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6 Best Tours To Book For Seeing Whale Sharks In La Paz, Mexico

Seeing whale sharks has become a popular activity for travelers in recent years. And there's no better place for a whale shark adventure than in La Paz, Mexico. Seeing whale sharks in La Paz is a perfect way for families to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.

There is no doubt that one of the best ways to see whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez is by boat. These six boat tours will take you right up close and personal with these gentle giants. So grab your family and friends and get ready for an adventure you'll never forget!

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Table of Contents

The best tour for seeing whale sharks in La Paz

Don't have time to read this whole post? Here's our recommendation for the best tour for seeing whale sharks in La Paz:

Whale shark snorkeling tour with Mexplore

Best places to stay in La Paz

As you're planning your trip to see the whale sharks in La Paz, be sure to book a hotel close to the action! You'll want to find hotels that are close to Zona Centro, the historic center of La Paz. This area is convenient to the museums, the main boardwalk (known as the Malecon), and restaurants.

Here are three family friendly hotel options to book when you're planning your trip to see whale sharks in La Paz.

Hotel Catedral

For a family friendly hotel option close to Centro, Hotel Catedral offers comfortable rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people. Rooms come equipped with free WiFi, and also free breakfast. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace for enjoying the view!

Hotel Catedral is conveniently located near coffee shops and restaurants. The Malecon (La Paz’s main boardwalk) is a 7 minute walk from the hotel.

Hotel HBlue

Another great option for families to stay during their trip to see whale sharks in La Paz is Hotel HBlue . Located in the Zona Commercial neighborhood, Hotel H Blue offers families a comfortable stay close to the ocean. Rooms can accommodate families of 4 and are equipped with free WiFi and a safe. Laundry facilities are available at the hotel, in case families need to wash clothes.

Families will enjoy Hotel H Blue because of its close proximity to the ocean. There is an outdoor pool for swimming. And free breakfast is available for the whole family. Restaurants are within 1-4 minute walking distance from the hotel, and the Malecon is a 6 minute walk from the hotel.

Seven Crown La Paz Centro Historico

For a quieter lodging option during your vacation to see whale sharks in La Paz, consider Seven Crown La Paz Centro Historico . Located in the Esterito neighborhood, north of Zona Commercial, this hotel offers families room options that accommodate up to 7 people. Rooms have free WiFi and the hotel offers free self parking on site.

Seven Crown La Paz Centro Historico has a pool, terrace, garden, and playground for families to enjoy. There’s also an onsite restaurant that offers brunch for an additional surcharge. The hotel is a 2-4 minute walk from restaurants, and a 4 minute walk to the Malecon.

Use this map to find more great lodging options in La Paz

The best tours for seeing whale sharks in la paz.

Countless tour companies exist in Baja Sur advertising experiences with whale shark snorkeling. When looking for a tour company to take you on a whale shark excursion, look for a company that cares about preserving the habitat and the habits of the whale sharks, rather than just looking to make a quick buck. Ask them about their philosophy towards preservation and conservation.

Also, look for tour companies that are family friendly. Since you’ll be doing this experience with your kids, you want to make sure that the company cares about the safety of you and your family. 

Many of the tours are conducted in English. However, it might be helpful to brush up on your basic Spanish phrases for travel just in case.

Here are our top picks for whale sharks in La Paz tours to book for your next Mexico family vacation.

1. Whale Shark snorkeling at La Paz guided by a local marine biologist (MeXplore)

MeXplore is a Mexican business that offers snorkeling experiences, including snorkeling with whale sharks in La Paz. They strive to build awareness of local wildlife, while offering a memorable tour experience to travelers.

Their 2-3 hour whale sharks in La Paz tours are led by a marine biologist. Snorkeling gear and wetsuits are included in the tour. And you can also get a donation bracelet that helps support whale shark conservation. 

Book your whale sharks in La Paz tour with MeXplore here: 

2. Marine Mania - Sea of Cortez (Todos Santos Eco Adventures)

Todos Santos Eco Adventure (TOSEA)  is a family owned eco-adventure company based in Baja California Sur. In operation since 2002, TOSEA offers boutique style tours and accommodations with a focus on conservation.

Their Marine Mania - Sea of Cortez tour takes visitors to the Bay of La Paz, where they can observe and snorkel with whale sharks. From there, the tour continues north to Isla Gaviota to observe Blue-footed Boobies, and then to San Rafaelito to snorkel with sea lions. The whale shark and sea lions La Paz tour ends at Balandra Bay with a picnic lunch. 

The Marine Mania tour is a full day tour, inclusive of snorkel gear and lunch. TOSEA can arrange for pick up at your location, but most tours begin in Todos Santos.

Book your whale sharks in La Paz tour with TOSEA here:

3. Reduced Group Whale Shark Snorkel (La Paz Whale Sharks VIP Tours)

For those wanting a more intimate whale sharks in La Paz experience, consider VIP Tours . They are a Mexican company staffed by ocean specialists who offer customized tours for travelers.

The 2-3 hour whale sharks in La Paz tour offered by VIP Tours begins at Marina La Paz, and takes travelers by boat to the area where the whale sharks swim. Tour groups are capped at 6 people, and only 2 people are in the water to swim with the whale sharks at any time. This is aimed to minimize the disturbance to the whale sharks.

VIP tours cares about environmental conservation. Each whale sharks Baja Mexico tour includes a quick educational briefing about whale shark biology. And they make sure they’re in compliance with required certifications and registrations.

Book your whale sharks in La Paz tour with VIP Tours here: 

4. Whale-Shark Snorkeling Excursion to La Paz (Cabo Trek)

CaboTrek is an ecotourism company that aims to encourage a connection with nature in a responsible way. They offer tours with a focus on conservation.

For their whale sharks in La Paz tours, they partner with a nonprofit called Whale Shark Research Project, who works towards whale shark conservation. The all day tours allow visitors to snorkel with these giant creatures. These tours are offered from December to March.

Book your whale sharks in La Paz tour with Cabo Trek here:

5. Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz (Sun Rider Tours)

Sun Rider Tours has been offering tours throughout Baja California for over 25 years. They focus on providing safe, informative, and sheltered tours to travelers.

Their whale sharks in La Paz tours run from October to April. Leaving from Marina La Paz, the tour takes you on a catamaran to see the giant fish. The catamaran is wheelchair accessible and has fresh water showers. Food and drinks will be available in the catamaran.

The tour lasts all day, and transportation can be arranged as well. Snorkeling gear will be provided.

Book your whale sharks in La Paz tour with Sun Rider Tours here:

6. 7-Day Marine Wildlife Eco-Expedition in Baja California (Blue Religion)

If you’re looking for a more in-depth whale sharks in La Paz experience, consider booking with Blue Religion . This company is dedicated to teaching travelers about the issues facing marine ecosystems through multi-day expeditions. Each expedition focuses on sustainable tourism and education.

During the 7 day expedition, travelers get to snorkel, dive and sail through the waters of the Sea of Cortez to see marine life. Departing from Cabo San Lucas, the trip offers opportunities to observe mobula rays, wild dolphins, blue sharks, mako sharks, hammerhead sharks, and sea lions. Travelers can also swim with whale sharks. You’ll also have an opportunity to see bull sharks and humpback whales.

Each whale, shark, ray, whale shark and sea lions La Paz expedition is led by a knowledgeable guide, giving you a chance to learn in depth information about the animals you encounter. While this swim with whale sharks Cabo San Lucas experience is on the higher end of price, the depth of experience is well worth it.

Book your marine animals and whale sharks in La Paz tour with Blue Religion here: 

Want more ocean experiences in Mexico? Check out our post on Cozumel .

What is a whale shark? Basic information for you to know

The whale shark is the largest fish in the world. Measuring between 18 to 32 feet, these fish are no minnows. Even juvenile whale sharks are huge! 

Yet, despite their size, they are one of the gentlest creatures in the ocean. Whale sharks are filter feeders. This means they eat plankton. They also eat small creatures like krill and tiny crustaceans. So they’re virtually harmless to humans.

Where to swim with whale sharks in Baja California

Swimming with whale sharks is a popular activity in many parts of the world. You can do this type of activity in the Philippines, the Maldives, Indonesia, Australia, and also the Caribbean. 

In North America, you can find whale sharks in Mexico, around the Baja peninsula in the west. You can also find whale sharks in the Yucatan peninsula in the east.

Whale sharks love warm water. And they tend to go where there is an abundance of the type of food that they love to eat. If you’re wondering where can you snorkel with whale sharks in the Baja, the best location happens to be in the shallow waters of the Sea of Cortez.

When is the best time to see whale sharks in La Paz?

Believe it or not, there’s actually a whale shark season in Baja. The La Paz whale shark season in Sea of Cortez runs between October to April. This is the time when plankton is most abundant in the water. 

Plankton is what attracts the whale sharks to the area. However, take caution when doing your swim with whale sharks Baja California tour in November, as the winds in the area can often make the water too strong for swimming.

Other things to know about whale sharks in La Paz

Baja California whale sharks in Mexico are protected creatures. In the past, tourists who visited La Paz often hired boats to engage in swim with whale sharks Sea of Cortez experiences. However, despite it being such a popular tourist activity, there was essentially no regulation in the number of boats doing whale shark Mexico tours. As a result, swimming with whale sharks Baja excursions began to have a negative impact on the whale sharks’ habits.

These days, the shark tour operators who do these types of swimming with whale sharks La Paz experiences are tracked by GPS. This monitors their speed and limits the number of boats who come to see the whale sharks. Certain rules are in place to also limit the number of people who swim with the whale sharks. All these regulations help to ensure that these creatures are able to enjoy their lives with relatively little disturbance and influence from humans.

Find other great destinations to visit along the Pacific Coast of Mexico .

Tips for making your whale sharks in La Paz tour enjoyable 

Taking a tour to see whale sharks in La Paz is truly a bucket list item for many people. These gentle giant creatures are amazing to see in real life!

While the swim with whale sharks La Paz experience is likely to be memorable in and of itself, there are several ways you can make it even more enjoyable for you and your family. As you get ready for your whale sharks in La Paz tour, here are our tips for making the most of this unforgettable experience. 

Give yourself plenty of time to do the La Paz whale sharks tour

Since whale sharks are a protected species, there are certain regulations that tour operators need to follow. One of the regulations is that there are time windows that boats are given for visiting the whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez. 

If you’re on a whale shark snorkeling excursion, you may have to wait for your time slot to open up. Be patient, and make sure you give yourself plenty of time in your day, in case there are delays during your swim with whale sharks in Baja California Mexico experience.

Practice proper water safety 

Doing a swimming with whale sharks La Paz experience in Mexico means that you’ll be riding in a boat and swimming in open water. If you’re doing this experience with kids, it’s important that they know proper ways to stay safe in a boat and in the water. 

For starters, make sure your kids wear life jackets. When the boat is moving, make sure to stay seated and hold on to something. 

The waters in the Sea of Cortez can get really choppy and bumpy! Even if you’re a confident swimmer, it’s helpful to wear a life jacket while you’re swimming in the water, to help you stay afloat.

Bring a set of warm and dry clothes

Riding around in a boat can get pretty windy. Since whale shark season falls around the North American fall to spring, the wind can get pretty cold during your Baja whale shark tours. 

Also, you’ll be going in and out of the water frequently, so you might end up freezing during the boat ride! You’ll also likely be pretty soaked by the end of the day, from all the spray from the waves. 

If you’re planning to go out and see La Paz whale sharks, bring a warm waterproof jacket. Long pants and socks are also helpful to stay warm in the boat. If you want, you can also bring a big, thick towel to wrap around your body and block the wind.

Be prepared for you whale shark tour with some helpful supplies

The waters in Baja Sur can get pretty choppy. All that rocking back and forth can send your stomach into somersaults during your La Paz swimming with whale sharks experience! If you’re prone to motion sickness, take along some medication to prevent you from getting sick on the boat.

Swimming with whale sharks is a memorable experience, and you want to be able to capture that experience, both above and below the water. Before going out on your whale shark excursion, purchase a waterproof case for your camera. Alternatively, you can get a waterproof camera to take underwater photos of the whale shark.

Keep a safe distance from the whale sharks

One of the most important rules for swimming with whale sharks is to keep a safe distance. These giant fish are docile and gentle, but their size also makes them very strong. 

A flick of their tail or a nudge from their head can send you tumbling through the water. When swimming in the water with whale sharks, make sure you keep a safe distance. Also, make sure your children maintain a safe distance as well.

Practice leaving no trace on your excursion

One of the wonderful things about swimming with whale sharks in Mexico is getting to experience the beauty of Mexico itself. Baja Sur, and its surrounding waters, is absolutely beautiful! 

As a visitor, you need to remember to leave nature just as you found it. That’s why it’s best to adhere to a “leave no trace” philosophy when you’re doing your whale shark excursion. Whether you’re swimming in the water with the sharks, or having a picnic on the beaches of Isla Espiritu Santo, remember to leave no trace.

Prepare for your trip with these Mexico family vacation tips .

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Making unforgettable memories on your whale sharks in La Paz tour

Whatever whale sharks in La Paz tour you choose to take, it will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for you and your family. These amazing creatures will leave you in awe of the wonders of nature.

