2025 Private Yacht Tour: A Look at Balandra & Isla Espíritu Santo

The feeling you get, honestly, is one of pure excitement the moment your foot touches the clean deck of the yacht. We were, like, right there in La Paz, and the morning air was sort of buzzing with a sense of adventure for the day ahead. This kind of private yacht trip for 2025 is really all about getting away from the big tour groups, so you can have a much more personal day out on the water. It’s basically about seeing some of the world’s most talked-about natural wonders on your own schedule, you know? At the end of the day, that freedom is what you are paying for. You pretty much have control over how long you stay in each spot, which is a big deal. The whole experience feels just a little more special when it’s just your group.

Your Own Personal Boat for the Day

The boat we chartered for the day was, you know, absolutely perfect for our group. It wasn’t one of those massive, crowded vessels; instead, it was a sleek and comfortable ride that felt more like our own floating lounge. The crew, as a matter of fact, greeted us with big smiles and made us feel at home right away. The captain clearly had years of experience in these waters, and that, frankly, gave us a great deal of confidence. We were, like, offered ice-cold drinks and some light snacks almost as soon as we left the marina. They really had everything set up for a day of pure relaxation and enjoyment. It’s sort of a different world when you have shade, cushioned seats, and a crew taking care of everything for you, right?

What I mean is, the setup allows you to just relax and watch the coastline of Baja California Sur slide by. The yacht had this really great sound system, and we just played some chill music as we headed out into the Sea of Cortez. This body of water, by the way, is sometimes called the “Aquarium of the World,” and we were honestly about to find out why. There’s just a lot of space to move around, so you can find a sunny spot on the bow or a shady seat in the back. That choice, to be honest, makes a big difference over the course of a full day under the sun.

The Otherworldly Colors of Balandra Beach

Our first stop was the famous Balandra Beach, and seriously, it’s just as stunning as people say. As your yacht enters the bay, the first thing you notice is the water, which is, like, a dozen different shades of turquoise and blue. It is almost completely surrounded by reddish-brown hills, and the whole scene feels very protected and calm. Because we were on a private boat, our captain was, you know, able to anchor in a really nice spot away from the few other boats that were there. We practically had a whole section of the bay to ourselves.

The water there is incredibly shallow, you know? For the most part, you can literally walk around in waist-deep water that is crystal clear and very warm. We, like, took out the paddleboards that were on the yacht and explored the different coves. You can also see Balandra’s famous “Mushroom Rock,” or El Hongo, which is kind of a cool landmark. Being able to just swim from the back of your own yacht into this perfect bay is, honestly, an experience that is hard to put into words. It feels very exclusive and so incredibly peaceful, pretty much.

Swimming with Pups at Los Islotes

Anyway, after soaking up the calm at Balandra, we headed out to Isla Espíritu Santo, specifically to a small rocky outcrop called Los Islotes. This place is pretty much famous for being a permanent home to a large colony of curious sea lions. Getting into the water here is, frankly, a little bit thrilling. Your guide gives you a quick rundown on how to act, which basically amounts to being calm and respectful of the animals. Then, you just slide into the deep blue water with your snorkel gear on.

It’s almost instant, the moment you are in the water. The younger sea lions, which the guides call pups, are incredibly playful and, in a way, very curious. They zip around you like little underwater torpedoes, often spiraling and blowing bubbles right in front of your mask. It is an absolutely incredible thing to see them in their own environment. You are a guest in their home, and that’s a very clear feeling you get. The sound is also amazing; you can hear the barks of the larger males echoing from the rocks above. Obviously, this part of the trip is a big highlight for anyone who loves wildlife.

Fresh Ceviche and Relaxing on the Water

Well, after all that swimming and excitement with the sea lions, we were honestly quite ready for lunch. The captain moved the yacht to a beautiful, secluded cove along the coast of Isla Espíritu Santo. With the engine off, it was just totally quiet except for the sound of water gently lapping against the boat. The crew, in the meantime, had been busy preparing a fresh meal for us. It really felt like we were in our own private paradise for a little while.

They served up this incredible fish ceviche that, to be honest, was absolutely packed with flavor. It was made with fresh fish caught locally, along with tostadas, guacamole, and a bunch of other delicious sides. Just sitting there on the back of the boat, eating this amazing food with that kind of view, was sort of the perfect way to recharge. We, like, talked about the morning’s adventures and just enjoyed the feeling of being completely disconnected. This downtime was almost as special as the activities themselves because it gave us a moment to just soak it all in. You kind of realize how unique the whole day is in these quiet moments.

What to Know Before You Go

Thinking of doing this trip? It is really a fantastic day, but a little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind, just so you are totally ready.

• You definitely want to bring a good, biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen with you, plus a hat and some sunglasses for protection.
• The water temperature is actually warmest from about July to November, so that is something you might want to consider when booking.
• Seriously, book your tour way ahead of schedule, particularly for 2025, because these private charters, you know, get booked up really fast.
• Just so you know, you will probably have to pay a National Park conservation fee, which by the way, goes directly to protecting this amazing area.
• I mean, bring a light jacket or sweater, because it can sometimes get a little breezy on the ride back to the marina in the late afternoon.
• A waterproof camera or a phone in a waterproof case is, frankly, a very good idea for all the amazing photo opportunities you’ll get.

Read our full review: [2025 Private Yacht Tour to Balandra Beach & Isla Espritu Santo Full Review and Details]
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