la paz boat tour

All Inclusive Tour

Explore espiritu santo island.

The Premier Excursion

Onboard our spacious sailing catamaran cameras welcome all inclusive | educational | hotel pick-up & drop-off, important notice.

If you have booked an Isla Espiritu Santo island adventure, and federal regulators close the national park for some reason, we will provide you a 2 for 1 activity as follows: 1 -We provide a Sea Lions and Remote Beaches activity on the date you are scheduled, (see details below), AND 2 -We provide you with a FREE prepaid island adventure certificate* to use when the park is open. Sea Lions and Remote Beaches Review We depart the dock as normal in our large and spacious sailing catamaran, and visit two or three remote beaches, bays, and coves where we snorkel with tropical fish over corals, explore beaches, put out kayaks, and other non-motorized water toys. We visit the sea lion colony of San Rafaelito, and provide an onboard chef, meals, beverages, an open bar, private bathrooms and showers, towels, snorkel equipment, a separate snorkel boat with guide, and reef-friendly sunscreen.

Tour Overview

An intimate all inclusive, all day sailing cruise on a large and spacious private sailing catamaran to espiritu santo island; a unesco world natural heritage site since 2005 and a national park since 2007.  the island has numerous beautiful bays with turquoise crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and inlets abundant with marine life. from friendly sea lions to tropical fish, sea turtles, mobula rays and dolphins, the island has it all..

Depart Los Cabos Corridor

Board Baja Cat Coffee, fruit, yogurt, pastries, soft drinks, beer, and mixed drinks

Sea Lions of San Rafaelito Oceanographer review of the Sea of Cortez and the local marine environment. Snorkeling with tropical fish and playing with sea lions are available.

11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Arrive Isla Espiritu Santo Power dinghy to shore, exploring remote beaches, hiking well-marked nature trails, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, water sports, tours of rock formations and prime snorkeling areas. Freshly grilled chicken, steak, or fish dishes, accompanied by our own chef prepared salsas, chutneys, slaws, chips, guacamole, etc. The on board lunch, includes an assortment of snacks, soft drinks, and an open bar.

Disembark Baja Cat for return trip home Note 1: Time schedules are subject to tidal flow, weather, and traffic conditions Note 2: When sea conditions make crossing to San Gabriel Bay uncomfortable, Baja Cat will anchor within the outer arms of Balandra Bay. The outer beaches of Balandra are only accessible by boat. They are likely the most beautiful of all the beaches in the area. All the amenities outlined above will be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Includes: 8 hour tour on large and spacious sailing catamaran, ground transportation, captain, chef, certified guide, chef prepared meals, typically, a marine biologist as hostess, snorkel gear in various sizes, sodas and beer, unlimited open bar, bottled water, beach towels, bracelets for natural protected parks, reef-friendly sunscreen.

All Inclusive per person plus tax

Child Under 12

96’ Yacht and Beach Glamping Adventure

Seven days, six nights, go private.

Sailing Catamaran

Why we are the premier option.

Baja Charters Office - La Paz Captains Sunset Bar US Phone: 214-974-0501 (English Only) Mexico Phones: (52) 624-128-5666 (Spanish, English, German) (52) 612-152-9940 (English Only) Captains Sunset Bar and Restaurant & Dock 5

Captains Sunset Bar Located on Marina Palmira, directly in front of the yachts, a part of the Marine Waterfront Hotel

