13 La Paz Tours That You Can’t Miss in 2025
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Looking for the best tours in La Paz, Mexico?
This is your place!
La Paz is the capital of Baja California which is often overlooked in favor of Cabo San Lucas, the main tourism hub of Baja California Sur.
Although La Paz is slightly off the beaten path, it has plenty to offer and boasts a more authentic flair compared to Cabo, which is built on tourism.
La Paz has a couple of interesting museums: Baja California Sur Regional Museum, which offers a fun introduction to the region’s history, and Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar, one of the best museums in Mexico. It’s home to a small but very informative exhibit about marine animals and the ocean.
The main draw of La Paz is its outdoor scenery. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Baja California, like Playa Balandra, Playa El Tesoro, Playa Ensenada Grande, and Playa Shiro; spectacular El Mogote Dunes ideal for sandboarding and sunset watching; and calm waters of the Sea of Cortez perfect for snorkeling 🤿 diving 🪸 and kayaking 🚣🏼
Dubbed the “Aquarium of the World,” by marine conservationist Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the Sea of Cortez is home to an incredible array of biodiversity. Right beneath the aquamarine waters, you can spot curious dolphins 🐬 sea lions 🦭 mobula rays, whale sharks 🦈 whales 🐳 and even orcas, if you go further away from the coast!
Joining one of the guided La Paz tours is the best option if you want to spot these incredible marine animals in their natural habitat.
This incredible biodiversity is one of the reasons why I love La Paz ❤️ and recommend it if you plan a visit to Baja ✔️
On my first trip to Isla Espiritu Santo, I saw tons of animals and also had a chance to swim with sea lions. As we were coming back to La Paz, a pod of dolphins was following our boat 🤩
Whether you want to watch wildlife, learn the fascinating history of La Paz, try Baja’s mouthwatering cuisine 😋 sample tequila 🥃 or ride an ATV through the desert 🏜️ I got you covered 🙌
I’ve been to Baja’s capital many times and will recommend the top rated tours in La Paz that allow you to enjoy the most fun activities in the area.
Best tours in La Paz, Mexico by category
- Best overall tour: Snorkeling in Isla Espiritu Santo with sea lions 🦭
- Best seasonal tour: Swimming with whale sharks 🦈
- Best tour for foodies: Taco Tour Trail in La Paz 🌮
- Best tour for adrenaline junkies: ATV adventure in the desert 🌵
- Best tour for beach lovers: Balandra and Tecolote with a kayak session 🚣🏻♀️
- Best wildlife watching tour: Gray whale watching in La Paz 🐋
Best La Paz Mexico Tours: Overview
1. Whale shark tour in La Paz with a marine biologist 🦈
Shark whales show up along the coast of La Paz from October through May, and you can spot them only with a guided tour 👀
If snorkeling with the ocean’s largest fish is on your bucket list, don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a guided tour headed by a marine biologist who will give you a detailed safety briefing and some fascinating facts about whale sharks before you get in the water.
The tour is limited to eight people and places an emphasis on creating a safe and positive experience for you and the whale sharks that grace the waters of the Sea of Cortez every year 🌊
The tour operator provides the necessary equipment including a snorkeling mask, a wetsuit, and fins. As you drive to your snorkeling spot, you will jump in the water after a marine biologist who will head your group and help to enjoy the experience in a safe and fun manner.
What’s included:
- Professional guide
- Snorkel equipment and wetsuits
- Permits (whale shark bracelet)
- Light refreshments
- Pictures and videos
What’s not included:
- Round trip transportation
- Gratuities
- Towel, sweatshirt and biodegradable sunscreen
This was an incredible experience! We had Carla as our guide and she was wonderful; she made us feel so comfortable in the water and she was knowledgeable about the sharks. We got to jump in twice with a group of four of us plus our guide with two juvenile whale sharks about 4 meters long!
Grace C
2. Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions 🦭
Snorkeling with sea lions is a highlight of any trip to La Paz, and the best way to enjoy this fun adventure is by joining a small-group tour limited to just eight people.
