burritos on a quiet not too busy bay topped off the trip. Other things…we were able to use our own masks and snorkels and wetsuits tops since the water can be cold. I highly recommend MeXplorers for your La Paz whale shark watching adventure and would use them again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nick_p
Mar 5, 2026
Great option for a day trip in La Paz - Very well organized tour, our tour guide was very informative regarding the whale sharks, what to expect during the snorkel, and most importantly, how to respect the animal. Our tour guide also did a great job helping the group snorkel and make the most of our experience. The lunch on the beach was a highlight and on the way back we even saw humpback whales.
Review provided by Viator
Henry_h
Mar 3, 2026
Totally worth it!! - It was absolutely unbelievable! Carla was very educational and patient with a group of nonexperienced swimmers/snorkelers. Her and the captain ensured we all got plenty of chance to see and swim with the whale sharks! The food during lunch was very delicious and fresh! Got to see sea lions swimming up close was also amazing! The beach was a part of Balandra beach that no car could get to, only by boat. Felt very exclusive and relaxing.
Review provided by Viator
Tinarfisher2016
Mar 2, 2026
Swimming with whales and sea lions followed by lunch on Balandra Beach. - Absolutely an awesome trip in every way! Our guide, Karla was the BEST! Beautiful turquoise water, swimming with the whales and sea lions and having lunch on Balandra Beach is a lifetime experience! It was the highlight of our trip! Cheers to Karla for making it truly a spectacular day! Thank you! Tina F.
Review provided by Tripadvisor