Baja Charters

Private charters and shared tours baja charters provides premier private charters, and the top-rated shared tours in our area. five-star rated we are not a typical tour company. we provide a private yacht experience with first class service and amenities. no one does it like we do for anything close to our prices. guests are able to visit beautiful, isolated locations that are experienced by only the fortunate few. we provide all inclusive cruising to remote coves and beaches in the gulf of california, known outside the us as the sea of cortez. this area is famously known as the world’s aquarium, dubbed so by the famous oceanographer jacque cousteau. according to nature.org, the inside sea of cortez is the second most biologically diverse marine environment on the planet. an intimate cruise features snorkeling with sea lions, an array of tropical fish over shallow tropical reefs, swimming with whale sharks in season, strolling remote beaches, exploring, paddle boarding, kayaking, scuba, etc. baja charters provides quality chef-prepared meals on board with an open bar, served by a skilled and educated crew. a marine biologist is typically on board as hostess and snorkel leader. everything is included: snorkel gear, wet suits, kayaks, and paddleboards, along with an assist boat for getting up close to sea life in its natural environment. reef-friendly sunscreen, bottled water, beer, sodas, and a variety of snacks are all provided, along with private bathrooms, fresh towels, and private showers. join us, for the experience of a lifetime., other excursions we offer.

Remote Beaches Tour

Giant Mantas Tour

Scuba Dive Tour

Private Charter a Sailing Catamaran

Private Charter a Classic Cruiser

Private Sportfishing

Espiritu Santo Island Tour

Glamping Tour

Cabo Pulmo Tour

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What travellers are saying.

• holy spirit island tour
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TEL / WHATSAPP     US / CAN    + 52 612 183  5278

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CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Best tour in La Paz!!

I came on a snorkeling and paddle boarding tour with O n Board  B aja and had the best time! The whole team was so pleasant and so genuine, you can tell they wanted to make sure you had the best experience. Stephanie, Reidar, and Mafer were all so helpful and easy going, made the booking so easy and the tour a blast. It was my first time snorkeling and they definitely made me feel comfortable so I can enjoy it. I definitely recommend them for your tour, you will be in very good hands!

I could spend hours writing about the amazing experience with Reidar, Stephanie, Mafer and the rest of the crew, but I think you should find it yourself if you go to Baja.

I am certain that they are the best ones to take you to Espiritu Santo, see the whales and discover Baja. They put heart, effort, humor and the best resources.

You can see Baja in different ways but the best experience is definitely with them.

We are so lucky to have found this group! Wonderful staff, first-rate equipment, best Captain! A lovely day filled with new experiences and lovely beaches. Thank you....we will be back.

TEL / WHATSAPP 612. 183.52.78

Tel / whatsapp us / can 612.183.52.78, [email protected].

THE 10 BEST La Paz Boat Tours

Boat tours in la paz.

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• +52 (612) 106 7242
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Baja Adventure Co.

La paz ● bcs, mexico.

BACO specializes in customized trips so you experience the best that Baja Sur, México has to offer. Take a look at our wide range of adventures from whale shark encounters, snorkel Espiritu Santo island adventures, or incredible fishing and spearfishing expeditions. We’re here to put together your trip of a lifetime so you can dream up your perfect vacation.

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Espiritu santo, sportfishing, kayak & sup, spearfishing.

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Ad dress: Carretera a Pichilingue km 7.5 Local #36 Costa Baja La Paz B.C.S. Phone From the US: ( 619) 955 6003 From Mexico +52 (612) 106 7242 Email: [email protected]

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Ad dress: Carretera a Pichilingue km 7.5 Local #36 Costa Baja La Paz B.C.S.

Phone From the US: +1 619 955 6003 From Mexico +52 612 106 7242 Email: [email protected]

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Balandra and Sea Lions Tour

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• You will meet your guide in MARINA LA PAZ, once on the boat the the guide will supply biodegradable sunscreen, wetsuits and snorkel gear a will brief you about La Paz bay, sea lions biology, environment, safety and how to get the best of this experience.
• After a 20min boat ride, we will reach a small sea lion colony surrounded by a beautiful coral reef with plentiful fish, where you will be snorkeling for up to 40 min. The boat will be always near the group if some members prefer to snorkel for less time
• We will show you the beautiful beach of Balandra and Mushroom rock, and If we are lucky we may even see some Blue Footed Boobies in Gaviota island
• Finally you will enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the most private beaches near Balandra. Your guide will set up table, shade and chairs for you to enjoy fresh ceviche, tasty burritos and fruit.