Isla Espíritu Santo is a stunning, uninhabited island off the coast of La Paz in the Sea of Cortez.
The island boasts pristine beaches and provides a convenient entry point for exploring the waters of the Sea of Cortez and spotting wildlife.
✅ Read: 9 Resorts in La Paz for an amazing vacation
After stopping at the island where you will have time to swim and enjoy delicious ceviche or vegan food, you will head to Los Islotes (a colony of over 600 sea lions) where you can swim alongside these playful critters and see vibrant underwater reefs teeming with marine life.
The tour includes stops at several landmarks, including abandoned pearl farms, mangroves, rock formations, and bird colonies 🕊️
Your adventure begins at the Malecon of La Paz where you meet up with your guide and other participants before jumping on a boat.
What’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Fees and taxes
- Lunch
- Soda and water
What’s not included:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
We had an amazing time with Omar and Cristian! The boat ride was beautiful and we stopped along the way to see different bird colonies. Omar gave us a lot of good info as we made our way to the sea lion colony. We saw tons of different reef fish, an octopus, an eel and of course, sea lions!
lindsey G
3. Gray Whale Watching In La Paz 🐋
If you are in La Paz from December through April, don’t miss out on an amazing opportunity to see gray whales in their full glory.
This whale watching tour departs early morning and takes you through the mangroves to one of the most important sites for spotting gray whales in the Sea of Cortez.
You will spend about two hours cruising the area where you can observe gray whales, dolphins, and other species that call this place home.
The tour is designed to create the best experience for you while respecting the whales and following regulations that mandate keeping a certain distance during the tour.
When you return to La Paz, you will enjoy a complimentary lunch 🥗 in a local restaurant before returning to the city.
What’s included:
- Bottled water
- Soda
- Lunch
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Coffee/ tea
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
It was an amazing experience being in the presence of these beautiful creatures. Everything was perfect. Our host and her team was very knowledgeable.
debbie m
4. Sandboarding in the Mogote Dunes in La Paz
Sandboarding on El Mogote Dunes is one of the most unique experiences in La Paz, which I highly recommend if you want to get off the beaten path and enjoy something most tourists don’t get to see.
The tour includes a pick-up from your hotel, and transportation to the dunes, about 30 minutes outside La Paz.
The tour doesn’t require any previous experience sandboarding, as your guide will teach you the right techniques.
Your guide will transport you around the area in all-terrain vehicles, starting with dunes with little inclination and going to other areas with more inclination as you get better.
What’s included:
- Sand board
- Safety glasses
- Bottled water
- Beer and refreshments
- Pick-up from your hotel
What’s not included:
- Gratuties
My wife and I had a blast! It’s a unique way of seeing La Paz. Pickup and drop off were simple. We cruised down the beach to the dunes and exhausted ourselves boarding. We would highly recommend it!
matthew K
5. Mangrove paddleboarding in La Paz 🌿
One of the best new guided tours in La Paz, Mexico, this fun adventure offers a perfect chance to escape the city and enjoy the natural beauty of La Paz beaches and surrounding mangroves.
If you like spending time outdoors and want to see the unique flora and fauna of Baja California, don’t miss out on this curated trip that takes you to the most pristine corners of the crystalline waters 💧
After paddle boarding enjoy the pristine beach with some snacks before you cross the navigation channel towards Harker Beach which will be your final stop.
What’s included:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Paddleboard or kayak
- Snacks and water
- Alcoholic beverages
- Photo & video package
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
Reno is an exceptional teacher and guide! My husband and I had never been Paddleboarding before. We had someapprehension about actually doing it. Wow, what an amazing experience! I even was able to stand and get the full experience and joy.
A TripAdvisor Reviewer
6. Swim with whale sharks 🦈 and sea lions 🦭 in La Paz
Want to combine snorkeling with whale sharks and sea lions in one trip?
Don’t miss this tour!
On your first stop, you will swim with whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz 🦈 a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that will leave you in awe.
