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La Paz, Baja California Sur · Sea of Cortez

Every Boat Tour
in La Paz, In One Place.

Eight tours. One local operator. Whale Sharks, Sea Lions, Mobula Rays, Gray Whales, world-record fishing, and more — all departing from the La Paz Malecón, all marine biologist guided, all booked direct with no middleman.

La Paz sits on the Sea of Cortez — what Jacques Cousteau called "the aquarium of the world." The Hook runs small-group boat tours from the Malecón year-round, each led by a marine biologist guide, each capped at a small group size. Whether you have one day in La Paz or a whole week, here's every tour we run.

Isla Espíritu Santo tour, La Paz
The Wild Sanctuary
Year-Round · Full Day

Isla Espíritu Santo

Snorkel with nearly 1,000 Sea Lions at Los Islotes. Explore the island, relax on the beach, and enjoy a fresh creative lunch ... more

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Sea Safari Norte tour, La Paz
The Open Water
Year-Round · Wildlife

Sea Safari Norte

Sea Lions, Mobulas, dolphins, orcas. Migratory whales in season. Baja's wildest ocean encounters ... more

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The Grand Slam tour, La Paz
The Grande Slam

Balandra · Sea Lions · Whale Shark

Nov – Apr · Half-Day Signature Trip

Whale Sharks, the San Rafaelito Sea Lion colony, and Balandra Beach in one 5-hour small-group boat trip ... more

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Whale Shark Experience, La Paz
The Encounter

Whale Shark Experience

Nov – Apr · Signature Tour

Swim alongside the world's largest fish in La Paz Bay. Wild, ethical, marine biologist guided ... more

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Balandra Beach tour, La Paz
The Hidden Cove

Balandra

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Sportfishing tour, La Paz
The Deep Water

Fly Fishing

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Sandboarding El Mogote dunes La Paz
The Desert Edge

Sandboarding

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Gray Whale tour, La Paz
The Great Migration

Gray Whale

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La Paz, Baja California Sur

Why La Paz

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, sitting on a wide, calm bay on the Sea of Cortez — the body of water Jacques Cousteau called "the aquarium of the world." Unlike the resort strip of Los Cabos two hours south, La Paz is a real, working Mexican city: a long waterfront Malecón, a walkable historic downtown, and a bay quiet enough that Whale Sharks, Sea Lions, and migratory whales all pass through it every year.

Visiting from Los Cabos? La Paz is about 2.5 hours away by car or shuttle. Whale Shark tours booked directly in La Paz start around $2,500 MXN, compared to $4,500 MXN and up for tours bused in from Cabo — you're paying less by booking the same experience at its source, without the extra hours on a bus each way.

Beyond the Tours

Where to Eat, Stay & Explore in La Paz

Food
Los 32 Sabores
Upscale contemporary Mexican, known for its mole
Mariscos El Paceñito
Local seafood favorite, multiple locations including the Malecón
El Sabroso
Widely considered the best tacos al pastor in La Paz
La Mentita
Popular breakfast and brunch spot near the Malecón
Mercado Bravo
Historic municipal market since 1964 — fresh, cheap, authentic
Doce Cuarenta
Popular coffee and bakery spot in the historic center
Drinks
La Mezcalería La Miserable
Authentic, over 100 mezcals, live music
Black Marlin Brewing Co.
Local craft brewery and taproom
Patio Domínguez
Billiards, live DJs — Thursday is salsa night
Stay
Hotel Catedral
Boutique hotel in the historic center, rooftop pool
Seven Crown
Well-located, easy walking distance to the Malecón
Beyond the Boat
Cerro de la Calavera
Short sunrise or sunset hike, panoramic views of the bay
Playa Tecolote
Easy self-guided beach, ~25 min from town, good snorkeling
Museo de la Ballena
Whale natural history museum, historic center
El Serpentario
Non-profit reptile & wildlife rescue center, family-friendly
Casa Parra Gallery
Mexican native art, right next to Hotel Catedral
Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano
Artisan cooperative on the Malecón, work from 120+ local makers
Ibarra's Pottery
Family-owned ceramics workshop, a La Paz staple since 1958
Common Questions

Choosing a La Paz Boat Tour

What boat tours are available in La Paz?+
The Hook offers eight boat tours from La Paz: the Whale Shark Experience (Nov–Apr), Isla Espíritu Santo (UNESCO World Heritage, Sea Lions, year-round), Sea Safari Norte (Mobula Rays, orcas, dolphins), The Grand Slam (Whale Sharks, Sea Lions, and Balandra combined), Balandra Beach, Fly Fishing & Sportfishing, Sandboarding at El Mogote, and the Gray Whale Experience (Jan–Mar, from Puerto Chale).
How do I choose which La Paz boat tour is right for me?+
If Whale Sharks are in season (November through April), that's La Paz's signature experience and most guests prioritize it. For guaranteed year-round wildlife, Isla Espíritu Santo's Sea Lion colony is the most reliable encounter. Want more than one highlight in a single day? The Grand Slam combines Whale Sharks, Sea Lions, and Balandra Beach in one 5-hour trip.
How much do La Paz boat tours cost?+
Pricing varies by tour, starting around $1,300 MXN for Balandra or Sandboarding, up to $4,500 MXN for The Grand Slam or a full-day Fishing charter. All prices are quoted in Mexican pesos and include CONANP park fees where applicable.
What is the best time of year to visit La Paz for boat tours?+
November through April is La Paz's peak season — Whale Sharks are present, weather is mild, and the water is calmer. Isla Espíritu Santo's Sea Lions are present year-round. Gray Whales are only visible January through March from Puerto Chale.
Are La Paz boat tours suitable for beginners and non-swimmers?+
Yes. All snorkeling tours provide life jackets and gear, and guides stay in the water with guests throughout. No prior snorkeling or diving experience is required.
Where do La Paz boat tours depart from?+
All Hook tours depart from the La Paz Malecón (waterfront boardwalk), within walking distance of most hotels and the historic downtown.
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