So grab your swimsuit, bring a towel and jacket, and get your family ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Have you taken a whale sharks in La Paz tour? What was your favorite part of the experience? Head over to our Facebook page and share your experience.

Enjoy this post about whale sharks in La Paz? Take a look at our other ideas for a beach vacation in Mexico:

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Whale Shark Adventure

Swim with the largest fish in the world

Whale Sharks - The Gentle Giants of La Paz

Whale Sharks known as the “Gentle Giants”, these creatures visit the Bay of La Paz as they come here to feed in the plankton rich waters. Swimming with them can be both a humbling and exhilarating experience, particularly appealing to the young ones.

Our whale shark adventures are based out of La Paz where we have our headquarters at Marina Costa Baja. From here, it’s only a 30-minute boat ride to the area where the whale sharks are found. That means less time traveling and more time in the water with the whale sharks!

Not staying in La Paz? Don’t worry, we can arrange for ground transportation from Los Cabos or Todos Santos area.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A WHALE SHARK ADVENTURE WITH BACO ?

Aside from an incredible adventure swimming along the biggest fish in the world, the one thing our former guests appreciate more than anything else is our staff. Bilingual, fun, educated and professional, our guides are the best in the eco-touring industry. They will cater to your needs every step of the way, sharing information, entertainment, refreshments and a healthy dose of charm to keep you smiling all day long. 

THIS TRIP INCLUDES

Intimate snorkeling experiences with peaceful whale sharks — just you, your guides, and these massive beautiful creatures…

Expert instruction and snorkeling assistance from our team of highly trained, qualified tour guides — they’re dedicated to providing the safest, most educational experience possible…

All the high-quality snorkel gear you’ll need for the day — fins, snorkel, mask, and wetsuit…

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Whaleshark sanctuary

Whalesharks + Sealions & Lunch

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The Premier Whale Shark & Sea Lion Encounter

Aboard a 60' sailing catamaran all inclusive - award winning .

The Premier Excursion

Onboard our spacious sailing catamaran cameras welcome all inclusive | educational | hotel pick-up & drop-off, tour overview, we provide the premier whale shark tour of its kind enjoy an outstanding all-inclusive cruise, on a large and spacious sailing catamaran, and snorkel with the largest fish in the world as time permits, we also visit the sea lions of san rafaelito to swim with these wonderfully friendly dogs of the sea., a sailing cruise of approximately 5 hours includes savory chef-prepared meals, a skilled and educated crew, and typically a marine biologist as snorkel leader, along with certified whale shark guide(s). we provide one or more snorkel boats, bottled water, beer, sodas, an open bar, private bathrooms, freshwater showers, laundered towels, and all the equipment needed including wetsuits. we even provide reef-friendly sunscreen   the whale shark filters surface water for microscopic plankton, which allows us to swim beside these rare and gentle giants. baja whale shark in cabo and la paz, provides an outstanding all inclusive yacht cruise, on a catamaran day trip, to snorkel with the largest fish in the world, the whale sharks in la paz. a baja whale shark excursion includes transportation from the cabo areas to la paz and back. it is truly a lifetime experience to swim with the whale sharks in la paz and our friendly sea lions at the san rafaelito colony..

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Baja whale shark all-inclusive tour details, your tour with baja whale shark typically includes ground transportation from the cabo area to the la paz whale shark location, and back. on board our private sailing catamaran you will enjoy a light breakfast of fruit, yogurt and pastries as you set sail for the whale shark in la paz. after the captain’s orientation, your hostess and snorkel leader, usually a marine biologist, will share valuable information on the sea of cortez and pertinent details pertaining to whale shark snorkeling., includes: 5 hour tour on large and spacious sailing catamaran, ground transportation, captain, chef, certified guide, chef prepared meals, typically, a marine biologist as hostess, snorkel gear in various sizes, sodas and beer, unlimited open bar, bottled water, beach towels, bracelets for natural protected parks, reef-friendly sunscreen.

All Inclusive per person plus tax

Child Under 12

96’ Yacht and Beach Glamping Adventure

Seven days, six nights, go private.

Sailing Catamaran

Why we are the premier option.

Baja Charters Office - La Paz Captains Sunset Bar US Phone: 214-974-0501 (English Only) Mexico Phones: (52) 624-128-5666 (Spanish, English, German) (52) 612-152-9940 (English Only) Captains Sunset Bar and Restaurant & Dock 5

Captains Sunset Bar Located on Marina Palmira, directly in front of the yachts, a part of the Marine Waterfront Hotel

Baja Charters

Private charters and shared tours baja charters provides premier private charters, and the top-rated shared tours in our area. five-star rated we are not a typical tour company. we provide a private yacht experience with first class service and amenities. no one does it like we do for anything close to our prices. guests are able to visit beautiful, isolated locations that are experienced by only the fortunate few. we provide all inclusive cruising to remote coves and beaches in the gulf of california, known outside the us as the sea of cortez. this area is famously known as the world’s aquarium, dubbed so by the famous oceanographer jacque cousteau. according to nature.org, the inside sea of cortez is the second most biologically diverse marine environment on the planet. an intimate cruise features snorkeling with sea lions, an array of tropical fish over shallow tropical reefs, swimming with whale sharks in season, strolling remote beaches, exploring, paddle boarding, kayaking, scuba, etc. baja charters provides quality chef-prepared meals on board with an open bar, served by a skilled and educated crew. a marine biologist is typically on board as hostess and snorkel leader. everything is included: snorkel gear, wet suits, kayaks, and paddleboards, along with an assist boat for getting up close to sea life in its natural environment. reef-friendly sunscreen, bottled water, beer, sodas, and a variety of snacks are all provided, along with private bathrooms, fresh towels, and private showers. join us, for the experience of a lifetime., other excursions we offer.

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La Paz Diving and Snorkeling Adventures – Baja California Sur, Mexico

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• Whale Shark Tour

Join us on a La Paz whale shark tour adventure.

Includes combo tour options.

Swim with whale sharks in La Paz Bay while learning about the biology, life-history and conservation status of these gentle giants.

Join a marine biologist from Whale Shark Diaries to snorkel with the majestic whale shark, Rhincodon typus .

Set off from the boat dock for the short ride into the area where whale sharks seasonally aggregate to feed in the plankton-rich waters of La Paz Bay.

On arrival to the dock, you will receive a boat safety briefing before being fitted with your snorkel gear and wetsuit. From here, our marine biologist guide will talk to you about whale shark biology, their life-history and the threats that whale sharks face on a local, regional and international scale. What is known about whale shark reproduction is always interesting for our guests. The work that we do to contribute to the conservation of whale sharks through collaborative research, awareness, and education will also be discussed during the trip.

During the trip, we gather photos of each whale shark that we encounter that can later be used to identify individuals. You will have the opportunity to learn about and witness how this is done and what can be learned from this process.

Each boat has a limit of 2 hours in the whale shark area to avoid the area becoming congested. The round trip to include travel time in and out of the area is around 3 hours.

Price is $125 USD per person and includes a licensed boat with certified captain, marine biologist guide, snorkel gear, wetsuit, and a whale shark sanctuary entry permit.

COMBO TOUR OPTIONS

If whale sharks aren’t enough, you can extend your trip to cross the bay to visit the sea lion colony at San Rafaelito where approximately 50 individuals live together on this rocky islet just off the La Paz coast. San Rafaelito is surrounded by a healthy rocky coral reef and is inhabited by much marine life. After swimming with the sea lions and exploring the reef, we will then head off to the beautiful Balandra Bay, an area where the flora and fauna are protected under Mexican law, to enjoy lunch on a paradise beach. The round trip length is 5 – 6 hours.

Price is $225 USD per person and includes a licensed boat with certified captain, marine biologist guide, snorkel gear, wetsuit, a whale shark sanctuary entry permit, and ceviche and burritos lunch on a paradise beach.

For guests wanting to scuba dive with the sea lions, this can arranged but is a custom trip. Get in touch with us for a quotation.

The Espiritu Santo National Park is widely considered to be the crown jewels of La Paz. The land component consists of approximately 100 km2 while the entire park including the marine component is close to 600 km2.

The main attraction of Espiritu Santo is the HUGE sea lion colony at the northern-most point, 2 rocky islets known as Los Islotes where around 400-500 sea lions live together. After swimming with the playful juveniles we will continue to explore other parts of the marine park for snorkeling and sight-seeing.

It should be noted that due to the distance between the whale shark area and the National Park, there is a relatively large amount of boat travel time. It takes around 1.5 hours to travel from the whale shark area to Los Islotes. The entire day takes around 8 hours to complete.

For whale sharks and 2 tank dive combo the price is $275 USD per person . Dive equipment rental is extra ($35 USD full set).

Contact us for more info or to book your responsible whale shark adventure or combo trip.

La Paz Divers

Mariano Abasolo #2635

(Between Antonio Navarro y Manuel Encinas)

Barrio Manglito

Tel: +52 612 197 5824

Email: [email protected]

Monday: 9AM – 5PM

Tuesday: 9AM – 5PM

Wednesday: 9AM – 5PM

Thursday: 9AM – 5PM

Friday: 9AM – 5PM

Saturday: 9AM – 5PM

Sunday: Diving only, no retail

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LaPaz Whale Shark Tour - Snorkel with Whale Sharks

Swim with the largest fish in the sea.

Join us for a LaPaz whale shark tour!

We highly recommend that you include a day during your Baja vacation to snorkel with  whale sharks  in Mexico’s Bay of La Paz. Set off in a motor-skiff to observe and swim alongside the whale sharks, the largest fish in the world! 

Sign Up Early!   It's critical that you sign up well in advance so that we can confirm our departure with Baja Park authorities.  The permits to swim with whale sharks are highly restricted and limited. If you are planning a sea kayak or whale watching trip with us, please ask our Adventure Consultants about these tours at the time you sign up.  Our tours adhere to and support all regulations regarding swimming with whale sharks and we conduct these tours with the utmost respect for these magnificent fish, following all protocols designed to protect them. 

We depart from a La Paz marina and travel about 45 minutes to the whale shark swimming zone, a designated area where the whale sharks are feeding and swimming.  On our way you prepare by putting on a wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel. Once a whale shark is spotted, you slide off of our skiff under the direction of your guide.  This is your chance to swim alongside the ocean’s gentle giants.  Watch their gaping mouths engulf mass amounts of plankton as they slowly glide along. The juvenile whale sharks in La Paz are a whopping 4-8 meters (12-24 feet)  long with mouths that yawn open over 4-5 feet, yet they’re no Moby Dick with their mild disposition. It’s rare to experience something as awe-inspiring as swimming alongside these mammoth, polka-dotted creatures that course the Gulf of California.

A talented local, National Park-certified whale shark guide accompanies you on your swim. Their knowledge and passion for whale sharks is obvious as they work to make your time swimming in La Paz educative, meaningful, and memorable.

Our one-day whale shark tours are the perfect complement to our LaPaz based kayaking adventures and pair perfectly before or after our  Espiritu Santo  or  Isla San Jose  tours. Again, because this is a highly regulated activity, please sign up as far in advance as possible. Watch the video below to learn more about this amazing activity.

Images & Videos

LaPaz Whale Shark Tour

What to Expect: 

Many people describe  snorkeling with whale sharks  as exhilarating and humbling, but most of all memorable. There are few places in the world where you can observe whale sharks in the wild, even less where you can actually get in the water and experience them up close and personal. Our whale shark tours are based out of LaPaz where these gentle giants flock to the plankton rich waters of the Bay of LaPaz. We depart from a designated marina in LaPaz at a specified time, which is determined when we get our Park permit.  Usually this is early in the morning, but we will inform you the day before of the exact time.  The trip takes about 4-5 hours, depending on a  variety of factors.  Snacks are included in your outing as well as the full services of our talented interpretive guides. (If you want to see what it's really like, check out this video of  snorkeling with whale sharks )

Your Guides: 

To share and guide you in this exhilarating experience you will be accompanied by our National Park-certified bilingual, professional, educated, fun, and experienced guides.  Our guides are the best in the business and are committed to ensuring you have the time of your life on this incredible adventure. In addition they are trained in interpretive guiding and share educational information about whale sharks, LaPaz and other marine life in the Gulf of California, also known as the Vermillion Sea.

What to Bring:

• Swimsuit (It's efficient and convenient if you dress with your swimsuit on or under your clothes)
• Clothing with sun protection. Rashguards work great to wear under your PFD if wet suits are not needed.
• Waterbottle

Conservation Partnership:

Please note that $5 of your trip fee is donated to  Whale Shark Mexico , a leading conservation and research organization focused on education and sustainable management of whale sharks.

New Restrictions per Mexico National Parks:

This activity is very well managed by the Park and marine authorities of Mexico.  There has to be a minimum number of whale sharks in the area before it is opened for swimming with them.  There is a strict limit to the number of boats that can enter the whale shark-protected zone. These regulations have changed every year in the past few years and are generally getting more and more restrictive. Therefore it's of paramount importance that you sign up as well in advance as possible.

All vessels must be equipped with a GPS tracking system and communicate with a monitoring authority via radio before entering the whale shark grounds. Once entering the whale shark grounds, vessels have between 1.5 and 2 hours to remain in the area before they must leave. 