After that, you will get up close and personal with a colony of sea lions at San Rafaelito’s coral reef. These playful marine buddies are sure to steal your heart, and your guide will provide actionable tips on how to enjoy a fun and safe experience.
Whale shark season in La Paz is from December through April, and you can book your tour during these months ✅
The tour culminates with a picnic lunch at Playa Balandra, a gorgeous crescent-shaped beach with clear shallow waters where you can swim, kayak and enjoy the Baja sun ☀️
What’s included:
- Marine biologist as a guide
- Snorkeling equipment
- Wetsuit
- Snacks
- Water and soda
- Customized lunch
- GoPro content
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
Worth every penny. Would definitely recommend the trip! Whale sharks were plentiful, sea loins plentiful, overall amazing adventure.
A TripAdvisor reviewer
7. Three-Hour Taco Tour in La Paz 🌮
A can’t miss experience for all foodies, this curated taco tour allows you to enjoy different types of tacos – the most iconic Mexican food staple.
This culinary adventure will take you on an exciting journey through downtown La Paz, where you will have a chance to try tacos from the best-hidden gems in town that many tourists end up missing as well as several renowned restaurants 🌯
From traditional handmade corn tortilla tacos, including carne asada and pastor, to innovative creations like beet tacos and Baja fish tacos, you will try many variations that will leave you longing for more.
The tour is vegetarian-friendly and accommodates guests with seafood allergies, so everyone can enjoy the experience.
What’s included:
- All food and one drink
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- Private transportation
Pablo was an outstanding host. His knowledge of the area’s history and local cuisine made this tour one of the highlights of our visit. We went to restaurants in areas that most tourists would not visit. From traditional to modern cuisine this was a fantastic way to experience it all. Thanks again, Pablo!!
Charles L
8. Kayak Safari in Bahía de La Paz 🚣🏼
The best way to enjoy the photogenic skyline of La Paz is by kayak.
Book this 2-hour kayaking safari in La Paz, which includes a fun journey along the coast of the city with stops at Mogote mangroves, and other photogenic sites.
As you paddle along, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other wildlife that called the Sea of Cortez home.
👍 Kayaking in La Paz is a perfect opportunity to combine adventure with some physical exercise, as the entire journey is about 6 km.
Whether you want to capture breathtaking photos of Baja’s most underrated city or soak in natural beauty, this experience showcases the magical charm of La Paz in just a few hours.
What’s included:
- Water and snacks
- Professional guide
- Kayak, safety vest, and paddle
- Refreshments
- Photos
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
Very nice guide, Tona. Explained the different types of mangroves, and looked out for dolphins, but we were not lucky today. Saw plenty of pelicans diving and other birds.
viktor M
9. Balandra & Tecolote: hike, kayak and snorkel in paradise 🏖️
Often called one of the most beautiful beaches in Baja California, Playa Balandra is about 30 minutes from La Paz by car 🚗
This stunning beach has been protected from development and offers a perfect escape from the city, but if you don’t have a car rental, getting here by bus could take a while.
That’s why taking a guided tour of Balandra is a great idea!
The beach is open only during specific times of the day, and your guide will make sure you arrive at the right time to enjoy this spectacular beach 🏝️
This small group tour includes a kayaking session along Balandra Beach with stops for snorkeling in the coral reefs of the Sea of Cortez. When you get back, you will enjoy a scenic hike to Tecolote Beach, with magnificent views of Baja’s desert and sandy beaches.
What’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Soda and bottled water
- Kayak
What’s not included:
- Private transportation
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in La Paz, I cannot recommend this excursion enough! My day started with a breathtaking excursion at Playa Balandra and kayaking into the mangroves Balandra is often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
kiara B
10. Learn the history of La Paz and stop at incredible beaches 😍
Learn about the history and culture of Baja California and La Paz, on one of the best walking tours in La Paz, which also includes stops at Balandra and Tecolote beaches, where you will enjoy a tasty lunch and have an opportunity to take a photo 📸 with the mushroom-shaped rock, one of the main attractions of Balandra Beach 🙀
The tour includes a free transfer from your hotel and is limited to a small group and includes an English-speaking guide who will provide an overview of the history of La Paz as you visit the center of the city and La Paz Malecon.
