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 10 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
2026–2027 season: set by the authorities each year — there's no fixed start or end date. Based on past years, the season can start anywhere from October to December, and close anywhere from January to April, depending on shark counts in the refuge zone and ocean conditions.
Operations begin once authorities confirm enough sharks inside the refuge zone — some years that's October, other years not until December.
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Season start | Varies each year (set by the authority) · first sightings · fewer tourists |
| Peak season | Highest concentration of animals, usually mid-season |
| Season close | Varies each year (set by the authority) · last chances |
Our recommendation: book toward the middle of the season, once it's confirmed — shark concentration tends to be highest and Gulf of California conditions more stable.
Wildlife sightings are subject to natural conditions. If the authority suspends operations on your date, we reschedule your tour at no extra cost.
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: $2,300 MXN per person
Total duration: ~3 hours (including transfers)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
What to bring
- Biodegradable sunscreen — for your skin and for the ocean. Required, and we sell it at the office if you don't have any.
- Swimwear and a towel.
- Hat, sunglasses and light clothing for sun protection.
- A waterproof camera, if you want your own footage.
- Flexibility. The day is the plan, not the hour.
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.
- Book it early in your stay. If the authority suspends operations on your date, you still have days left to reschedule within your trip.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
When is whale shark season in La Paz?
There's no fixed date: the authority sets the start and close each year based on shark presence in the refuge zone. The season typically starts sometime between October and December, and closes sometime between January and April.
How much does it cost to swim with whale sharks in La Paz?
$2,300 MXN per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. It includes hotel pick-up, full snorkeling gear, a certified guide and the Protected Natural Area access permit.
Can you guarantee I'll see a whale shark?
No. These are wild animals in open water and no serious operator guarantees a sighting. What does exist is an authorized season, certified guides, and free rescheduling if the authority suspends operations on your date.
Why can't you give me an exact tour time?
Because CONANP assigns each boat's slot the same morning. You book the day, not the hour. We confirm your pick-up time as soon as the authority communicates it.
How many people get in the water with each shark?
A maximum of 5 people per animal, always accompanied by a certified guide in the water, with a maximum of 30 minutes per encounter.
Do I need to know how to dive?
No. This is surface snorkeling. You do need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim; life vests are mandatory for everyone.
What is the best month to swim with whale sharks?
It's best to book toward the middle of the season, once the authority has confirmed it — animal concentration tends to be highest and Gulf of California conditions more stable then.
"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?
See dates and reserve the Whale Shark tour →
Questions before you book? Write to us on WhatsApp +52 612 155 1900 — or request a custom quote for your group.
$2,300 MXN per person · Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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