Weather - If the area is too windy and/or there are waves that are too large, we cannot operate these trips.  Be prepared for the possibility of last-minute cancellations.  See our Cancellation and Refunds policy for these trips below.

Dates & Rates

Supplementary information.

Please note:  $135 per person price is for groups of 4+. For groups of 2-3 a $50 per person surcharge applies.

*Our one day whale shark tours make an excellent addition to our LaPaz based kayaking adventures and pair perfectly before or after our  Espiritu Santo  or  Isla San Jose  tours. Just tell your Adventure Consultant you would like to snorkel with Whale Sharks as part of your tour and we'll get everything set up for you! 

Price Per Person: Groups of 2- 3

• $5 of your trip fee is donated to  Whale Shark Mexico , a leading conservation and research organization focused on education and sustainable management of whale sharks.

Price Per Person: Groups of 4 -10

Includes: 

• Professional bilingual guides that provide a high-quality educational experience
• An up-close, personal encounter with peaceful whale sharks
• Coaching and instruction in snorkeling from our guides
• Certified Captain
• All snorkeling equipment (Wetsuits, snorkel, mask and fins)
• Clean drinking water

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:  If Park Regulations change because of a lack of whale sharks in the area and we are not able to perform the tour, we provide a 100% refund.  Be aware that weather sometimes prevents us from being able to operate the whale shark trips as planned.  We will try and find a substitute time in this case. If we cannot leave the harbor on the morning of your trip,  a full refund will be granted.  If we depart from the harbor and then discover that the waves are too big and/or the wind too strong for a positive trip experience, we will return to the harbor and provide a 60% refund of that portion of the trip fee allocated to the whale shark experience. 

Everything was perfect!

I’m at the airport in Loreto. I don’t want to go home. I had such a good time here and the whole trip. Tico and Reuben were simply the best. Is there a way to email them to let them know how much I appreciated all they did for us, now that I’ve processed for a couple days? They were so kind and funny and relaxed and knowledgeable. Experts for sure. I get emotional thinking about the kindness they showed. They must answer the same questions 100s of times per season but their answers make it feel like I’m the first person to bring it up. The food was amazing, and fresh caught snapper, OMG. So sweet. They worked so hard for us and made it look easy. Sea lions were so funny. I laughed through my snorkel. And swimming with a school of sardines was pretty thrilling too. It’s going to be hard going back to -8°F. We are already thinking of friends to ask for next year. Everything turned out perfect!

GREAT GUIDE! ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE

For a family of 6, this was an amazing experience. Sea Kayak Adventures offers the best service of all the companies out there. Our guide was a Marine Biologist. Our boat captain was so knowledgable and also acted as a guide. He knew where to go and a lot about the whale sharks. We had an amazing day!

Most Amazing Experience!!

My husband and I added this trip on to a kayaking trip with Row Adventures and we were so glad we did not miss this amazing experience. We were the only guests on the boat with two guides so they were completely attentive to our experience. The boat was large and they had all of the necessary snorkeling equipment and ensure that we were fitted properly. It is truly amazing to jump into the water knowing that this EXTREMELY large creature is there, but our guide made us completely comfortable. We were able to locate several whale sharks and got to swim alongside of them for quite a while. We got some great video and close up pictures of the large mouth! One of the best days ever!!

Add your review

Faq & more, do i need to sign up well in advance for swimming with whale sharks.

YES! Due to the limited number of boats allowed into the whale shark protected zone each day, it's critical you sign up as far in advance as possible

Do I have to go sea kayaking with you to sign up for this trip?

No. We welcome sign ups from anyone, whether you are participating in one of our sea kayaking or whale watching trips or not.

How long is the boat ride from the marina to the designated swimming area?

The boat ride is between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours long depending on where we enter the whale shark swimming area which is a protected zone.

Can I touch the whale sharks?

To adhere to local regulations, touching the whale sharks is prohibited. A whale shark may swim close to you and possible brush your skin, but in the chance that happens, we ask that you do not lend out a hand to add additional impact or disturbance to these creatures.

When is the season to swim with whale sharks?

The best season to swim with whale sharks is Fall through Spring. November through April being the best months.

If I have never snorkeled before, is this tour a good choice for me?

If you have never been snorkeling before we would strongly recommend you find a place to practice before this tour. You want to be comfortable with a mask and snorkel and be able to swim while breathing through a snorkel.

Are whale sharks dangerous?

Whale sharks are generally considered to be gentle and non-threatening to humans. They are filter feeders, mainly consuming plankton and small fish, and their feeding behavior poses little risk to people. They do not show any interest in preying on humans. It's always essential to approach any interaction with wildlife, including whale sharks, with caution and respect.

What are your Terms and Conditions?

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.

I'm not a strong swimmer.  Can I still go on this tour?

Swimming with the whale sharks can be physically demanding if they are moving along at a moderate pace.  Sometimes the whale sharks are not swimming much themselves, in which case you can get relatively close (never closer than 6.5' or 2 meters), without as much effort.  But if the whale sharks are feeding and swimming at the same time, they move at a pace that requires active use of your legs and fins.  

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The Best Whale Sharks Tours in la Paz, and Los Cabos, Mexico

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The Best 7 Tours + Best Practices to Swim with Whale Sharks in La Paz and Los Cabos

Wondering where to swim with whale sharks in La Paz? You have landed in the right place. I have been to La Paz many times and in this post, I will share all the best ways to swim with these gentle giants of the sea.

Swimming with a whale shark is a magical experience. Many scuba divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts dream of the opportunity to see one of these gentle giants in the wild.

Swimming with whale sharks in La Paz: the best tours

You know that seeing a whale shark up close will be an unforgettable experience. A great tour will help you make the most of this experience.

Knowledgeable guides, great boat captains, and fun tours will make it a day you will never forget. Here are some recommendations for some of the best la Paz whale sharks tours to swim with whale sharks. 

1. Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with a local marine biologist

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 329 reviews

This is the top-rated la Paz whale sharks tour on Viator. For this tour, you will meet at Marina in La Paz and get suited up in your complimentary snorkel gear and wetsuit.

As you head out to the whale shark area your local marine biologist guide will teach you about whale sharks and explain all the safety protocols for swimming with the whale sharks.

Guests love that these guides take caring for the whale sharks seriously and explain how close you can get to the whale sharks, and do not allow guests to use selfie stick cameras that could hurt the whale sharks.

This tour is limited to eight guests, and you will jump into the water in groups of 2 to 4 snorkelers.

You will get plenty of time with the whale sharks and the tour allows you multiple snorkels with the whale sharks.  This tour lasts approximately 2-3 hours. 

👉 Book your whale shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with a local marine biologist on VIATOR

2. Whale Shark Swim Adventure (La Paz)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 135 Reviews

You will hop on a catamaran to get to the whale shark snorkeling spot. Guides will provide you with snorkeling gear, including a wetsuit.

The captain and guide will take great care of you, and you will get to spend around 50 minutes swimming with the whale sharks.

This tour operator limits snorkel group sizes to 5 people for your comfort.

Guests love that the guides took the well-being of the whale sharks seriously and helped them enjoy their views of the whale sharks. This tour lasts around 2 and a half hours. 

👉 Book your Whale Shark Swim Adventure (La Paz) on VIATOR

3. Reduced Group Whale Shark Snorkel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6 Reviews

Enjoy your tour with passionate guides who are either marine biologists or dive masters. On your way to the snorkel spot, they will give you a detailed briefing about the whale sharks.

The boat only accepts 6 snorkelers per tour, so you will have a small group, personalized experience. The tour includes snorkel gear and snacks and drinks.

The guide will swim with you in the water and your tour includes a package of photos and videos that the guide takes for you.

You will get multiple jumps to swim with the whale sharks, depending on the conditions in the water.  This tour lasts around 3 hours. 

👉 Book your reduced group tour whale shark snorkel on VIATOR

4. Sea of Cortez Combo: Whale Sharks, Sea Lions & Island Visit Private 1 to 6 Group

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 220 Reviews

This private tour is a great way to swim with the whale sharks and enjoy the beauty of La Paz. You will meet at Marina Cortez and head out to where the whale sharks are.

Your fun and educational guides will give you a detailed briefing and then you will hop in the water to enjoy the beauty of these enormous fish.

After you finish with the whale shark swimming experience you will head to the reef where you will have the opportunity to swim with sea lions.

From there you will visit Balandra Beach , a beautiful beach where you will enjoy food and drinks.

This private tour accommodates up to 6 people and is a great way to swim with the whale sharks and relax and enjoy La Paz. This tour lasts between 6-7 hours. 

👉 Book your private whale shark snorkeling tour combo on VIATOR

5. Sea of Cortez Whale Shark Encounter 1-6 Private Group in La Paz

You will have a great time on this private whale shark snorkeling adventure.

You will meet at the Marina Cortez and your friendly guide will give you a detailed briefing on the protocols for swimming with the whale sharks.

After a short boat ride you will be ready to hop into the water.

This private tour will give you a great chance to get close to a beautiful whale shark! Snorkel gear, snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. This tour lasts between 2 and 3 hours. 

6. Swimming with WhaleShark Experience in La Paz

You will love the friendly and knowledgeable guides on this tour. After giving you instructions on how to swim with the whale sharks, you will head out to the snorkel area.

Your guide will help you make the most of this experience, and you will get multiple jumps into the water to swim alongside these amazing animals.

Snorkel gear and snacks are included in the tour. This tour lasts around 4 hours. 

Swimming With Whale Sharks From Los Cabos

The whale sharks do not stay in the waters near Los Cabos. However, if you are planning a trip to Los Cabos you can still have the amazing experience of swimming with whale sharks.

There are tour options that will shuttle you the two hours from Los Cabos to La Paz, where you will get on a boat and get to snorkel with the whale sharks.

Another option to snorkel with the whale sharks as a day tour from Los Cabos is to book a tour that takes you on a luxury catamaran from Los Cabos to La Paz.

From there you will jump onto a smaller boat used to enter the whale shark area, swim with the whale sharks, then return to Los Cabos on the large catamaran. 

If you plan to do a day trip from Los Cabos remember to take dry clothes to change into after snorkeling with the whale sharks- this will make your return trip much more comfortable. 

7. La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 120 reviews

On this tour, you will take a van from Los Cabos to the marina in La Paz. The trip will take about two hours and you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

In La Paz, you will hop on a boat and head out to the whale shark area. After enjoying a swim with these amazing animals you will head back to downtown La Paz and enjoy lunch before returning to Los Cabos. The tour takes around 10 hours. 

👉 Book your whale shark snorkeling tour in La Paz from Los Cabos on VIATOR

Where Else Can You Swim With Whale Sharks in Mexico?

Mexico has the great luck of having two different areas where you can snorkel with the whale sharks. From October to April you can swim with whale sharks in La Paz Bay in Baja California.

From mid-May to mid-September you can swim with whale sharks off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Tours depart from Cancun, Isla Mujeres , or Isla Holbox. The boat ride can be between one and two hours to where the whale sharks are, depending on the day.

The whale sharks are in the area off the Yucatan Peninsula due to plankton bloom and plentiful food sources. 

If you want to scuba dive with whale sharks, book a liveaboard to the Socorro Islands . Located a day’s travel from the coast of the Baja Peninsula, here you can find many large and rare marine animals. 

The only issue with the Socorro liveaboards is that you need to book more than one year in advance as they get booked up.

Diving With Whale Sharks

When you swim with whale sharks, your guide and captain will scan the surface looking for these animals.

They will then get you as close as possible to the whale sharks, so you can swim along next to them and get a great view.

This is a thrilling event. Now, imagine how exciting it would be to be scuba diving , and out of the blue, an enormous whale shark passes by you. Amazing right? It is no surprise that many scuba divers dream of diving with a whale shark. 

You cannot scuba dive in the Bay of La Paz with the whale sharks.

However, if you are scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez during whale shark season, you have a chance of seeing one swim by.

Like all activities that rely on animals in their natural habitat, you need to be in the right place at the right time and have a bit of luck.

If your dream is to scuba dive with whale sharks, check out liveaboard dive trips that go to the Revillagigedo Archipelago, better known simply as the Socorro Islands.

There you have the chance to see whale sharks from November to January, in addition to a lot of other impressively big marine life. 

The Best Practices to Swim with Whale Sharks in La Paz for Respecting the Environment

Government officials and local guides and captains are working hard to respect the whale sharks that visit La Paz.

In recent years, the government has created a program to regulate which boats approach the whale sharks.

In order to ensure the safety and comfort of the whale sharks, the number of boats allowed to be swimming with the whale sharks is controlled.

✅ A limited number of boats

Snorkel boats will be assigned times to enter the whale shark feeding area (they are feeding on plankton, no guides or boats feed them).

It is important that you respect and understand this system, and do not get frustrated with your tour operator if your boat must wait its turn to go into the whale shark zone.

✅ Each boat needs to wait its turn for the passenger to jump in: be patient

Typical tours to swim with the whale sharks last around 2-3 hours; however, if your boat needs to wait to enter the snorkeling zone, your tour will run longer.

