Los Cabos · LA PAZ TOURS

The 15 Best La Paz Tours and Day Trips

87 tours  ·  from $56 a head

La Paz is the calm bay two hours north of Cabo: whale sharks, sea lions and Balandra’s shallow water. These 15 compare transfers from Cabo, time in the water and what lunch looks like.

Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach - Snorkeling With Sea Lions at Los Islotes
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Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 661 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $136Our pick

From La Paz, take a seven-hour boat trip to Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida with a marine guide and a group of no more than eight. Snorkel near sea lions when conditions allow, visit island wildlife and geological sites, and eat fresh ceviche or a requested vegan lunch on a sandy beach. Guides such as Lorenza, Omar, and Juan Carlos have led trips.

“The Sea Lions are great but it is a long boat ride to and from the Sea Lion rookery, about an hour and a half each way old more for stops. Only problem was the life jackets they require you to wear when snorkeling, very awkward.”

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Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist - Finding a whale shark
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Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

2.Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 594 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $190

From La Paz, join a small boat crew and a marine biologist such as Angel or Carla to snorkel at the surface near whale sharks. Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, refreshments, permits, insurance, and GoPro photos and videos are included. The roughly three-hour trip depends on weather, sea conditions, and finding sharks.

“This whale shark excursion was hands-down amazing, and a huge part of that is thanks to Angel (our marine biologist) and Marco (our boat captain) Angel explained everything so clearly — from the rules and safety guidelines to how to respectfully interact with the whale sharks — and made sure everyone felt comfortable and confident the entire time. They helped us find several whale sharks and when some of us weren’t able to get great photos in the water, Angel came through with his GoPro and later emailed us the most incredible photos and videos. That extra effort meant so much and allowed us to truly relive the experience. This…”

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Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter - Premium Service - How demanding is the swim?
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Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter – Premium Service

3.Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter – Premium Service

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 392 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $268

Meet your guide at The Dock Cafe in La Paz, gear up in a wetsuit and snorkel kit, then ride with a captain into the whale shark zone. The group is capped at seven, and guides such as Fatima, Angel, Ana, and Katrin have led trips. Expect active swims, included snacks and drinks, and photo and video capture, though delivery is worth confirming.

“This was an incredible tour with a fantastic host Katrin! The boat ride is quick and we found a whale shark right away. It was about 15ft and we kind of just keep following it with the boat and then when we’re close enough we take turns jumping out and swimming with it. Everyone wore wetsuits because the water is very cold but we didn’t have to wear lifejackets which is always appreciated. It was windy and the waves were kind of big so it was a workout! The big fish can swim pretty fast and your just keeping up with it. Katrin took incredible photos and videos for everyone.…”

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Balandra & Tecolote: hike, kayak and snorkel in paradise - Starting on Balandra’s calm water
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Balandra & Tecolote: hike, kayak and snorkel in paradise

4.Balandra & Tecolote: hike, kayak and snorkel in paradise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 299 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $136

Start at Balandra at 8 am for about two hours of kayaking and snorkeling, then hike five kilometres over sand and rock to Tecolote for ceviche lunch. Groups are limited to six, gear is provided, and guides such as Mateo, Alberto, Alex and Daniel have led recent outings. Arrange your own ride between beaches.

“This was a delightful adventure, highlighting the beautiful beach and the marine life. The guides, Danny and Alberto are both marine biologists, and knowledgeable of the species. The tour started with kayaking to the mangroves by the beach. It was quiet and serene. We saw an osprey and a colony of pelicans in addition to the seagulls. Then, we kayaked to the other side of the beach and went snorkeling. We were very impressed with the diversity of the marine life. Beautiful purple corals and different kinds of fish that we hadn’t seen before. After a small snack break, we set off to hike through the rocky and sandy parts…”

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holy spirit island tour - Snorkeling beside Isla Espíritu Santo’s sea lions
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holy spirit island tour

5.holy spirit island tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 188 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $131

Set out from La Paz at 10:00 am for a roughly seven-hour boat trip to Isla Espíritu Santo. Snorkel with sea lions and around coral, watch for dolphins and other wildlife, then eat lunch on a beach. Snorkel gear, ceviche, sandwiches, water, and soft drinks are included. Guides on past trips have included Federico, David, Edgar, and Francisco, though crews vary.

