La Paz, Sea of Cortez

The Desert Jewel

Sail, explore, and dive into the turquoise waters of Balandra.

An essential expedition to one of the most iconic and protected beaches in Baja California Sur and Mexico.

Essential Expedition from La Paz

Duration:

4 hours (departure approx. 10:30 AM)

Availability:

Year-round

Mode

Groups

Optional

Private experience with professional photography

Expert Marine Nature Guides

Certified captains and guides with in-depth knowledge of La Paz Bay and the ecosystem surrounding Balandra.

Active and Respectful Exploration

Sail through La Paz Bay, snorkel over reefs, and observe the natural formations and living history of Balandra.

All with a focus on responsible tourism.

Thoughtful Logistics in Every Detail

Equipped vessel, permits, snorkel gear, beach lunch, and personalized attention.

Everything prepared so you can simply enjoy this unique corner of the Sea of Cortez.

An Exploration That Reveals More Than It Shows

Balandra is much more than a picture-perfect beach.

It is a living ecosystem where the desert meets the sea.

On this expedition, you’ll sail La Paz Bay, snorkel in vibrant reefs, and learn the natural and cultural history of this protected environment.
Guided by local experts, you’ll explore the true character of Balandra: a changing, fragile, and fascinating landscape that deserves to be discovered with curiosity and respect.

What You Will Experience on This Expedition

Sail across La Paz Bay to the turquoise waters of Balandra, where rugged desert meets calm sea.

Snorkel among reefs and marine formations, guided by experienced captains and guides.
Enjoy a beach lunch, with time to relax and learn about the history and ecosystem of this protected environment. Don’t miss the iconic photo at Balandra’s famous rock formation.

The Desert Jewel: Discover Balandra

A 4-hour expedition in the waters of the Sea of Cortez

We’ll pick you up at your accommodation in downtown La Paz between 9:30 and 10:00 AM.
If you prefer to arrive on your own, we’ll meet you directly at the Muelle Fiscal.
There, your captain and guide will welcome you and review the day’s plan.

You’ll sail through La Paz Bay toward Balandra, with stops to explore the scenery and observe marine life along the way.


During navigation, your guide will share the natural and cultural history of this Protected Natural Area. Expect a few surprises.

Balandra has several bays and observation points. We’ll snorkel in reef areas or in the sea lion colony (depending on season and current regulations).

The activity is conducted in groups and under conservation guidelines.

We’ll explore rock formations, the famous Piedra de Balandra, and its turquoise beaches. Enjoy birdwatching of endemic species and learn about their ecological importance.


Your guide will share the unique features of this environment and its ecological value.

Lunch will be served on the beach, with free time to swim, explore, or simply relax in this unique environment.

We’ll return to the port after the activities, closing the journey of sailing and exploration in the afternoon—around 2:30 PM.

Testimonials

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Janika M profile picture
Janika M
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Wir haben eine Tour zur Isla Espíritu Santo gebucht. Die Organisation war sehr gut, wir haben uns jederzeit sicher gefühlt, der Guide war sehr nett, die Spots zum schnorcheln und essen waren wirklich toll! Einziges Problem: mein Mann hat sich am enthaltenen Ceviche den Magen verdorben. Die Mitarbeiter sollten noch mehr im Umgang mit rohem Fisch und Hygiene geschult werden - oder auf ein Essen wechseln, das weniger Risiko bietet…
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Ixch M profile picture
Ixch M
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
Tours variados y bien planeados, los precios son muy buenos en relación al resto de las ofertas y es muy seguro, te brindan atención a tus solicitudes y el personal es sumamente amable, la mejor opción para contratar tours en La Paz.
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Rafael G profile picture
Rafael G
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¡Excelente todo! Pedimos informes por whatsapp 30 minutos antes del inicio del tour y la atención fue tan buena que nos decidimos de inmediato por el tour a la Isla Espíritu Santo. Enviaron una camioneta por nosotros al hotel, nos llevaron al puerto y nos explicaron todo a detalle en todo momento. Viajamos con 2 niños y todo estuvo perfecto para ellos (tienen aletas, chalecos, goggles y snorkels). Las vistas tanto del mar como de la isla son excepcionales, y ver a los lobos marinos con sus crías es algo muy especial. Sin duda volveríamos a reservar con Alonso Tours.
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Fernando J profile picture
Fernando J
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Excelente tour, los guías y el capitán muy amables, bebidas las que quisiéramos, el servicio excelente, la comida rica, muy atentos y siempre cuidando el medioambiente… súper recomendado los servicios de ellos.
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José G profile picture
José G
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El tour a la Isla del Espíritu Santo es una experiencia imperdible! Los guías muy amables y te van explicando todo. El ceviche que te dan en la playa muy rico
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Raquel D profile picture
Raquel D
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Muy buen servicio! Lo recomiendo!!
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Marisa I profile picture
Marisa I
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The Holy Spirit Island Tour by Alonso Tours was an incredible excursion! This tour is a great way to spend the day. The tour was set up in a very straightforward way so it was very easy to find the meeting point and we were directed appropriately. Overall, it was so incredible to see several different areas of protected land and wildlife. Our guide, Edgar, was fantastic - incredibly knowledgeable about the area and had such a fun energy that made the whole trip enjoyable. He even switched seats with us so we could be more comfortable when he saw that we were getting a bit chilled from the slight ocean spray! Our captain was also amazing! Being brought to essentially a private beach and having lunch (including a vegan ceviche option!) was just an unforgettable experience. I didn’t join the snorkeling session with the sea lions, but I don’t feel like my experience was diminished at all because it was mind-blowing to get to see dolphins, whales, sea lions, and an essentially untouched beach. There is a lot of boat time, but it is such a gorgeous ride that it’s so worth it.
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Sébastien â profile picture
Sébastien â
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Equipage très aimable et tour bien guidé !
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Akuwat profile picture
Akuwat
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google.
Beautiful tour with Alonso tours! Hands down the best experience with the tour guides! This was such a relaxing experience, beautiful scenery and the tour guides made sure that we got to experience as much as possible. We saw whales, rays, sea lions and a school of dolphins. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Who Leads This Expedition?

Every Alonso Tours expedition is guided by captains with decades of experience in the Sea of Cortez, along with certified marine and protected area guides.

We are a family of sailors born in La Paz, with over 15 years exploring these waters and helping thousands of travelers discover them in depth.

Each departure combines the technical knowledge of our captains, the passion of our guides, and the collective commitment of the entire team to provide an authentic, safe, and environmentally respectful experience.

What This Expedition Includes

The Desert Jewel

Balandra, Sea of Cortez

From $85 usd per person

Want to secure your spot?

This expedition can be in high demand during peak season. If you’d like to reserve your place, or if you’d prefer a private or customized experience, contact us.


We’ll be happy to help plan your adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is available year-round.

We depart from downtown La Paz. Once booked, you’ll receive detailed information about the meeting point.

This expedition requires a minimum of 6 people. If your group is smaller, contact us—we may be able to coordinate options or combine groups.
Yes. If you prefer a private experience for your partner, family, or group, contact us and we’ll provide custom options.
Yes. Please let us know when booking if you prefer a vegetarian option.

No. Pets are not allowed in Protected Natural Areas due to environmental regulations.

Swimsuit, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, hat or cap, sunglasses, light clothing, and comfortable footwear.
Yes. The area is very safe and you may use any available public space. There is also private parking, usually at a cost of $60 MXN per day.

If the tour is canceled by the company due to natural phenomena, authority recommendations, or company-related causes, it will be rescheduled or fully refunded.


Cancellations or changes for reasons unrelated to the company are non-refundable.