Do not stress yourself out try not to plan other tours directly after your whale shark tour.

Give yourself a window of time so that you are not stressed waiting for your chance to swim with the whale sharks.

If you want to try to avoid waiting for other boats to leave the snorkel area, try to book a tour that leaves early in the morning.

If you are one of the first boats to arrive in the area, you will be able to directly go in. 

Limiting the number of boats in the area allows officials to monitor boats and make sure guides are enforcing proper whale shark swimming rules.

It also helps keep the whale sharks safe from the boats because captains do not need to worry about maneuvering around so many boats and can focus on keeping the boat at a safe distance from the whale sharks. 

In addition to the regulations that snorkel boats have to follow, your local guide will give you a detailed briefing on how to swim with the whale sharks.

✅ Don’t get too close to the whale shark and don’t touch them

You obviously want to get close to the whale sharks, but it is important that you do not touch them. Touching whale sharks will stress them out, possibly causing them to dive deep to get away from you!

Think about it, you would not like someone poking you while you are trying to enjoy a nice meal. Not only does touching them stress them out, but it is also harmful to their skin.

Whale sharks have a delicate layer of mucus that protects them from bacteria and parasites. Touching them harms this mucus layer, leaving them vulnerable to sickness and discomfort. 

As a snorkel, it is your responsibility to keep a safe distance from the whale sharks. The water can be choppy and it can be windy, so make sure to be careful and respectful while approaching these animals.

✅ Don’t use sunscreen or lotion before getting into the water

Some tour operators will ask that you do not wear any sunscreen or lotions that have fragrances on them to your whale shark experience.

It is believed that these animals are sensitive to the smells and chemicals in many beauty and personal hygiene products. 

You may want to take an underwater camera or go pro with you on your snorkel. It is easy to get distracted with a camera in your hands, so remember to be extra vigilant about where your body and camera are.

✅ Don’t use flash in your camera

Operators will tell you not to use flashes when taking pictures so as to not disturb the whale sharks. 

✅ Choose an operator that respects the best practices

Swimming with whale sharks is ethical when it’s done in the right way. Choose your tour operator carefully. Support tour operators who work hard to respect the whale sharks and demand that their clients behave appropriately.

Ask them plenty of questions before booking and checking out reviews. You will enjoy your tour more knowing that you are supporting a business that cares for the health and well-being of whale sharks. 

Is It Safe to Swim With the Whale Sharks

Yes! These enormous animals are often called gentle giants. They are very docile, making it a safe and enjoyable experience to swim next to them.

Your guide will brief you on safety, but it is important to remember to not swim near their tails. Even a gentle swipe from the tail could send you for a ride in the water.

Try to approach the whale shark near its head and stay at least 10 feet away from its tail. 

Tips for Making Your Whale Sharks in la Paz Tour the Best Experience

Swimming next to a whale shark is an unforgettable experience. Your tour operators will try to help you get the best views of these amazing animals possible.

Want to make sure you have a great tour? Here are a few tips to make the most of your whale shark experience.

✅ Take seasickness medicine

The water can be choppy around La Paz. If you get seasick (or even if you normally don’t) it can be a great idea to take seasickness medicine before hopping on a boat. You do not want to ruin your experience by feeling sick. 

✅ Bring warm clothes

Depending on when you visit La Paz, the water can be quite chilly. It gets down into the 60s during the later months of the whale shark season.

Even with a wetsuit, you may finish the tour and feel cold. Bring a towel and windbreak for on the boat.

If you can, take warm clothes to change into after getting out of the water. You will enjoy your boat ride back to the marina so much more if you are not shivering! 

✅ Book your tour early!

The best tours have knowledgeable guides. They will share their knowledge and passion with you, making your experience even better. Book early to make sure you get a bilingual, informative guide. 

✅ Be patient

As mentioned, the protocols for visiting the whale sharks mean you might end up waiting your turn. Instead of getting frustrated, take this time to relax and enjoy the experience.

Remember, the system helps protect the whale sharks, hopefully, to keep them coming back year after year to La Paz. 

✅ Use lifejackets

Practice water safety. The water can be a bit rough and you will want to be able to swim fast to keep up with the whale shark. Use a lifejacket to make the experience safer and easier. 

What to Pack to Swim With Whale Sharks

You do not need a lot to have a great time swimming with the whale sharks. Here are a few things you will want to take with you on your tour.

► GoPro or a similar underwater camera – You will want to remember this amazing experience. Just remember, do not use flash. 

► Sun protection – Ask if you can use reef-safe, eco-friendly sunscreen. If not, plan to take sunglasses, a hat, and a rash guard to keep you safe in the sun. 

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► Mask, snorkel, and fins – If you are an avid snorkeler or scuba diver, you probably have your own mask, fins, and snorkel. All tour operators will provide snorkel gear, but you may be more comfortable with your own gear. If you do not have your own gear, do not worry, you can use the provided gear. 

► Towel – It can be chilly so you will want to dry off when you get out of the water.

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► Jacket and dry clothes -You will be happy to be able to dry off and change into something warm for the boat ride back. 

► Dry bag – A small dry bag to store your wallet, phone, and towel on the boat can be really helpful. It will let you have easy access to your things, without worrying about them getting wet. 

Where can you swim with the whale sharks in Mexico?

Mexico has two destinations where you can see whale sharks on snorkeling day trips, the Caribbean and the Sea of Cortez.

You can find whale sharks off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from mid-May to mid-September.

There are whale sharks off the coast of La Paz, Mexico from October to April.

If you want to check swimming with whale sharks off your bucket list, La Paz, Mexico, is a great spot to do it.

La Paz is located on the Bahia Paz, two hours’ driving north of Los Cabos, in Baja California Sur.

If you are planning a trip to Los Cabos during whale shark season, you can still experience the joys of swimming with these amazing creatures.

There are two options that take you from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz.

Ready to make your dream a reality? Keep reading to find out where to swim with whale sharks in La Paz, Mexico. 

Interesting Facts About Whale Sharks

If you have ever seen a video of a whale shark, you can picture a majestic creature effortlessly gliding through the water. They are easy to recognize with their spotted patterns and iconic huge gaping mouth.

You know that you want to swim with one, but how much else do you know about these enormous creatures? 

Check out my video and click subscribe to get notifications about new ones 🙂 ⤵️

Is a whale shark a whale or a shark?

First, the question that many people are wondering…Is a whale shark a whale or a shark? Whale sharks, rhincodon typus , are the sharks, in fact, they are the biggest fish on the planet!

They get the name whale shark because of their huge size, they average between 5.5 and 10 meters (18 to 32 feet).

How big are whale sharks?

The longest recorded whale shark was over 18 meters (60 feet) long! Another similarity that whale sharks have to whales is that like blue and humpback whales, whale sharks are filter feeders.

What do whale sharks eat?

Their enormous mouths can stretch to 4 feet long. They filter around 6000 liters of water every hour. They feed on plankton and have tiny teeth that allow them to eat small shrimp. 

Despite the size and feeding similarities to whales, whale sharks are indeed fish. They breathe with gills and have cartilage instead of bones.

They are found all over the world. They migrate long distances but move at slow speeds. They swim around 3 miles per hour. It is not easy for scientists to study whale sharks.

They are constantly moving around the globe, and very little is known about how they mate and give birth.

How old are whale sharks?

Some form of the whale shark has been roaming the ocean for over 70 million years- that means they were on the planet when the tyrannosaurus rex was alive! 

Engendered species

Like so many other marine animals, whale sharks are an endangered species.

Worldwide their numbers are dropping due to commercial fishing, shark finning, oil, and gas drilling, and the damage climate change is doing to their environment.

As filter feeders whale sharks are susceptible to ingesting plastic that is found floating in the ocean.

Thankfully, governments across the world are realizing the value of whale sharks and working to protect their environments. 

La Paz Whale Shark Season 

The whale shark season in La Paz runs from October to May. In October the water temperatures can reach up to 80 degrees and the visibility is up to 60 feet.

As the season changes to winter, the water temperature will drop. You can expect the water temperature in the winter months to be in the low 60s, so plan to wear a wetsuit and bring a towel and jacket for after you get out of the water.

Along with the water temperature dropping, the visibility will decrease. This is because the water will fill with plankton and krill.

This is what attracts the whale sharks to the area! They follow the food to La Paz during these months and can be seen feasting on the plankton bloom.

The best time to see whale sharks in La Paz is when there is the most plankton. This will attract the most whale sharks and help you get a great view of these animals. 

Swim With Whale Sharks in la Paz FAQ

What is the best month to swim with whale sharks.

There are large numbers of whale sharks near La Paz from the end of November to April. In November the water is warmer and the water is clearer, because there is not as much plankton (which is the whale shark food) in the water, so there is less chance to see the whale sharks.

As the months go on, the water will get colder and the visibility will decrease because there is more plankton in the water. This will attract even more whale sharks to the area. 

The best month to go depends on your preferences. If you prefer warmer and clearer water, go at the beginning of whale shark season.

If you are happy to jump into the cooler water and swim with less visibility, go later in the whale shark season. No matter when you go, seeing a whale shark is an unforgettable experience. 

How Much Does It Cost to Swim With Whale Sharks?

You can expect to pay around $150 to swim with the whale sharks if you are staying in La Paz . Luxury or private tours can be more expensive.

The price for all tours will depend a bit on additional services offered, such as transportation to the marina, and the food and beverages offered. 

If you are planning on doing a day trip from Los Cabos the tour to swim with the whale sharks in La Paz will cost around $250. 

These prices do not include tips. Your guides and captains work hard to make sure you have a great experience, so remember to tip them at the end of the tour. 

Do Whale Sharks Bite You?

No, whale sharks are filter feeders. They have tiny teeth that are only capable of eating small shrimp. They filter up to 6,000 liters of water an hour through their gills.

Their mouths can open up to 4ft wide while eating, but you do not have anything to be afraid of. They are called gentle giants because they are very calm and not known to get aggressive. 

Why Can’t You Touch a Whale Shark?

There are two reasons you should never touch a whale shark. First, it is important to always respect marine life when we snorkel or scuba dive.

We are visiting them in their habitat and should not bother them. Poking, touching, or trying to grab their fins stresses the whale sharks.

It can also cause them to dive deep to get away from you! Secondly, whale sharks have a delicate mucus layer on their skin to protect them from bacteria and parasites.

Touching them can damage this mucus layer, leaving them prone to infection. 

Are Whale Sharks Blind?

Many people believe that whale sharks have bad vision. The biggest problem with their vision is that their eyes are very small compared to the size of their bodies.

Their small eyes are located toward the back of their head on either side, giving them a limited range of vision.

Because of the placement of their eyes, many people believed they cannot see well and instead rely on their sense of smell to find food. 

Is There Anything Prey on Whale Sharks?

Whale sharks have very few known predators. On occasion, blue marlins or blue sharks will attack small and juvenile whale sharks.

Unfortunately, the biggest threat to whale sharks today are humans. Humans are responsible for overfishing, shark finning, and the destruction of whale shark habitats. 

Can Kids Swim With Whale Sharks?

All tour providers will have different rules about children swimming with whale sharks. Many tour operators do not allow children under 5 years old.

That said, the water can be choppy around La Paz, so parents should use discretion when taking young children.

For children to enjoy the snorkel they should be very comfortable in the water. For their safety, they should wear a life jacket at all times. 

Can You Swim With Sharks Pregnant?

As with all activities, while pregnant, the decision to participate depends on the individual and their doctor.

Pregnant women should consult their doctors before traveling and ask if they have any concerns about them participating in this activity. T

he water can be choppy, so if you are pregnant and thinking about swimming with the whale sharks, you will want to make sure you still feel stable and mobile to climb up the ladder. 

How Old Do You Have to Be to Snorkel With Whale Sharks?

Check with your tour operator to find out the minimum age they accept on the tours. Many tour operators ask that guests be at least 5 years old.

If you want to take your children on this experience, make sure they feel comfortable swimming in deep water, and make them wear a lifejacket at all times. 

Swimming With Whale Sharks in la Paz: Final Thoughts

Swimming with whale sharks in La Paz is an unforgettable experience and one of the best things to do in La Paz in winter. There is nothing quite like seeing these gentle giants up close and it’s one of the activities that Mexico is known for .

There are so many things to do in Baja California Sur, but if you are planning a Baja California road trip (which I recommend), make sure you start off in La Paz and spend a couple of days swimming with whale sharks and checking out the sea lion colony by Espiritu Santo Island.

If you have been dreaming of swimming with whale sharks, La Paz is a great spot to do it! 

Worldwide whale shark population numbers are down. Tour operators in La Paz are working hard to provide a safe and sustainable way for people to swim with whale sharks.

As a tourist, you can do your part in protecting the whale sharks.

Follow all your guides’ instructions for safe interaction with them, and report any tour operators who are not respecting the animals.

After your tour you may find you fell in love with these creatures, and you can continue to help them by supporting shark sanctuaries, signing petitions to end all shark finning, and continuing to support eco-tourism that raises awareness. 

Adrienne Banka is a Michigander and fell in love with diving at 16 years old. Now she is living in Cozumel Mexico and works as a dive instructor turned brewmaster, turned mom (and awesome writer).  When she is not in the water she enjoys riding her bike and chasing after her dog and her newborn daughter.