“We really enjoyed the sea lion experience, and the crew was great! Just be prepared to spend a lot of time on the boat and a relatively short time (~20 minutes) in the water. However, it is still a great and unique excursion if you love sea lions, natural beauty, and can commit 7 hours to the experience.”

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Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure - Ensenada Grande brings a welcome pause
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Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure

6.Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 172 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $145

From Marina Asipona, a local guide and captain take you to sea lion colonies at Isla los Islotes, then to Ensenada Grande for lunch and time to swim, snorkel, or rest. Snorkel gear is included, with winter wetsuits provided. The boat carries up to 18 people, and the return route offers views of Balandra.

“This was the most amazing tour I have ever been on! Snorkeling with the sea lions was a dream. I only wish we could have snorkeled in the water a little longer (we spent about 15-20 mins out). We then went to the most beautiful beach to have lunch and relax. Tour guides really give you a sense of the history on different areas. Very welcoming people and kept it interesting. You might even see a humpback whale, dolphins, and sea turtles. We were lucky enough to and guides went over and beyond to give us an amazing experience. Also, don’t skimp out of tipping your guides based on their…”

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Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkeling Sea Lion Adventure - Snorkeling near Los Islotes
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Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkeling Sea Lion Adventure

7.Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkeling Sea Lion Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 167 reviews · 6 hours · from $133

Leave La Paz by shaded, cushioned-seat boat for Espíritu Santo and Los Islotes. Snorkel near sea lions when conditions and seasonal rules allow, then enjoy fresh ceviche on a beach. Marine biologist guides such as Mateo, Omar and Juan Carlos have led trips, sharing local wildlife, geology and history along the way.

“Beautiful excursion with a very kind, funny, and knowledgeable guide, Alejandro. Captain Cristian was nice as well and recommended some local activities for us. The whole trip was absolutely stunning. Spent about 6 hours total, met at 9am at the port then did snorkeling, wildlife (& sea lion) sight seeing, a yummy provided lunch, some swimming at Espiritu Santo, and one more wildlife stop. Unfortunately, we could not snorkel with the sea lions as it was mating season and they become territorial. But a wonderful must-do experience nonetheless. Thanks Alej & Cristian!”

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Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz - The wait is part of the outing
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Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz

8.Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 154 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110

Set out from La Paz into the Sea of Cortez to snorkel near whale sharks, with a guide explaining how to approach them safely. Groups are limited to 10, with swim turns of about five people. Guides have included Armando, Dellis, and Camilla, though your crew may differ. Water, snacks, and equipment are included; plan for possible waits and extra cash fees.

“Our guide, Armando, was very friendly and informative. We were able to get so close to the whale sharks..this is a must-do experience! Tip: if you are prone to sea-sickness, take some medicine beforehand. The waters were choppy on the day we went.”

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Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist - What the 3½-hour outing is like
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Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist

9.Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $170

Join a small-group whale shark swim in La Paz with a marine biologist and captain. Up to five people enter the water at a time, with a maximum of 30 minutes alongside each shark. Snorkel gear, wetsuits, snacks, and water are included. Crew members have included guides Francesca and Natalia, though the team can vary.

“Incredible moments to swim along with the sharks. Super peaceful, well prepared by the guides who took their time to explain everything and were super knowledgeable. It made the whole experience feel much better, respectful towards the sharks. Wonderful and would highly recommend anyone to take this tour. The small group size also helped.”

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La Paz Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Tour - Balandra gives the day room to slow down
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La Paz Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Tour

10.La Paz Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $250

From Marina de La Paz, join a marine biologist and a group of up to 10 for whale shark snorkeling, sea lions at San Rafaelito, and a beach stop at Balandra. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, lunch, drinks, snacks, and underwater photos and videos are included. Turn times depend on boat-slot assignment.

“Christian and Marco were amazing and took great care of us. They got us so close to the whale sharks, it was unreal! And the homemade lunch they served on a beautiful beach was delicious! Fair warning, the tiny jellyfish in the water can be brutal, so might want to bring a full body wetsuit if you are sensitive to it.”

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3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour - Empanadas, machaca and a sweet finish
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3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour

11.3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $82

Start at 9 a.m. in central La Paz for a three-to-four-hour walking tour capped at eight people. Visit Mercado Madero, see local art and landmarks, and sample Baja fish tacos, empanadas, burritos, machaca and pastry. Guides including Giovanny, Juan Pablo and Cynthia have led tours; the guide on your date may differ.

