Tourism operators along the La Paz malecón are offering local residents a 500-peso (about $28 USD) discount on boat tour packages during Semana Santa and the start of the 2025 tourist season. The standard rate of 1,600 pesos ($90 USD) drops to 1,100 pesos ($62 USD) for anyone who presents a valid credencial de elector (voter ID) at the point of sale.
The discounted package includes a wristband granting access to popular destinations including Balandra Beach and Isla Espíritu Santo. All services are bundled into the price, meaning no additional charges for stops along the route.
Who Qualifies for the Discount
Residents must show a credencial de elector issued in Baja California Sur. For expats who hold Mexican temporary or permanent residency, the key question is whether operators will accept a residency card in place of the voter credential. The original report specifies the credencial de elector, so those without one should confirm directly at the malecón ticket booth before purchasing.
Around 150 authorized vessels operate from a single consolidated point of sale on the malecón. The cooperative supporting these tours employs workers from roughly 327 local families, making the operation one of the larger employer groups in La Paz’s coastal tourism sector.
High Demand and Limited Vessels
The cooperative’s vice president reported a strong start to the season, though a shortage of available boats could limit capacity. That combination of high demand and limited vessels means tours could sell out, especially on peak Semana Santa days. Booking early in the morning or ahead of time is the safest bet for anyone planning a trip to Balandra or Espíritu Santo during the holiday period.
Balandra, located about 30 minutes north of central La Paz by car, is a protected natural area famous for its shallow turquoise waters and mushroom rock formation. Isla Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Sea of Cortez, draws visitors for snorkeling with sea lions and kayaking through volcanic rock formations. Both sites are accessible by boat from the La Paz malecón.
The tourist season in La Paz typically runs from late March through October, peaking during Semana Santa and summer vacation months. This year’s discount appears tied specifically to the opening weeks of the season.
Originally reported by BCS Noticias.