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Whale Shark Tours La Paz

Great Day Trip From Cabo, La Paz, or Todos Santos

Protecting Local Wildlife

Small-Group Experience

Full Day & Half-Day La Paz Whale Shark Tours

Choose from our half-day La Paz whale shark tours or the full-day sea lion and whale sharks snorkeling with an amazing lunch in stunning Balandra Beach . Whether you’re a family looking to give your children an experience they’ll never forget, or a couple looking to explore the natural wonders of the Sea of Cortez , this tour is for you! Join us to swim with the world’s biggest fish . On the full-day tour, enjoy the added bonus of interacting with playful sea lions and land on a beautiful secluded beach for lunch – an experience that will stay with you forever.

The Extra Special Moments

Swim with whale sharks & spend time appreciating their size, beauty, and peaceful nature

Learn about marine life and conservation

Explore the landscapes & coves of the Sea of Cortez

Interact with playful sea lions

Enjoy a delicious lunch on the idyllic Balandra beach, a Natural Protected Area

Explore the spectacular scenery of the gem of the Sea of Cortez, Balandra Beach

Full-Day Trip Details

Half-day trip details.

• Adults: $195 USD ($3,900 MXN)* (with sea lions and Balandra)
• 5 and under: $97.50 USD  ($1,950 MXN)

*USD prices are approximate and final checkout will be in Mexican pesos (see book now button for details)

Departure time

6:30 AM approx from Todos Santos

Meeting point

Pick up from your Todos Santos accommodation, the surf shop, or meet at the marina in La Paz

Availability

Monday to Sunday, November to April

4 to 8 people

Good to know

• La Paz is one hour from Todos Santos and two hours from Cabo. The excursion is on the bay of La Paz, on the Sea of Cortez.
• From December to April, the wind can feel cold when you get wet, so bring a hoodie, windbreaker, or jacket.
• La Paz Bay is a highly regulated area, only 14 boats are allowed to go into the swimming area every three hours. Captains and guides must have all the permits and certifications to be able to work during the whale shark season.
• We respect wildlife, hire local people and support local culture.  
• Snorkeling gear and wetsuits
• Permits to swim with whale sharks
• Whale shark swimming experience
• Sea lion and coral reef fish swimming activity
• A delicious lunch of fresh ceviche, vegetarian and beef burritos, organic salad, fruits, chocolates, and drinks at Balandra Beach
• Round trip transportation from Todos Santos to La Paz
• Certified guide and captain

Not included

What to bring.

• Swimsuit & towel
• Hat & reef-safe sun protection
• Water bottle to refill (no plastic bottles allowed on the tour)
• Jacket & sweatshirt

About your guide

A certified, bilingual, local guide, a certified driver, and a local certified captain

Full-Day Whale Sharks & Sea Lions Itinerary

Your experienced guide will spend time searching for whale sharks while you get your snorkeling gear on. Once a whale shark has been spotted, you will take turns (4 at a time) to spend time in the water with them. We spend between 2 and 3 hours in the area with these majestic sharks as they come to feed on plankton. You’ll then travel 20 minutes to the next activity, swimming with sea lions!

Then head over to Balandra Beach, named one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico for its fine white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. We’ll enjoy a gourmet lunch of burritos, fresh ceviche, salad, fruit, and chocolate with a perfect view of the Sea of Cortez. After lunch, spend time relaxing on the beach or explore the surroundings.

• Adults: $120 USD ($2,400 MXN) *
• 5 and under: $60 USD ($1,200 MXN)

Departure times

Departure times are designated daily based on availability.

Marina La Paz

Monday to Sunday, October to April

• This tour is ideal for people who are already in La Paz and looking for a unique half-day activity.
• From December to April, the wind can feel cold if you get wet, so bring a hoodie, windbreaker, or jacket.
• La Paz Bay is a highly regulated area, only 14 boats are allowed to go into the swimming area every three hours.
• We respect wildlife, hire local people and support local culture.
• Jacket/sweatshirt

A certified, local, bilingual guide and certified local captain

Half-Day Whale Sharks Itinerary

This is the ideal tour for people who are in La Paz and want to swim with whale sharks in a respectful and sustainable way.

Read What Our Guests Have Said...

Tripadvisor reviews.

The full day included 2 hours of swimming with whale sharks (Carlos knew all the good spots, so we weren’t near any other boats!), snorkeling with the sea lions and tons of beautiful fish, as well as a private lunch on the most stunningly beautiful beach I’ve been too. Five stars!

I have been on whale shark trips with them for the last two years. Carlos is really knowledgeable and so enthusiastic. He made our trip. I was really impressed by his team, his employees at the shop, and his professionalism on the trip. This was a great lesson to give my kids on passion, conservation, and appreciation of nature.

The whale sharks were so beautiful and our guides were passionate & knowledgeable. You could tell they cared about protecting the animals and respecting their space. Excellent service from pickup to drop-off.

We swam with 30+ whale sharks, swam with playful sea lions, and had an amazing lunch on Balandra beach. Pictures don’t do this trip justice, you need to experience it. Super accommodating for weaker swimmers and the entire family.

Jeff Threlkeld

Facebook reviews.

These people were the best of the best. I’ve taken tours all over the world. The attitude and attention from our guide and captain was impeccable. We had a larger group and they were happy to accommodate.

Michelle D. Klatt

Amazing experience. The team has an appreciation and respect for the ocean that makes the journey even that more special. Total treat.

We took a stunning boat ride to Isla Espíritu Santo, whose aqua waters and white sand look like a Caribbean paradise. The respect Paula & Explora Baja have for the marine life … made us feel good about our harmonious time in their waters. I can’t recommend this excursion enough.

Incredible experience from swimming with the whale sharks and sea lions to dolphins near a stunning beach with delicious food. Thank you so very much.

More Adventures Picked For You...

Espíritu santo island tour, magdalena bay whale watching experiences, sup in todos santos or balandra.

La Paz Whale Shark Tours

Join our whale shark tour in la paz, mexico to swim with whale sharks and learn about the biology, life-history, and conservation status of the earth’s largest fish, combine your whale shark tour with comfortable accommodation in the heart of la paz. info here ..

Just minutes from the city it is possible to locate and swim with these gentle giants on the surface using basic snorkeling equipment.

Join one of our marine biologist guides on our whale shark tour to swim with the whale sharks in their natural habitat in La Paz Bay where you will learn about the biology, life history and conservation status of this endangered species whilst directly supporting their conservation.

Enjoy a responsible and 100% wild interaction with whale sharks.

You will have an unforgettable experience!

We use a seven meter Panga boat, which allows a maximum of 6 – 7 guests on board. We have another larger boat for groups up to 10 people, the maximum permitted on a boat. The guide and captain are both government certified whale shark tour operators. Our tour guides are marine biologists / naturalists and have first aid and water rescue training.

• Contribution to scientific research:

During your whale shark tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about how we collect data to contribute to global scientific research. Where possible, we collect photos of each individual whale shark we encounter and share them to the world’s largest global database of whale shark sightings, The Wildbook for Whale Sharks.

• Community awareness and educational activities:

Whale Shark Diaries has a project called ‘Environmental education for kids initiative’. We visit local schools, colleges and orphanages here in La Paz, with the goal of raising awareness regarding environmental conservation, plastic pollution and threats to the local whale shark populations.

WHALE SHARK TOUR

Trip Duration: All trips are limited to two hours by the Mexican authorities. The round trip takes around 3 hours including transit to the whale shark area.

Start Time: VARIES AND IS GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED

$125.00 usd per person – Includes mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit.

Location/Meeting Place: On the beach in front of Restaurante Estrella del Mar beside Marina Cortez.

Season: October 1 – May 31 (there are no whale shark trips in La Paz outside of this season)

COMBINE YOUR WHALE SHARK TOUR IN LA PAZ WITH ACCOMMODATION AT OUR COMFORTABLE BNB. CLICK HERE FOR INFO.

Who can join the trip: anyone can join our trip. People who want to enter the water with the whale sharks must know how to snorkel and swim. People that do not want to enter in the water can stay on the boat and enjoy the whale sharks while watching them swimming or feeding on the surface. Families are welcome on our boat as well! If your kids are capable of swimming and snorkeling they can join us in the water to observe these beautiful animals (we can provide life jackets for children). However, please always ensure that you or your partner are always directly supervising your child/children at all times during the tour.

If conditions allow, the team will try to take PHOTOS and VIDEOS of you when swimming with these animals. These will be FREE OF CHARGE. We cannot guarantee the quality of photos and videos as visibility and opportunity vary.

Book Now >

HOW ABOUT COMBINING YOUR WHALE SHARK TRIP WITH A VISIT TO A SEA LION COLONY AT SAN RAFAELITO AND LUNCH IN BALANDRA BAY?

WHALE SHARK TOUR, SEA LIONS and BALANDRA BEACH COMBO TRIP 

Trip Duration: Approximately 6 hours

Start Time: 9:00am – (8:00am during peak times) .

What to expect: the first stop is in the whale shark area, for roughly 2 hours, where you can swim and observe these gentle giants. We will then proceed to San Rafaelito, where you will meet the friendly sea lions. Here you will also have the opportunity to snorkel around the young coral reef! Our last stop is Balandra Bay, a series of wonderful sandy beaches well known for its crystal clear turquoise water and the home of mushroom rock.

$225.00 USD per person – Includes mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuits.

Because this trip is extended to around five hours, we also include a ceviche and burritos lunch on a paradise beach.

Season: October 1 – May 31 (there are no whale shark trips in La Paz outside of this season but the sea lions are open year-round)

HOW ABOUT COMBINING YOUR WHALE SHARK TRIP WITH A VISIT TO THE MAIN SEA LION COLONY IN THE ESPIRITU SANTO NATIONAL PARK?

The main attraction of Espiritu Santo is the LARGE sea lion colony at the northern-most point known as Los Islotes where over 800 sea lions congregate. After swimming with the playful juveniles we will continue to explore other parts of the marine park for snorkeling and sight-seeing.

For whale sharks and 2 tank dive combo the price is $275 USD per person . Dive equipment rental is extra.

View our promo video here …..

Sustainable wildlife tourism raises awareness about threatened species

La Paz Bay lies within the western Gulf of California (aka. Sea of Cortez) and is situated on the south-eastern coast of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. The bay is an important seasonal shelter and feeding aggregation area for a population of juvenile whale sharks.

The whale sharks visit the site at predictable times of the year, typically between September and May. Sometimes the sharks return annually to the area, however each year is considerably variable. It is believed that some individuals may reside here year-round, taking full advantage of the protection from predators and enjoying the plankton-rich water. The population feeds close to the city of La Paz in the shallows along the mogote, a large sand spit that forms a natural harbour protecting the inner-most part of the bay.

Just 45 minutes into the bay, another aggregation of whale sharks occurs. Located around Espiritu Santo Island, several pregnant sharks can be found from May through June. Very little is known about their movements or where they give birth.

The presence of both juvenile and pregnant whale sharks suggests the importance of the La Paz region to this species.

La Paz emerged as a popular whale shark tourism destination in 2007. Since then, the industry has provided an alternative livelihood to commercial fishermen by providing sustainable jobs as tour guides or boat operators.

In order to secure sustainability of the industry, it is necessary for continued research into whale shark behaviour and population dynamics. Further study of the surrounding tourism industry and other habitat functions are vital to the survival of the species.

WHALE SHARK TOUR

Hop in the best whale shark tour in la paz. meet the biggest fish in the world, the giant gentle. just a few minutes into la paz bay you will search and swim with one or more whale sharks, guided by a local marine biologist who will share lots of interesting information about this species. on whale shark tours, we allow maximum 9 people per boat so we can offer you can have a comfortable and personalized experience. this activity is probably the most special in the area, and la paz is on the top 3 worlwide spots to do whale shark snorkeling tours. that's why the activity is highly regulated by the government and us, tour operators, to ensure its protection and hopefully they'll keep coming back every year. so if you're a nature lover, this is exactly what you're looking for ​ ​check the next tour option if you want to also snorkel with sea lions and have lunch at balandra beach., aprox. 3 hours tour, good snorkeling gear and w etsuits (shorty 3mm), gopro pictures and video of your tour (the quality will depend on the conditions of the day), soft drinks, marine biologist guide and certified captain, donation for whale shark conservation program, federal licence for sighting and swimming with whale sharks, traveler's insurance, for your own safety this activity is restricted for people with back, heart or respiratory problems and advanced pregnancy., $140 usd or $2,400 mxn per person, price for shared tour on small groups, max. 9 people per boat. on private tours up to 14, please consider the following information: this is a very special tour since la paz is one of the only spots in the world where we can enjoy the whale sharks in a sustainable and conscious way, that's why the government has several rules in order to protect them. the whale shark area is restricted to only 14 boats at the time, thus we get turns assigned every day. on average, we get the turn we requested 95% of the time, but some times we get a later turn on the day, or in a worst case, we don't get a turn at all (this is very unlikely, the last season this happened only on 2 tours out of 200+) so we ask you kindly to be reachable on your phone or email that you provided us when booking, because in any of this cases we need to inform you the day before, that is when we know which turn we got. we check the forecast daily, so in case of bad weather we will let you know 2-3 days in advance. strong winds can cause moderate or big waves, in some cases we can still go out but the ride will be choppy, and on harsher days, the bay may be officially closed for any boat tours. due to federal regulations freediving is not allowed during whale shark tours, only snorkeling in the surface..

