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    Swim with Whale Sharks — La Paz

    3
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    Swim with Whale Sharks — La Paz
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    ## Forty feet long. Three feet away from you. #### Some experiences don't photograph well. You have to live them. --- The whale shark is the largest fish in the world. It can grow up to 40 feet long, weigh over 20 tons, and move with a calm that defies its size. Swimming next to one in open water — where the true scale only sinks in once it's an arm's length away — is an experience that resets how you think about the ocean. La Paz is one of the few destinations in the world where this encounter happens regularly, in protected waters, under official regulation that safeguards both the animal's wellbeing and the visitor's safety. It's not a show. It's a privilege. --- ### What you'll experience The boat leaves from La Paz and reaches the viewing area in about 40 minutes. CONANP authorities assign each boat's time slot the same day — it could be 10am, 1pm, or 3pm. That's why we ask you to keep the whole day open; we confirm your pick-up time as soon as the authority communicates it to us. Once at the site, the certified guide enters the water first to locate the animal. When ready, groups of up to 5 people enter per shark. The maximum time allowed per encounter is 30 minutes per animal — not to rush you, but because the rules exist to protect the shark. What happens in those 30 minutes doesn't really translate into words. You have to live it. --- ### The regulations — why they matter The whale shark viewing zone in La Paz operates under strict CONANP and SEMARNAT regulation. It's not decorative — it's what makes this encounter possible year after year. The main rules to know: **The animal is never touched.** No exceptions. **Maximum 5 people per shark**, accompanied by a certified guide in the water. **30 minutes maximum** of snorkeling per animal. **Biodegradable sunscreen only.** Required. **No alcohol** before or during the activity. **Strict punctuality.** If you're late, the reservation is forfeited with no refund. Our guides have operated in this zone for years and know the protocol in detail. Their job is to make the encounter feel as natural as possible for you, and as non-invasive as possible for the animal. --- ### Season and availability **Official season:** October 1 to April 30. The activity begins once authorities register at least 14 sharks inside the refuge zone. This usually happens between mid-October and mid-November — though it varies each year depending on ocean conditions. | Month | Condition | |---|---| | **Oct–Nov** | Season starts · first sightings · fewer tourists | | **Dec–Feb** | Peak season · highest concentration of animals | | **Mar–Apr** | End of season · warmer water · last chances | **Our recommendation:** December to February. Shark concentration is highest and Gulf conditions tend to be more stable. --- ### What's included ✓ Hotel pick-up in La Paz ✓ Fast boat transfer to the viewing area (~40 min) ✓ 2 hours at the site with a certified guide in the water ✓ Full gear: wetsuit, life vest, mask, snorkel and fins ✓ Access permit for the Protected Natural Area (CONANP) ✓ Bottled water and soft drinks on board ✓ Onboard restroom **Not included:** tip for the guide · underwater camera · alcoholic beverages **Price:** $1,980 MXN per person (~$105 USD) **Total duration:** ~3 hours (including transfers) **Free cancellation** up to 24 hours before. --- ### What you need to know **The time slot is confirmed the same day.** Authorities assign each boat's turn daily. Keep your day open — we'll confirm pick-up time as soon as we have it. **Keep all your La Paz days open** when booking. This lets us find an available slot within your visit window. **Biodegradable sunscreen.** Required. We sell it at the office if you don't have any. **You need to be comfortable in the water.** Diving skills aren't required, but you do need to be able to swim. Life vests are mandatory for everyone. **Not recommended for:** pregnant travelers · people with heart or respiratory conditions. --- > *"It was an amazing experience. Being three feet away from a 30-foot shark and feeling how calm it was — I can't describe it. I just know I want to go back."* > *"The guides are professional, know the rules, and make the encounter feel natural. Definitely the most memorable moment of our trip to Mexico."* --- ### Ready for the privilege? **[BOOK NOW]** · WhatsApp +52 612 155 1900 See full details and book directly on the Whale Shark page · or request a custom quote for your group. *$1,980 MXN per person (~$105 USD) · Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.* --- ### You might also like
    Gray Whale · Puerto Chale, Jan–MarSea Lions · San Rafaelito, Sep–MayEspíritu Santo Island · Year-round

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