Privacy Overview

Eco-Tours in La Paz and La Ventana

Swim with whale sharks in La Paz, sea lions the and the vast underwater life at Baja, México.

Lunch at paradisaical beaches on one of our Espíritu Santo Island or Balandra tour.

Search for whales, orcas, giant mantas, and much more in La Ventana and interact with nature as we are part of it, leaving no trace, respecting it and enjoying at the fullest.

Whale Shark tour

Sea lions and Balandra tour

Seafari tour in La Ventana Searching for mobulas, giant mantas, orcas, dolphins and more

Whale Sharks, sea lions and Balandra

Espíritu Santo Island tour

Freediving expeditions and courses

Do you want on your next tour: personalized service? Be attended by nature lovers? No crowded boats? The safety of first aid certified staff and over 10 years of experience? And, of course, and adventure of a lifetime?

If you answered YES to one or more questions, then we are the best option for you!

Check by yourself on our tripadvisor reviews

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Desert Drives and Sea Lion Dives: The Enduring Draws of La Paz, Mexico

New hotels and destination-worthy restaurants now complement the ever-appealing outdoors surrounding La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur.

The east coast of Baja California Sur is a distinctive mix of ocean and red-hued desert. Credit... Tanveer Badal for The New York Times

Supported by

By Lauren Sloss

• April 3, 2024

For our last night in La Paz, Mexico, we kept it simple: A couple of cans of cold Pacifico, a bench on the malecón, the city’s waterfront promenade, and the sunset glowing orange over the shimmering silver-blue Sea of Cortez. My husband, Alex, and I had spent nearly a week taking scenic desert drives and lazy city strolls, visiting stunning beaches and mountains, and enjoying a steady diet of fish tacos and mezcalitas. But now we were salt-coated and sinking into a blissful exhaustion that comes only after a day spent scuba diving.

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, the Mexican state where some 42 percent of the land and water are natural protected areas , and the city lies on the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, considered one of the world’s most diverse marine environments. Travelers have long been drawn to the region’s glorious outdoors, a distinctive mix of ocean and red-hued desert, to spend days not only diving, but also sailing, kayaking, fishing, kite surfing, mountain biking, camping and hiking.

In recent years, the city has maintained its strong commitment to environmental conservation, but has also welcomed new restaurants and accommodations, meeting a growing desire among many travelers to Mexico for authentic experiences found beyond the walls of an enormous resort.

“This is an adventure destination,” said Luz Maria Zepeda, the director of the city’s tourism board. “We want people who want to explore, who want to preserve the environment the way it is, and to help us protect it.”

Growth, but kept in check

Home to around 300,000 people, La Paz has a decidedly laid-back feel — “The Peace,” it’s aptly named — and is often overshadowed by Los Cabos , a municipality on the state’s southernmost tip that includes San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, as well as by tiny Todos Santos , a stylish destination for art and food on the Pacific Coast.

Indeed, while La Paz had a record-breaking 600,000 tourists in 2023, Los Cabos — through cruises and air alone — welcomes 3 million travelers annually .

La Paz’s comparatively modest number of visitors is, in part, a question of access: La Paz’s airport almost exclusively serves domestic destinations, with direct flights primarily from Mexico City and Guadalajara. Most international visitors opt to fly to the larger Los Cabos International Airport and take the two- to three-hour drive to La Paz.

The drive from the airport is its own worthwhile journey, with routes running along the Pacific Coast through Todos Santos and El Pescadero, home to Playa Los Cerritos , a popular surfing destination. A slightly longer, but epically beautiful, drive winds through the Sierra La Laguna mountain range.

La Paz is a walkable city with good roads and ample services. It does not have any large resorts, and there are no current plans to build any: This is not a destination with aspirations of imitating the all-inclusive, tourist-heavy spring break vibes long associated with Cabo. Instead of a waterfront dominated by restricted private access, La Paz has the malecón, which was renovated in 2020 and 2021. Last April, a proposal to build a large port for cruise ships was withdrawn after local pushback .

