Season October–AprilProtected Natural Area
Swim & Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La Paz
★ 4.7 · 53 La Paz City Map reviews on TripAdvisor · See reviews · Certified bilingual guides
- Duration≈ 4 hours
- SeasonOctober–April
- Departures10 am · 1 pm · 3 pm
- GuideEnglish / Spanish
Why this tour
Snorkel next to the largest fish in the world, 40 minutes from La Paz
Every season, juvenile whale sharks gather in the bay of La Paz, on the Gulf of California, to feed on plankton close to shore. It is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with them on a short boat ride from the city.
The encounter zone is a protected area regulated by CONANP: only permitted boats can enter, in fixed time slots, and swimmers go in small turns with a guide, snorkeling only. That is why the experience is calm and respectful — and why the permit, the gear and the guide are all included.
You spend about two hours in the area, getting in the water whenever a whale shark is nearby and following the guide's instructions to keep a safe distance. Whale sharks are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed, but during the season they are usually present.
Itinerary
- Check-inSea lion statue, La Paz Malecón
Briefing on the CONANP rules and boarding. Departure times are set by the day's permit (10 am, 1 pm or 3 pm).
- ≈ 40 minSpeedboat to the encounter zone
- ≈ 2 hoursWhale shark snorkeling
Small turns in the water with your guide whenever a whale shark is nearby.
- ≈ 30 minBack to La Paz
What's included
Included
- CONANP Protected Natural Area permit
- Speedboat to the encounter zone
- Whale shark snorkeling with a certified bilingual guide
- Snorkel gear and life vest
- Bottled water and soft drinks
Not included
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Gratuities for the crew
A wild, seasonal encounter
Whale sharks are wild animals in the Gulf of California. The season runs from October to April and sightings are never guaranteed. Departure times and time in the water are set by the CONANP permit issued for the day, and weather conditions may change the operation. We confirm availability and your time slot before you pay.
Before you go
What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes to board quickly.
Rules in the water
Snorkeling only (no scuba). Keep your distance from the whale shark, never touch it and do not use flash. Your guide tells you when to enter and exit the water.
Weather
Weather conditions may affect the operation. If the tour cannot run, we contact you before departure with your options.
Meeting point
We meet at the sea lion statue on the La Paz Malecón. We confirm your exact time slot when you book.
What travelers say
4.7
★★★★★
53 La Paz City Map reviews on TripAdvisor
Frequently asked questions
When is whale shark season in La Paz?
From October to April. Outside the season the encounter zone is closed.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No. Whale sharks are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed, although during the season they are usually present in the bay.
What times does the tour leave?
The departure times are set by the CONANP permit for the day, usually 10 am, 1 pm or 3 pm. The full experience lasts about 4 hours.
Can I scuba dive with the whale sharks?
No. Only snorkeling is allowed in the encounter zone, in small turns with a guide.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You should be comfortable in open water. Life vests are provided and the guide is in the water with you.
How do I book?
Send us your dates and group size through the booking request form. We confirm availability and your CONANP time slot, then send you the payment details.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before for a full refund.
Plan your whale shark encounter
$2,300 MXN per person · season October–April · free cancellation up to 48 h before
Per person$2,300 MXN