What’s included:
- Tour of the historic center of La Paz
- Visit to Malecon of La Paz
- Stop at the artisan house
- Balandra and Tecolote beaches
- Lunch and bottled water
What’s not included
- Gratuities
The guide shared the history of the city and state. The museum was cool as well as the downtown tour. The cherry on top was Playa Balandra. As for the lunch meal, it was one of the best shrimp tacos I’ve ever eaten.
john eric H
11. The Spirit of Mexico 🇲🇽 Tequila Tasting in La Paz 🥃
You can’t miss this tour if you want to enjoy Mexico’s most famous drink in a popular social venue in the heart of La Paz.
During the tour, you will try more than six types of tequila from different states in Mexico.
Your guide will explain the tequila production process, go over the history of the drink, and tell you how to identify different notes in each type of tequila.
This is a fun and educational tour that allows you to gain deeper knowledge of tequila learn how to identify aromas and flavors of tequila, and become an expert taster.
What’s included:
- Alcoholic beverages
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
It was a unique and very fun experience, I learned a lot about Mexican distillates of origin, from how many years an agave takes to grow and the process to produce the distillate. I now know what to order in a restaurant, what mezcal or tequila if it tastes a little off, I will know that it has an excess of glycerin or ethanol, etc.
FABIOLA R
12. Baja Craft Beer Tasting & Pairing 🍺
Did you know that Baja California is known for its craft beer?
Although the most famous breweries are concentrated in northern Baja in Tecate and Tijuana, the La Paz microbrewery scene is quickly catching up.
Baja’s craft beer industry often incorporates local flavors and ingredients, such as agave, fruits, and Mexican spices, to create distinct brews, and this guided tour offers a perfect opportunity to savor the world-famous flavors.
During this fun beer tasting tour, each ale is paired with a unique side, which helps to enhance the flavor and create a unique combination.
What’s included:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Snacks
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
We had a great time last night. Lalo is not only a wealth of information who is passionate about beer, but he is also extremely friendly, engaging, and a gregarious guy. With each of the beers, tastings, an appetizer, or as prepared so we could best pair the beer with the food. Will definitely contact Lalo when we are back in La Paz!
A Trip Advisor Review
13. Offroading and sandboarding in La Paz 🏜️
Enjoy the adrenaline rush as you zip through the scenic desert on an ATV. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the backcountry of Baja which is not accessible by regular car.
After you explore the rugged trails and snap photos, your guide will bring you to El Mogote Dunes, one of the most beautiful natural sights of La Paz where you will learn how to sandboard and enjoy a relaxing break in nature before going back to the city.
What’s included:
- Bottled water
- ATV and protective gear
- Sandboard experience
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
Rodrigo was an amazing guide and I would suggest this trip for anyone who wants to get out of the city and see Baja in its natural beauty.
WILLIAM R
Best La Paz Tours: FAQ’s
What month are whale sharks in La Paz?
The whale shark season in La Paz is from October through the end of April. La Paz is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks, but you can only do it with a guided tour.
Is it worth visiting La Paz, Mexico?
Yes, La Paz is worth a visit. The city is known for its eco-tourism and proximity to some of the best beaches in Baja California and offers a perfect combination of adventure, history, and regional Baja food that you can try in many local restaurants.
How many days should I spend in La Paz, Mexico?
Plan between three to five days in La Paz to enjoy the city, visit beaches, and take a couple of tours to see wildlife and learn Baja’s history and culture.
Can you swim in the ocean in La Paz Mexico?
Yes, you can swim on many beaches off the coast of La Paz, however, always check conditions before getting in the water to make sure that it’s safe.
La Paz Tours Final word:
That’s a wrap! I hope you were able to choose the best tour in La Paz and will have a great time in this city. La Paz is a wonderful destination, and you need at least a couple of days to explore its natural wonders and enjoy the special atmosphere.