“We don’t want massive tourism,” said Ivan Félix, the manager of the tour and travel department of the La Paz tourism board. “The idea is not to grow in numbers, but in quality.”

That has translated to a bevy in smaller, higher-end hotel openings: Hotel Indigo , formerly the Costabaja Resort & Spa, was renovated and reopened by IHG in December and Republica Pagana , an adults-only boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant, welcomed its first guests in January. Grupo Habita opened the Baja Club Hotel in a former colonial villa in 2021 on the malecón. Hilton plans to complete a renovation of the historic La Perla Hotel , which first opened in 1940, by the end of this year.

That sophisticated growth can also be found in the city’s culinary scene, which continues to be dominated by the region’s fresh seafood, flour tortillas and ranch-driven fare like meat-filled molcajetes and snack-sized burritos. Fried fish tacos remain stalwarts, from street stands to casual eateries like Taco Fish La Paz (featured on the Netflix series “Taco Chronicles,”) and Toto Frito , where you can try sustainably farmed totoaba, a fish native to the Sea of Cortez. We feasted on a variety of chilaquiles at Maria California , a popular brunch spot, and inhaled spicy shrimp aguachile at a beach stand at Playa El Tecolote, just north of Balandra. At Los 32 Sabores , a memorable dinner of manta ray and tripe tacos on fresh tortillas and Caesar salads made tableside hinted at the city’s ambition to become a bona fide food and drink destination.

Gratitude Coffee Makers , a coffee bar a few blocks off the malecón, was opened by the husband-and-wife team Sergio Hernández and Gloria Olivera in 2022. The couple work closely with Mexican coffee farmers, ensuring both quality beans and fair labor practices, and host art exhibitions and events at their cafe. They have noticed a decided shift in the restaurant scene in recent years.

“It’s definitely developing. There are a lot of people from the mainland that are coming here and opening restaurants. You can find a lot more things to do,” said Mr. Hernández, who is from Mexico City.

Some of that diversity can be found nearby at Tiger Club , which serves Southeast Asian fare and natural wine. The restaurant is housed on the back patio of Casa Nopal , a showroom and shop specializing in handmade goods from Mexican artisans, both of which opened in 2022. Nearby, Sunrise/Sunset is a natural wine bar that opened in December. Nemi offers riffs on traditional dishes, which might include fresh fish served raw or topped with hoja santa butter, duck confit in flour tortillas or pork belly served with beans and nopales. The restaurant is the first solo project of Alejandro Villagomez, who in 2011 moved from Mexico City where he was chef de cuisine of Pujol .

“La Paz is a magical place,” Mr. Villagomez said. “We are surrounded by sea and desert, and we strive to find the best ingredients both inside and outside the city.”

White sand, cobalt waters

Still, for all of the new hotels and destination-worthy restaurants, the natural world remains La Paz’s main draw. Chrissy Cappellano, a certified master scuba diver trainer from Long Island, in New York, has been living in the city since 2018.

“You have to plan multiple trips to see everything,” she said of the area’s rich marine life. “There’s a time that’s good for whale sharks, for whales, for sea lions.”

I met Ms. Cappellano when she led our daylong dive trip with Carey Dive Center that included a surprise sighting of humpback whales and a swim with whale sharks , the wide-mouthed, filter-feeding fish that can grow up to 30 feet. The rest of the day was spent around the islands of Espírito Santo and Partida — the archipelago is part of an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a national park and a 45-minute ride from the city — diving around a protected sea lion colony called Los Islotes . The marine mammals didn’t hesitate to approach our group, performing flips and in some cases, biting onto flippers and dive hoses. Perhaps as spectacular were the schools of sardines, glinting silver in the sun as they whirled around us like confetti.