“You will eat a lot! We were offered drinks and samples of local foods along the way, aside from the official dishes. Come hungry! The tour is also given by an artist, so we got to learn about all the murals we had been seeing all over town.”

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Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz - Swimming ability matters more than bravado
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Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz

12.Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $131

Meet Alonso Tours at La Paz’s Muelle Fiscal for a 2-to-4-hour search for whale sharks. Guides such as David, Gustavo, and Diego have led guests through repeated, supervised swims, with time to watch from the boat between turns. Snacks and purified water are provided. Bring swimming confidence, and check the snorkel gear and wetsuit rental details before booking.

“Vivian and Miguel were a great team! Informative, knowledgeable but not obtrusive. English is well understood”

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Private Trip Espiritu Santo Island - Balandra and the island’s bays
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Private Trip Espiritu Santo Island

13.Private Trip Espiritu Santo Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 7 hours (approx.)

Set out from La Paz at 9 a.m. for a private, roughly seven-hour boat trip to Espíritu Santo Island. Visit La Lobera, where sea lion snorkeling is closed June through August, explore clear-water bays, and stop at Balandra Beach. Snorkel gear, wetsuits, lunch, ceviche, snacks, and drinks are included. Guides have included marine biologists Miguel, Dani, and Dahlia.

“There were four of us who attended this guided tour and we had the boat to ourselves. Miguel and Vic were great tour guides, showing us all that La Paz had to offer. The boat was clean, comfortable and safe. Miguel shared fun facts about the islands and the wild life. We went snorkeling with the sea lions, swam in a private bay, and hung out at the beach. So much to see and they showed us it all! 10/10 recommend and we will be coming back!”

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La Paz Beaches Half Day Tour - Tecolote offers room to move
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La Paz Beaches Half Day Tour

14.La Paz Beaches Half Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 54 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $119

Spend about six hours exploring La Paz’s beaches with a local guide and private transportation. Stops may include Balandra, Tecolote, Pichilingue, El Tesoro, Caimancito, and Coromuel, though the day can cover fewer. Expect beach time, snacks and drinks, and a ceviche lunch. Guides such as Juan, César, and Rafael have helped guests make the most of changing beach access and timing.

“The guide and driver did everything they could to make the tour fun, easy and interesting! We had a great time . Balances beach is beautiful.”

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Full Day Gray Whale Watching Experience - Watching whales without chasing them
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Full Day Gray Whale Watching Experience

15.Full Day Gray Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $191

Leave La Paz around 8:00 am for the roughly two-hour drive to Puerto Chale. A guide accompanies you on a small panga through mangroves to gray whale waters, where the outing lasts about two hours. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to La Paz. Pickup, drinks, and an air-conditioned vehicle are included.

“We saw so many whales it was incredible! The day was windy so we started earlier than expected. Our boat captain knew where to go for the calmest wind conditions and the whales were spy hopping all around us. It was a really magical experience”

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New in La Paz Tours

★ 3.5Whale Shark Snorkeling in La PazFrom $1393 reviews
★ 4.0Swim with Whale Sharks #1 MUST DO IN LA PAZFrom $1316 reviews
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★ 4.0Swim with Whale Shark from La Paz7 reviews
★ 5.0Sea of Cortez Combo: Whale Sharks, Sea Lions & Balandra BeachFrom $2897 reviews
★ 4.5Sunset Sandboarding at La Paz Dunes TourFrom $8913 reviews
★ 4.5Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience37 reviews
★ 5.0Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La PazFrom $13142 reviews
★ 5.0Scuba Diving in La Paz Private Trip3 reviews
★ 5.0Sea Lion Snorkel at Espíritu Santo Island Private trip6 reviews
★ 5.0Sea Lions & Mega-Paddleboard Tour in BalandraFrom $1184 reviews
★ 5.0Scuba Diving Adventure in La Paz3 reviews
★ 5.0Sandboarding at the Mogote DunesFrom $8921 reviews
★ 4.5All-Inclusive Catamaran Tour | Beaches & Sea Lions from Los CabosFrom $37737 reviews
★ 5.0Transportation La Paz Airport – Hotel3 reviews

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La Paz Whale Shark Tours21La Paz Sea Lion Tours25Espiritu Santo Tours22Balandra Beach Tours27Todos Santos Tours22
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