Diamante Tours & Souvenirs
A local La Paz tour operator with its office on the Malecón, running boat tours on the Sea of Cortez: Espíritu Santo Island, the sea lions at Los Islotes, Balandra, whale shark swims in season, sport fishing, private tours and yacht rental.
About Diamante Tours
Local Crews
The company says its tours are run by local captains and certified guides, in Spanish and English.
Own Boats
Tours run on the company's own boats, which it says are equipped with restrooms on board. Every departure starts with a safety briefing, life jackets and a check of sea conditions.
5+ Years
Diamante Tours lists more than five years of experience and more than 5,000 travelers hosted.
Tours & Experiences
Espíritu Santo Island
From $1,500 MXNAbout 6 hours · Year-round · 11:00 AM to about 5:00 PM
Snorkeling, beach time, a stop at Balandra and El Hongo, and fresh food on board.
Swim with Whale Sharks
Request a quoteAbout 2 hours · Generally November–April (regulated zone)
2 to 3 entries in the water of 5 to 6 minutes each, with a certified guide.
Swim with Sea Lions (Los Islotes)
Part of the Espíritu Santo tourSubject to season and rules
When swimming is restricted, the colony is viewed from the boat.
Balandra Boat Tour
Request a quoteYear-round
Combined with Espíritu Santo or booked as a private trip.
Private Boat Tours
Request a quoteYear-round · Custom route and schedule
The whole boat for your group.
Yacht Rental: La Nena
Request a quote8 hours · Up to 12 guests
Food, drinks, paddleboard and kayak included.
Sport Fishing
Request a quote8 hours · Private charter · Species vary by season
Tackle and permits included.
Sandboarding
Request a quoteAbout 4 hours · Year-round
Board, instructor, transport and photos included.
Scenic Flight
Request a quote45 minutes to 1 hour · Weather permitting
A light-aircraft flight over Balandra, Espíritu Santo and the bay.
Gray Whale Watching (Puerto Chale)
Request a quote8 hours incl. transfer from La Paz · About January–March
Humpback Whales & the Arch (Cabo San Lucas)
Request a quote3 to 4 hours · Winter season
Except for Espíritu Santo, prices depend on season, boat and group size; request a quote with your dates. Seasons are the company's own; whale shark and sea lion swims follow park rules each year.
The Espíritu Santo Tour, Hour by Hour
- 11:00
Departure: Boarding, safety briefing and the crossing of La Paz Bay.
- 11:45
Balandra: A short stop off the mushroom-shaped rock (El Hongo), sea conditions permitting.
- 12:30
Snorkeling: With the sea lions at Los Islotes when the season and rules allow; otherwise reef snorkeling and viewing the colony from the boat.
- 13:30
Beach & lunch: Beach time on the island, with food and drinks prepared by the crew.
- 17:00
Return: Back to La Paz.
Included
- Boat with safety equipment
- Life jackets
- Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Certified bilingual guides
- Fresh food (ceviche, fruit, snacks) and drinks, including water
Not Included
- Hotel-to-dock transfer
- Crew tips
- Professional photos or video
- Wetsuit rental
- Protected-area access fee, if charged separately (ask when booking)
For park passes, closures and visitor rules, see our Espíritu Santo Island guide.
Whale Shark Swims
Season
Generally Nov – Apr
Duration
About 2 hours
In the Water
2–3 entries, 5–6 min each
Tours include an authorized boat, a certified guide and captain, snorkel gear, a life vest, drinks and snacks; wetsuits cost extra. Exact season dates change each year, and the number of boats and swimmers per sighting is limited by the authorities, so departures run in set time slots. Swimmers must be able to float comfortably in open water. Touching, chasing or blocking a whale shark is prohibited, as are flash photography and non-biodegradable sunscreen. Full season details and rules are in our whale shark guide.
What to Bring
Ask about minimum ages and any restrictions for pregnant travelers or guests with reduced mobility when you request your tour.
Plan Your Time in the Water
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a Diamante Tours tour?
Send your request through the La Paz Links Plan Your Trip form with the tour, your approximate dates and the number of people, and a local expert will help you book.
Where do Diamante Tours boat tours leave from?
The meeting point is the Diamante Tours office on the Malecón (Paseo Álvaro Obregón, Zona Central). Boats leave from a dock in La Paz, and the exact boarding point is confirmed when you book.
How much does the Espíritu Santo tour cost?
Diamante Tours lists the Espíritu Santo tour from $1,500 MXN per person, with the final price depending on group size, date and boat. For other tours, request a quote through the Plan Your Trip form.
Can I swim with sea lions on the Espíritu Santo tour?
The sea lion swim at Los Islotes is part of the Espíritu Santo tour when the season and park rules allow it. When swimming is restricted, the tour snorkels on reefs and the colony is viewed from the boat.
Are the guides bilingual?
Yes. Diamante Tours says its tours are run by local captains and certified guides who speak Spanish and English.