Swimming with Whale Sharks in La Paz: What to Know

By: Author Janice and George

Posted on Last updated: December 30, 2023

Categories Activities

Home / Activities

Swimming with whale sharks in La Paz, Mexico, is an extraordinary and unique activity you won’t find just anywhere. This unforgettable encounter with some of the largest and most awe-inspiring marine animals is definitely one for the bucket list!

We recently went whale shark swimming in La Paz (on a day trip from Cabo ) for our third time – in mid-December. And as luck would have it, this was the best experience ever!

This time around, courtesy of an El Nino year, the December waters were much warmer than the previous two La Paz whale shark trips we enjoyed. It was much more comfortable being in the water – watching and snorkeling with the whale sharks.

The outside temps were also warmer than previously – so there was no shivering after getting out of the water.

And the whale shark gods blessed us with seven to nine sharks that we got to swim with for extended periods of time!

If you’d also like to snorkel and swim with whale sharks in La Paz – read on. We’ll tell you all about the experience and what to expect. And we’ll share the scoop on the best La Paz whale shark tours too.

La Paz whale shark snorkeling

Swimming with whale sharks in La Paz (the experience with Baja Charters)

About the La Paz whale sharks

Safety rules and regulations

Best time of year to see whale sharks

Best La Paz whale shark tours

Final thoughts on La Paz whale shark swimming

Swimming with whale sharks in La Paz with Baja Charters

La Paz is located in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, about a two-hour drive north of Los Cabos.

It’s one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks in their natural habitat.

If you’re staying in Cabo San Lucas (or anywhere else in Los Cabos), Baja Charters offers one of the best full-day whale shark tours in La Paz, with return transportation from your hotel or condo.

Their tour is a premium experience.

If time permits, it also includes visiting beautiful Balandra Bay (with its blindingly white sand beaches) and snorkeling with sea lions at San Rafaelito – something we got to enjoy as well! Talk about triple the fun!

Getting to La Paz

You’re picked up in an air-conditioned van early in the morning (around 6:30 am) for the two-hour drive from Cabo to La Paz .

Upon arriving in La Paz, you board the Island Cat .

It’s a large and spacious sailing catamaran with a large galley kitchen, two full bathrooms (complete with hot water showers) and lots of room to spread out both inside and out on the trampoline deck up front.

Piles of fresh blue-and-white-striped towels are available for your use.

Welcome breakfast

The hostess chef had just started whipping up breakfast when our group of nine guests boarded.

Fresh fruit, muffins, scrambled eggs, bacon, beans, tortillas and hot coffee were warmly welcomed by everyone.

Whale shark tour check-in

We then transferred to a smaller power boat to be checked in by the La Paz authorities, located onshore, for the whale shark tours. The check-in was done remotely via GPS and powerful telescopes and cameras.

Our smaller tour boat was in Group 2 – meaning we were in the second group of boats allowed to enter the whale shark area this day.

It was still going to be another hour before we could get in the water, so we transferred back to the comfort of the larger catamaran and sailed to the permitted viewing area where whale sharks had already been spotted.

On the way, Alejandro, our guide, told us lots about whale sharks and the local regulations for swimming with them. Then we suited up in wetsuits, grabbed snorkel gear (all provided) and got back in the small skiff.

La Paz whale shark swimming

We first noticed the fins of the whale sharks sticking up out of the water – yeah, this was really going to happen!

Sitting on the side of the boat, five of us slid into the water and followed Alejandro to our first shark. What a sighting! This one was probably 24 feet long, Alejandro later estimated.

The massive gray-and-black creature dotted with white spots glided slowly by, about five feet away from and seemingly oblivious to us.

Even though the visibility in the plankton-rich waters was only about 20 feet, because we were so close, we got a good look at its huge gaping mouth as it opened to suction in water with plankton and krill.

The gills on the shark’s side flapped open and shut. And its enormous tail swung slowly from side to side.

And then there was another shark!

We had to swim a little faster to keep up with this one and get a brief underwater view.

After about 15 minutes, we swam back to the boat and climbed back in to allow the remaining four guests their turn.

They were even luckier than we were!

From the boat, we could see three whale sharks circling the group slowly. The group didn’t even have to swim! They just hovered in the water in a tight cluster with Alejandro, as the sharks circled them.

Of course, we couldn’t help but be a little jealous as we heard their hoots of laughter and surprise as they realized they were surrounded by whale sharks, literally just a couple of feet away from them.

But then it was our turn again. And OMG, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience, swimming alongside several different sharks this time. We even got to stay in the water longer as the others in the boat didn’t want to swap with us again.

In fact, everyone got their fill of whale sharks this day – so much so that we didn’t need to jump in for a third swim, even though offered by Alejandro.

Back on the catamaran, we showered and tucked into fresh-made guacamole, ceviche and chips.

Some of us drank wicked mezcalitas, others sipped on beer – but not too much as we still had Balandra Bay and swimming with the sea lions ahead of us!

Visiting Balandra Bay

From the whale shark area, the Island Cat sailed to Balandra Bay.

This natural protected area is located about a 30-minute drive north of La Paz. It boasts several gorgeous white sand beaches, including Balandra Beach, one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches.

What’s unique is that the crystal-clear waters here are so shallow that you can walk out far from the beaches into the bay – and still be only waist deep in brilliant turquoise water.

Hopping into our smaller boat, we anchored near Mushroom Rock. This large boulder (at least two storeys high) is shaped like a mushroom from wind and wave erosion at its base.

It’s a popular tourist attraction, with visitors snapping photos of each other standing under the mushroom cap.

We too took photos and shuffled our feet along the white sand sea bed (to alert any lurking stingrays of our presence) as we enjoyed the warm silky water.

Then it was off to swim with the sea lions!

Snorkeling with sea lions in La Paz

The teeny rocky islet of San Rafaelito off Balandra Bay is one of a couple of places in La Paz where you can snorkel with sea lions. (The other, more famous spot is Los Islotes at Espiritu Santo Island, about an hour’s boat ride away from La Paz.)

The sea lion colony at San Rafaelito numbers about 140, though you don’t see them all at one time. (It isn’t as huge as the colony at Los Islotes, said to be home to about 600 sea lions).

Jumping off our small boat, we snorkeled on top of the reef encircling the rocky island, careful not to stand on the coral. As we approached, we watched sea lions as big as six feet sunning themselves upside down, nose out of the water, or diving, twirling and playing in the water.

They’re very curious animals, and they’d sometimes zip up close to our snorkel masks for a good peek at us.

When we were ready to leave, we said goodbye to our sea lion friends, climbed back into our boat and zoomed off to the catamaran.

Sea lion season in La Paz

You can swim with sea lions in La Paz from mid-October to the end of May.

However, during the breeding season – June, July, and August – it’s illegal to swim with them. This rule is in place to avoid disturbing pregnant females and their pups, as well as to ensure safety, since males can be aggressive during this time.

By the time we re-boarded the catamaran again (about 3:30 pm), everyone was hungry.

And, wow, did our hostess chef have a great lunch ready for us! Fried rib-eye steak (cut into strips), chopped steak in a creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, rice, carrots, green beans and salad awaited.

The bar was wide open, and we all ate and drank happily as we sailed back to La Paz, gushing about the day’s activities. We docked about 5:30 pm.

The ride back to Cabo

And then, just like that, our driver met us and we were driven back to Cabo San Lucas. We returned about 7:30 pm – full of memories of the wonderful whale sharks and playful sea lions that had shared their ocean with us earlier.

What’s included in your Baja Charters tour

You enjoy a bundle of perks on Baja Charters’ luxury whale shark tours :

• Roundtrip transportation from Los Cabos
• The comfort of the spacious Island Cat catamaran, which has two full bathrooms with hot fresh-water showers
• A freshly-made hot breakfast and lunch, plus mid-morning snacks
• An open bar with premium drinks, plus water and soft drinks
• The use of clean towels
• Wetsuits and snorkeling gear
• At least three separate jumps from the small companion boat to swim with the whale sharks
• Visit to Balandra Bay
• Swimming with sea lions at San Rafaelito
• Lots of crew to serve you

Is a whale shark a whale or a shark?

You’re right if you said “shark.”

Whale sharks,  Rhincodon typus , are sharks. They’re part of the fish family as they have gills, which allows them to breath underwater.

Unlike whales, you won’t catch these gentle giants with gills surfacing for a breath of air. They’re dedicated residents of the deep, spending all their time beneath the surface.

But like most whales, whale sharks are big. They’re actually the largest fish in the sea and can grow up to 45 (some say even 60) feet in length. Most of the whale sharks of La Paz, however, are between 18 and 25 feet long on average.

But while whale sharks fall under the category of sharks, you don’t have to worry about them being dangerous to humans.

Their diet consists solely of tiny microorganisms like plankton and krill. As filter feeders, they move their heads back and forth in the water to let these microorganisms flow into their huge mouth and through filtering pads at the entrance to their throats.

Swimming alongside these “gentle giants of the sea” is an entirely safe, enchanting and unique experience!

Whale shark area in La Paz

The area in La Paz Bay where you can snorkel with the whale sharks is 12 miles by 3 miles in size.

There’s another large conservation area nearby, where the whale sharks can retreat if they wish to be left alone – this area is off-limits to fishing, boating and whale shark tours.

Whale shark snorkeling in La Paz is highly regulated

Sadly, like so many other marine animals, whale sharks are an endangered species.

Local officials and guides in La Paz are working diligently to protect the whale sharks, and the government has implemented a program of strict rules and regulations for the safe and ethical viewing of whale sharks.

The number of boats is limited

No more than four groups of at most 14 boats at a time are permitted in the whale shark viewing area on the same day.

There are four different check-in times throughout the day for the four different groups.

The day before the tour in the afternoon, the tour companies ask for a turn through WhatsApp. If the tour company’s request is one of the first messages received by the authorities, they’ll receive a secure spot for the following day in one of the first two of the four groups.

The first group usually checks in about 8:00 am. Each boat needs to wait its turn before being given the go-ahead to enter the whale shark zone.

The tours are usually two to three hours long.

Our boat was in the second group – we were allowed in about 11:00 am.

The number of snorkelers in the water is limited

There were nine guests in our boat and we had to divide into two groups.

Five of us went in first, and then after we got out, the remaining four guests could go in the water with the guide.

You have to keep your distance from the sharks

We were instructed to keep a safe distance from the whale sharks.

Occasionally, Alejandro would grab one of us by our wetsuit to pull us back if we were getting too close.

You also want to stay at least six feet away from the shark’s powerful tail, to avoid getting accidentally hit by it.

You can’t touch the whale sharks

Whale sharks have a thin layer of mucus on their skin that acts as their natural shield against bacteria and parasites. Any physical contact with these gentle giants can disrupt this protective layer, putting them at risk of illness and causing them discomfort.

Wear bio-degradable sunscreen

It’s believed that whale sharks are sensitive to the smells and chemicals in many beauty and sunscreen products. 

We were asked not to apply our own sunscreen. The Island Cat had special bottles of scent-free reef-safe and bio-degradable sunscreen that we were asked to use instead.

La Paz whale shark season

The  best  time to snorkel with whale sharks in La Paz is from mid-October to February /March. (There’s a chance you might also see them in April.)

During the winter months, northerly winds blow down the Sea of Cortez. They push plankton, krill and other whale shark food in the water into the Bay of La Paz, attracting whale sharks to feed there.

For warm water, the  best time to visit Los Cabos  (and La Paz) is October and November .

In October, the water temperature can reach up to 80 degrees, (whereas it drops to the low 60s in January ).

The downside to planning a whale shark trip in October is that there may be few whale sharks around – and tours may be canceled at the request of the local authorities. (This happened to guests on our trip. They’d visited from California in October to see the whale sharks, but there were none around, so they came again in December.)

We found mid-December to be the perfect sweet spot – a mix of warm water and lots of whale sharks.

Other best La Paz whale shark tours

There are other tour companies that offer less expensive whale shark experiences than Baja Charters. Typically, these tours include complimentary use of wetsuits and snorkeling gear, as well as bottled water on the boat.

Cabo Adventures’ whale shark snorkeling from Los Cabos

Cabo Adventures is a large well-known tour company that provides whale shark snorkeling adventures in La Paz. Their 10-hour trips include:

• Roundtrip transportation to La Paz from Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo (or the Corridor)
• Wetsuits and snorkel gear
• Boat ride to the whale shark zone in La Paz
• Guided whale shark swims in the bay
• Mexican lunch along the La Paz Malecon (seafront promenade)

We’ve booked other fantastic activities with Cabo Adventures before, and we can vouch for their quality and service.

Cabo Expeditions’ tours from Cabo

We’ve also gone snorkeling with whale sharks in La Paz with Cabo Expeditions – another excellent eco-adventure company.