Care for the environment is a common talking point on dive trips I’ve been on elsewhere in Mexico and around the world; here, it was an actionable part of the agenda. Daily access to whale sharks, which migrate in order to feed in the waters right off the city , is limited to a small number of tour boats at set times. As we boarded our boat after our first dive at Los Islotes, someone spotted a sea lion pup who had been wounded by a fishing hook. Ms. Cappellano quickly sent photos and videos to Rescate de Lobos Marinos , an organization that helps monitor and treat sea lions. Carey also made a point to provide reusable water bottles for the day. (The state as a whole has been strictly limiting single-use plastics since 2018.)

It’s not hard to see how and why visitors fall in love with these cobalt waters, and why local residents are so protective of them. Espiritu Santo is a geological layer cake carved with countless small anchorages, beloved by sailors and fishing enthusiasts. But there’s also much to explore on land — the island is a popular destination for hiking and glamping, while Playa Balandra , famous for its white sand and shallow turquoise waters, is consistently named one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. An easy 20-minute drive from the city center, it is also a protected area, and limits the number of visitors allowed per day, with timed entries at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. La Ventana, a 40-minute drive, is a famous kite-surfing destination . There’s mountain biking, dune buggying, hiking and camping, too.

“You can pick a beach depending on the wind. There are waterfalls and hot springs. Every sunset here is usually amazing,” Ms. Cappellano said. “There’s just so much nature to be enjoyed.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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La Paz Mexico, join our tailor-made excursions and island tours

La Paz is an up and coming tourist hub second only to Los Cabos in the Baja California Sur area. The state capital is a major fishing town but tourism is becoming an equally important industry.

Large sea lion colonies are dotted around between the seafront and UNESCO world heritage site Espiritu Santo Island . The island is home to various bird colonies such as frigates, grey herons and blue spotted boobies.

It’s a perfect Escape the Crowd location.

Snorkeling with the Whale Shark

Swim with whale sharks

Season : November to May

Whale Shark and Sea Lion snorkel combo

Season : November to April

La Paz Island Excursion

Scuba diving, wreck diving & wale shark.

Sea lion Dive & Whale shark Combo

Season : October to May

La Paz Wreck Diving

Season : May to October Level : From Open Water

Whale Sharks in La Paz, Mexico

There are very few places in the world where it is possible to swim with congregations of whale sharks and 3 of these places are in Mexico. The whalesharks of La Paz have the added bonus of only being 20 minutes away by boat. Of course, it can take longer to find them once in the area and we are permitted 2 hours in the area.

A certified whale shark guide will meet us at the boat and give a thorough briefing about its habitat, behaviour, conservation status and more. If you want to be on the water for longer you can extend your tour and opt for scuba diving or snorkeling at the nearby sea lion colony of San Rafaelito .

Espiritu Santo Island: a unique La Paz Tour

Another popular tour in La Paz is Espiritu Santo Island . This beautiful paradise island belongs to a UNESCO World heritage site and is a true gem of Baja California Sur.

Leaving from La Paz ‘Melacon’ or seafront we arrive at the south side of the island after about 40 minutes. Depending on conditions we can take the east side around and see some marvelous rock formations and caverns full of stalagmites and stalactites and maybe stop for a dip in the beautiful emerald green water.

Continuing round we pass the channel that only just separates Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida . At the north end we can visit the biggest sea lion colony in the area at Los Islotes Island . In winter and spring we can swim with playful females and their young, or if you’re looking for adventure, why not consider scuba diving the shipwreck of La Paz . For all divers and non diver La Paz in Mexico offers an astonishing array of wildlife and scenery.

Travelling back down the west side we will stop for lunch at one of the white sand beaches where we can also snorkel in turquoise water! Here we will visit the ancient ‘Mascara’ : a face in the rock where Pericú tribes people left offerings to their gods.

Finally, we visit the old pearl farm where we can still see the outline of the oyster fields and, next to it, the largest frigate colony in Baja California Sur!

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