Whale sharks and sea lions snorkeling plus Balandra beach lunch

This tour combines two La Paz outings, the whale shark tour and the sea lions and Balandra tour, into one day of about 360 minutes on the Sea of Cortez, in Baja California Sur. Besides swimming with whale sharks, you also snorkel with sea lions, see a bird island and finish with lunch at Balandra.

Beyond the whale shark swim, the boat visits the islet of San Rafaelito, where you snorkel with sea lions and over a coral reef full of underwater life. It then goes to La Gaviota Island, home of the blue-footed booby (season August to November) and other endemic birds.

The last stop is Balandra, which the listing describes as one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Mexico. Lunch is served there, and you have time to spend on the beach or take a small hike around it.

The listing asks you to read some points carefully. In bad weather the tour has to be canceled, which is known about one to two days in advance, so keep that in mind when planning your schedule. Waves can be moderate, which causes a choppy ride, and on windy days the bay may be officially closed to all boat tours. Small jellyfish may be around, not always. The footage of your tour is sent within two to three days; contact the operator if it does not arrive.

The tour is listed as suitable for travelers with at least a moderate level of fitness. It is not recommended for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health or for pregnant travelers, and the listing says the activity is restricted by federal regulations for pregnancy, heart, neck and breathing problems. Freediving is not allowed; only snorkeling at the surface. The listing also lists the tour as wheelchair accessible, which sits oddly with a boat-and-snorkel day, so confirm accessibility when you book.

Included are a professional guide, federal permits and a whale shark conservation donation, snorkel equipment and 3 mm shorty wetsuits, traveler's insurance, complete food and drinks, and GoPro photos and videos (quality depends on the day's conditions). Bring a towel, warm clothes (very important from November to March) and biodegradable sunscreen. Transportation to and from the attractions and gratuities are not included.