Cabo Expeditions’ 12-hour tours also include roundtrip transportation from Los Cabos, as well as snorkeling gear, a certified guide on the boat trip, multiple swims with the whale sharks and lunch back in La Paz.

Small group whale shark tour from La Paz

For one of the best whale shark tours leaving from La Paz, check out this highly-rated small group whale shark adventure from MeXplore Tours. (Note: It doesn’t include ground transportation from Los Cabos.)

As you head out into the bay in a small panga (motorized boat), your local marine biologist guide will tell you about whale sharks and how to swim safely with them.

The tour is limited to a small group of up to eight people, and you’ll go into the water in groups of two to four snorkelers at a time.

Pictures and videos of your tour are given to you complimentary.

Half-day excursion from La Paz

Jump into the big blue and say hello to the ocean’s gentle giants on this half-day whale shark adventure with Tuna Tuna Tours, leaving from La Paz.

With a small group of just ten, you’ll swim alongside these magnificent creatures and learn about them from your expert tour guide. Everything’s included – snorkeling gear, snacks, water and even underwater photos and videos of your encounter.

(Like MeXplore Tours above, this tour also doesn’t include transportation from Los Cabos.)

Final thoughts on La Paz whale shark snorkeling

Swimming with whale sharks in La Paz in their natural environment is an unforgettable experience.

As you glide through the water beside these amazing creatures, you’ll feel a connection to the marine world like never before.

It’s a mesmerizing adventure that stays with you long after your encounter is over!

Disclosure: Our La Paz whale shark swimming experience with Baja Charters was complimentary for review purposes. However, as professional travel journalists, we always retain full editorial control over our thoughts and words – and we let you in on both the “good” and the “bad” about our trips and travel experiences.

Planning your trip to Cabo?

Here are our favorite travel resources:

Resorts: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel in Cabo – or at least a decent one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)

Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).

Tours: For the best local guided tours in Cabo, see Viator and GetYourGuide .

Car rental: Renting a car in Los Cabos is one of the best ways to explore. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.

Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more.

Need more help planning your trip? Check out our ultimate Cabo travel guide ! It’s packed with crazy useful trip planning info.

Pssst! If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!

Photos:  3, 5 to 8, 10, 11, 15 © Janice and George Mucalov, Cabo Visitor

About the authors

Award-winning travel writers Janice and George Mucalov are frequent visitors to Los Cabos. Here on Cabo Visitor , they share their essential tips for discovering the best of Cabo!

La Paz VIP Tours

Tour operator with limited places to guarantee the highest quality of service to achieve the best experience for our clients...

Whale Shark Encounter

Sea of Cortez Wonders Tour

All Islands Tour

Discover the beauty of the Sea of Cortez

Discover the most spectacular corners of the Sea of ​​Cortez accompanied by experienced professionals who will bring you closer to the fauna and flora of the place.

All Islands

Visit the islotes and all the islands of espiritu santo natural park.

Our clients say

We had a fantastic time on our whale shark snorkeling trip, and would highly recommend VIP Tour La Paz to anyone. Well worth the cost, excellent service and reduced groups. We will have wonderful memories from this trip forever! Thank you all.

Ian Wilson Customer

The VIP tours team has been excellent and very well organized from start to end. The snorkeling experience was amazing for the whole family, we were lucky to swim with two whale sharks. Thank you VIP Tours!

Robert Hobbs Customer

It was an amazing experience and we felt in very safe and expert hands. Swimming with the sea lions was great fun, Balandra beach is as beautiful as the photos suggest and we enjoyed our picnic lunch there. This must be the best thing to do in La Paz, don’t miss it!

Alison Gibbs Customer

Learn about life in the waters of the Sea of ​​Cortez from marine biologists and scuba divers

10 facts about espiritu santo

ESPIRITU SANTO: About Espiritu Santo 1-Is the 12th largest island in Mexico (83km2 / 31 sq ml) Characteristic desert lan...

10 Facts whale sharks and sea lion

WHALE 1- The whale shark is the largest living shark.The name “whale shark” comes from the fact these animals are so lar...

Privacy Overview

Isla Espiritu Santo - Whale Shark - Playa Balandra - Custom Private Tours - Sport-fishing -   Flyfishing - Gray Whales

When was the LAST TIME you did something for the FIRST TIME?

The hook experiences .

Experience Balandra

Sea lions, Balandra,Bay Tour

Swim with a Whale Shark

Experience the largest fish in the sea

Experience Isla Espiritu Santo  

The Most Popular  IN LA PAZ! 

6+ hours, snorkel with sea  lions, beach lunch, all inclusive! 

Balandra Private

No waiting in line, swim with sea lions, AND Balandra

Gray Whale Watching

Up to 100 of these curious animals in the bay. Jan-Mar

+52 612 243-6462

Sport-Fishing Fly Fishing

Fish World Record Water with Local Guides

Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz

• All Fees and Taxes
• use of snorkeling equipment
• We do not use bottled water, we use glasses and purified water in a container
• transportation from the hotel
• WiFi on board
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Paseo Álvaro Obregón 220, Malecón, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico Our boats depart from the fiscal dock located in Álvaro Obregón 214 downtown area. This is the tourist dock of the city of La Paz. Our guides will be waiting for you near the main entrance. If you arrive too early, you can enjoy a drink at Buzos Restaurant.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Paseo Álvaro Obregón 220 Paseo Álvaro Obregón 220, Malecón, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico Our boats depart from the fiscal dock located in Álvaro Obregón 214 downtown area. This is the tourist dock of the city of La Paz. Our guides will be waiting for you near the main entrance. If you arrive too early, you can enjoy a drink at Buzos Restaurant. See address & details
• Pass by Dunas Del Mogote
• You'll return to the starting point

• PaintedPonyGranada 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A great tour and good value. A great tour lasting all day. It was a gift for my wife. She saw whales and swam with sea lions. Very enjoyable. Very reasonably priced and the guides were very helpful. Read more Written March 23, 2024
• S8420NKjohns 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Holy Island boat tour Captain and guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The boat was comfortable and the entire experience was very enjoyable. Read more Written March 20, 2024
• noelw580 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Well Curated Adventure A fantastic adventure for a very reasonable price. Federico and El Capitán are the best. Friendly, knowledgeable and, as other reviewers have noted, Capitan’s ceviche is the best. The hospitality and destinations are top. My recommendation is to tip your guide and captain well. They work hard to make your voyage incredible. Read more Written March 12, 2024
• saelant 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A magical adventure This trip was a fantastic adventure! Despite choppy seas and a detour around the "back" (east) side of the islands, we saw dolphins, humpback whales, and a whale shark. The swim with sea lions was everything we could have hoped (they came right up to us!), and the secluded beach we stopped at for lunch was incredibly beautiful. The ceviche we were served was so good it was almost worth the trip just for that. Our guides (Federico and Braulio) were extremely chill, friendly, and knowledgeable about local wildlife and geographical features. Highly recommend! I would mention that the boat trip took over two hours up and and an hour and a half down (though that included lots of stops to view wildlife and sights), which was fine with us—it was very fun. We brought our own snacks for the boat ride, which I would recommend, since the tour only includes lunch. Read more Written March 8, 2024
• Tara G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Choose Alonso! This was an absolutely incredible experience! The crew were super friendly, they educated us about the whale sharks and other marine life in the area and their passion was evident and contagious! David, Bibi and Angel are a total delight and I highly recommend booking a tour with this company! Hopefully you’re lucky enough to get this crew! They took us in teams of 4 to swim with the whale shark after giving us detailed instructions. It was definitely intimidating to jump into the ocean with a beast this size, we lucked in to be able to swim with “valiente” meaning “brave” in Spanish. About a 22 foot whale shark identified by his broken dorsal fin. He’s the largest in the area! My first time I completely freaked out with the sharks head coming towards me, however the second time we jumped in the lead tour guide, David, grabbed my hand and swam with me beside the shark, allowing me to have the most incredible experience seeing it up close and the entire length of the shark! I was in awe! I had a smile on my face a mile wide! Go do this tour! Read more Written February 5, 2024
• JOHNandMickie 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Snorkeling with the seals Well run with a very knowledgeable crew to answer all your wildlife questions. They paused for a pod of bottle nosed dolphins, breaching humpbacks. The snorkel adventure with the seals, while short, was marvelous (advise a wet suit shorty that you can rent). The lunch stop included time for further snorkeling in warmer, shallower waters rich in color fish. My only ask is that info include the estimated time of the outing (10-5) as you’re in transit to and from the islands at least 1 hr each way. Read more Written February 3, 2024
• Sandy M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The tour was very enjoyable. The guide spoke English fairly well ,and explained all of the stops the boat did for us to enjoy to The tour that we run with your company was very enjoyable. The guide was very informative. and spoke English fairly well to us. This stops the boat made for us to see the activities made by the water animals, whales, dolphins, Lion seals in the water. The birds we saw were explained to us regarding the specialty in their environment the way they functioned. feeding. Read more Written February 3, 2024
• SteveinSeoul 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A wonderful interactive experience with whale sharks Swimming with the whale sharks was definitely the highlight of our week in La Paz. A wonderful experience anytime but made all the better because our two outstanding tour guides - David and Juan Carlos. David is a marine wildlife guide with a great attitude and because of his background in marine biology made for an informative experience that guaranteed an extensive interaction while insuring the safety of both the tourists and the whale sharks. Juan Carlos was the boat captain who made sure passengers got to the location safely and assisted with getting the snorkelers into and our of the water so that everyone was provided the opportunity to have several interactions with these amazing creatures. Great to see people in the industry who genuinely enjoy both their clientele and their jobs. Read more Written January 24, 2024
• TNBeanQueen 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Unique Sea Lion Experience - Be Aware Snorkel w/the Sea Lions Beautiful views and an unexpected treat of seeing a mama/baby humpback and several playful dolphins. The sea lions were active and there was a large variety of colorful fish around their area where we snorkeled - a short 20-minute snorkel. We wore provided wet suits - make sure you remind the point person that they are provided in the offer, as our onsite director offered them at 150 pesos each. We had a nice beach lunch and were told there would be another snorkel stop, but that did not happen - maybe because our boat had engine trouble for about an hour at the start of our trip? One of our guests was an experienced boater and helped get us back moving. The tour company rejected our request for a discount due to the lost time. Our guide, Edgar, was terrific, and Gustavo, our boat captain, skilled. Read more Written December 15, 2023
• LoveTravel500020 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day for the whole family with an experienced crew. Just book it already! Booked the evening before, and whole family including teen and preteen had a blast! Great crew and guides, friendly, informative, and easy going. Focused on comfort and safety. Morning riding out to the islands, stopped on the way out at different points of interest including just a little ways off the dock stopped for a while to spend time with a juvenile whale shark. Swam with the sea lions midday. Lots of close interactions, amazing! Lunch simple, tasty and more than enough. Beach stop enjoyable for the easy swimming and snorkeling too. Trip back to the dock quick and efficient, enjoyable for the sea spray and the mostly quiet time to soak in that golden hour. Highly recommend this activity and company. Read more Written November 19, 2023
• allisonhD4285OU 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible Nature Forward La Paz Tour Writing this review 5 months after our trip because we want to make sure we find the words to accurately convey how special this tour was for us. We decided to book a private tour last minute (day before) on our trip to La Paz & thankfully Alonso was able to get us in. Communication with the tour company was a breeze. They provided air conditioned transportation to and from our Airbnb. We had the absolute pleasure of being paired with Otto & Gustavo on the boat. Our idea was to book a private tour as we wanted a little bit more control over where we going, and avoiding crowds of people. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the tour includes more of a nature forward approach. Meaning that they teach you about nature (animals both land & water, plants, and history) around La Paz & Baja California. Our initial thought was that they would take us to whatever beaches we wanted to just chill (ignorance on our part because didn’t do enough research). However, we got way more than we thought we were going to as Otto & Gustavo taught us about La Paz’s local waters, land, and history. What species live there, and how to properly respect the land. Gustavo & Otto went out of their way to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see plus stop at some of the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen. For lunch we had the pleasure of eating Gustavo’s delicious ceviche recipe and they supplied sandwiches, snacks, treats and drinks as well. We were able to stop and watch the sea lions while eating and catching up on how Otto and Gustavo got in to leading these tours. It was so intimate and unique and something you probably wouldn’t be able to do with a larger tour company. We still keep in touch with Otto, and consider him a friend. Because of both his & Gustavo’s passion for the land, animals, and history, we had a magical experience. We will be back to La Paz soon to go on another trip. THANK YOU Otto & Gustavo for making our trip so special! We will forever cherish this memory. Read more Written November 4, 2023
• T5271UFallisong 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Must Do in La Paz! We booked this boat tour last minute on our honeymoon and it ended up being our favorite part of the entire trip! We saw a ton of wild life, swam with sea lions, snorkeled and enjoyed lunch on the most beautiful beach. Our guides Frederico and Juan were so kind and knowledgeable. Could not have asked for a better experience, highly recommend! Read more Written October 31, 2023
• camontoyac 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience in La Paz! We had the chance to do the Espíritu Santo tour with Federico (Guide) and Juan (Captain). It was great, we saw the Sea Lions close enough, even spot a pod of Dolphins. Their service was great; they were friendly, the food was amazing. I would absolutely recommend them Read more Written October 25, 2023
• qtnurse85 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Snorkeling and so much more! I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed this tour. The guides, the explanations of the islands and how they were formed, snorkeling with sea lions, lunch (delicious ceviche!) on a beach with more snorkeling. Amazing. I will do this again and again because different seasons would bring different animals (we got to see dolphins!). Thank you Alonzo Tours! Read more Written October 15, 2023
• 596rigobertos 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome tours!!! One of the best experiences. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and nice. One of the best tours I’ve ever been in. The tour thinks of everything. Read more Written October 5, 2023

More to explore in La Paz

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz provided by Alonso Tours

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CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Best tour in La Paz!!

I came on a snorkeling and paddle boarding tour with O n Board  B aja and had the best time! The whole team was so pleasant and so genuine, you can tell they wanted to make sure you had the best experience. Stephanie, Reidar, and Mafer were all so helpful and easy going, made the booking so easy and the tour a blast. It was my first time snorkeling and they definitely made me feel comfortable so I can enjoy it. I definitely recommend them for your tour, you will be in very good hands!

I could spend hours writing about the amazing experience with Reidar, Stephanie, Mafer and the rest of the crew, but I think you should find it yourself if you go to Baja.

I am certain that they are the best ones to take you to Espiritu Santo, see the whales and discover Baja. They put heart, effort, humor and the best resources.

You can see Baja in different ways but the best experience is definitely with them.

We are so lucky to have found this group! Wonderful staff, first-rate equipment, best Captain! A lovely day filled with new experiences and lovely beaches. Thank you....we will be back.

TEL / WHATSAPP 612. 183.52.78

Tel / whatsapp us / can 612.183.52.78, [email protected].

• +52 (612) 120-6957
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Whale Shark Experience

SWIMMING WITH GENTLE GIANTS

An adventure you cannot miss

Get comfortable while we head over to the Whale Shark refuge area; it will be a short boat ride from the Marina where you will be given a quick briefing and the rules to protect these magnificent fish. Put your wetsuit and snorkeling gear on, and be ready to be amazed. Now it is time to jump in the water and have a close encounter with these docile creatures in their natural habitat. Our experienced and certified Captains and Guides will make sure you have a lifetime experience. Live this unbelievable experience with us and scratch it off your bucket list! 

You can read more about Whale Sharks here .

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The authorities only allow 14 boats per turn at a time, and there are 4 turns each day. The meeting times for each turn are 7 am, 9 am, 11:30 am or 2 pm. For the 1 st and 2 nd turn, the dynamic to ask for a turn works like this: The day before the tour at 3 pm, all the permit holders ask for a turn through WhatsApp and if we are lucky enough to be one of the first messages that the authorities receive, then we have a secure spot for the following day on either the 1st turn (7 am) or 2nd turn (9 am). We always aim for the 2nd turn (9 am) unless it’s a private tour and you request the first turn (7 am). They assign the turns in the order in which they receive the messages. If we don’t get into the 1 st or 2 nd turn, then we have to ask for a chance to get on the 3 rd (11:30 am) or 4 th turn (2 pm) the following morning at 7 am. We cannot guarantee that we will get a turn or which turn we will get until after the turns are assigned each day. We will get in contact with you if we don’t get the desired turn (9 am) to let you know the turn we got assigned. 

So please, consider this to plan ahead your schedule for the day.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE WHALE SHARKS

Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the planet

They are filter feeders and feed on plankton and krill

They have approximately 3,000 tiny teeth harmless to humans

Whale Sharks can reach a little over 40 ft. in length and weigh over 20 tons

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

$2,400 MXN per person

TOUR DURATION

What's included.

Soft drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, wetsuits, underwater videos and pictures (quality will depend on the conditions of the day), traveler’s insurance, certified captain and guide

November through April

WHAT TO BRING?

Towel, Jacket/Windbreaker, Biodegradable sunscreen lotion, Swimming suit

WHALE SHARKS, SEA LIONS AND BALANDRA EXPERIENCE

In addition to the Whale Shark Experience, we will take you snorkeling with the friendly Sea Lions in San Rafaelito, where you will also get to witness a beautiful coral reef full of colorful fish. End this amazing half-day tour with a visit to one of Mexico’s best beaches: Balandra, where you will enjoy fresh ceviche and cold beer while you dip your toes in this incredible turquoise-water sandy beach!

$3,200 MXN per person

Ceviche, burritos, snacks, soft drinks, beer, snorkeling gear, wetsuits, underwater videos and pictures, national park permit, traveler’s insurance, certified captain and guide

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Welcome to Baja Pro Tours

Experience la paz, one voyage at a time., private or shared tours, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey with baja pro tours.

Come experience an unforgettable adventure with Baja Pro Tours! Swim alongside magnificent whale sharks, snorkel with playful sea lions, and explore the stunning beauty of Balandra Bay and Espiritu Santo Island. Discover the best of La Paz with our knowledgeable guides who will make sure you have an amazing and safe trip. Book your tour now and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Mushroom of Balandra Beach

You can’t say that you visited La Paz if you did not take a picture at Balandra’s Mushroom (a natural rock with the shape of a mushroom, the icon of this amazing Beach)

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Desert Drives and Sea Lion Dives: The Enduring Draws of La Paz, Mexico

New hotels and destination-worthy restaurants now complement the ever-appealing outdoors surrounding La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur.

The east coast of Baja California Sur is a distinctive mix of ocean and red-hued desert. Credit... Tanveer Badal for The New York Times

Supported by

By Lauren Sloss

• April 3, 2024

For our last night in La Paz, Mexico, we kept it simple: A couple of cans of cold Pacifico, a bench on the malecón, the city’s waterfront promenade, and the sunset glowing orange over the shimmering silver-blue Sea of Cortez. My husband, Alex, and I had spent nearly a week taking scenic desert drives and lazy city strolls, visiting stunning beaches and mountains, and enjoying a steady diet of fish tacos and mezcalitas. But now we were salt-coated and sinking into a blissful exhaustion that comes only after a day spent scuba diving.

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, the Mexican state where some 42 percent of the land and water are natural protected areas , and the city lies on the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, considered one of the world’s most diverse marine environments. Travelers have long been drawn to the region’s glorious outdoors, a distinctive mix of ocean and red-hued desert, to spend days not only diving, but also sailing, kayaking, fishing, kite surfing, mountain biking, camping and hiking.

In recent years, the city has maintained its strong commitment to environmental conservation, but has also welcomed new restaurants and accommodations, meeting a growing desire among many travelers to Mexico for authentic experiences found beyond the walls of an enormous resort.

“This is an adventure destination,” said Luz Maria Zepeda, the director of the city’s tourism board. “We want people who want to explore, who want to preserve the environment the way it is, and to help us protect it.”

Growth, but kept in check

Home to around 300,000 people, La Paz has a decidedly laid-back feel — “The Peace,” it’s aptly named — and is often overshadowed by Los Cabos , a municipality on the state’s southernmost tip that includes San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, as well as by tiny Todos Santos , a stylish destination for art and food on the Pacific Coast.

Indeed, while La Paz had a record-breaking 600,000 tourists in 2023, Los Cabos — through cruises and air alone — welcomes 3 million travelers annually .

La Paz’s comparatively modest number of visitors is, in part, a question of access: La Paz’s airport almost exclusively serves domestic destinations, with direct flights primarily from Mexico City and Guadalajara. Most international visitors opt to fly to the larger Los Cabos International Airport and take the two- to three-hour drive to La Paz.

The drive from the airport is its own worthwhile journey, with routes running along the Pacific Coast through Todos Santos and El Pescadero, home to Playa Los Cerritos , a popular surfing destination. A slightly longer, but epically beautiful, drive winds through the Sierra La Laguna mountain range.

La Paz is a walkable city with good roads and ample services. It does not have any large resorts, and there are no current plans to build any: This is not a destination with aspirations of imitating the all-inclusive, tourist-heavy spring break vibes long associated with Cabo. Instead of a waterfront dominated by restricted private access, La Paz has the malecón, which was renovated in 2020 and 2021. Last April, a proposal to build a large port for cruise ships was withdrawn after local pushback .

“We don’t want massive tourism,” said Ivan Félix, the manager of the tour and travel department of the La Paz tourism board. “The idea is not to grow in numbers, but in quality.”

That has translated to a bevy in smaller, higher-end hotel openings: Hotel Indigo , formerly the Costabaja Resort & Spa, was renovated and reopened by IHG in December and Republica Pagana , an adults-only boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant, welcomed its first guests in January. Grupo Habita opened the Baja Club Hotel in a former colonial villa in 2021 on the malecón. Hilton plans to complete a renovation of the historic La Perla Hotel , which first opened in 1940, by the end of this year.

That sophisticated growth can also be found in the city’s culinary scene, which continues to be dominated by the region’s fresh seafood, flour tortillas and ranch-driven fare like meat-filled molcajetes and snack-sized burritos. Fried fish tacos remain stalwarts, from street stands to casual eateries like Taco Fish La Paz (featured on the Netflix series “Taco Chronicles,”) and Toto Frito , where you can try sustainably farmed totoaba, a fish native to the Sea of Cortez. We feasted on a variety of chilaquiles at Maria California , a popular brunch spot, and inhaled spicy shrimp aguachile at a beach stand at Playa El Tecolote, just north of Balandra. At Los 32 Sabores , a memorable dinner of manta ray and tripe tacos on fresh tortillas and Caesar salads made tableside hinted at the city’s ambition to become a bona fide food and drink destination.

Gratitude Coffee Makers , a coffee bar a few blocks off the malecón, was opened by the husband-and-wife team Sergio Hernández and Gloria Olivera in 2022. The couple work closely with Mexican coffee farmers, ensuring both quality beans and fair labor practices, and host art exhibitions and events at their cafe. They have noticed a decided shift in the restaurant scene in recent years.

“It’s definitely developing. There are a lot of people from the mainland that are coming here and opening restaurants. You can find a lot more things to do,” said Mr. Hernández, who is from Mexico City.

Some of that diversity can be found nearby at Tiger Club , which serves Southeast Asian fare and natural wine. The restaurant is housed on the back patio of Casa Nopal , a showroom and shop specializing in handmade goods from Mexican artisans, both of which opened in 2022. Nearby, Sunrise/Sunset is a natural wine bar that opened in December. Nemi offers riffs on traditional dishes, which might include fresh fish served raw or topped with hoja santa butter, duck confit in flour tortillas or pork belly served with beans and nopales. The restaurant is the first solo project of Alejandro Villagomez, who in 2011 moved from Mexico City where he was chef de cuisine of Pujol .

“La Paz is a magical place,” Mr. Villagomez said. “We are surrounded by sea and desert, and we strive to find the best ingredients both inside and outside the city.”

White sand, cobalt waters

Still, for all of the new hotels and destination-worthy restaurants, the natural world remains La Paz’s main draw. Chrissy Cappellano, a certified master scuba diver trainer from Long Island, in New York, has been living in the city since 2018.

“You have to plan multiple trips to see everything,” she said of the area’s rich marine life. “There’s a time that’s good for whale sharks, for whales, for sea lions.”

I met Ms. Cappellano when she led our daylong dive trip with Carey Dive Center that included a surprise sighting of humpback whales and a swim with whale sharks , the wide-mouthed, filter-feeding fish that can grow up to 30 feet. The rest of the day was spent around the islands of Espírito Santo and Partida — the archipelago is part of an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a national park and a 45-minute ride from the city — diving around a protected sea lion colony called Los Islotes . The marine mammals didn’t hesitate to approach our group, performing flips and in some cases, biting onto flippers and dive hoses. Perhaps as spectacular were the schools of sardines, glinting silver in the sun as they whirled around us like confetti.

Care for the environment is a common talking point on dive trips I’ve been on elsewhere in Mexico and around the world; here, it was an actionable part of the agenda. Daily access to whale sharks, which migrate in order to feed in the waters right off the city , is limited to a small number of tour boats at set times. As we boarded our boat after our first dive at Los Islotes, someone spotted a sea lion pup who had been wounded by a fishing hook. Ms. Cappellano quickly sent photos and videos to Rescate de Lobos Marinos , an organization that helps monitor and treat sea lions. Carey also made a point to provide reusable water bottles for the day. (The state as a whole has been strictly limiting single-use plastics since 2018.)

It’s not hard to see how and why visitors fall in love with these cobalt waters, and why local residents are so protective of them. Espiritu Santo is a geological layer cake carved with countless small anchorages, beloved by sailors and fishing enthusiasts. But there’s also much to explore on land — the island is a popular destination for hiking and glamping, while Playa Balandra , famous for its white sand and shallow turquoise waters, is consistently named one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. An easy 20-minute drive from the city center, it is also a protected area, and limits the number of visitors allowed per day, with timed entries at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. La Ventana, a 40-minute drive, is a famous kite-surfing destination . There’s mountain biking, dune buggying, hiking and camping, too.

“You can pick a beach depending on the wind. There are waterfalls and hot springs. Every sunset here is usually amazing,” Ms. Cappellano said. “There’s just so much nature to be enjoyed.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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