Swim & Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La Paz
★ 4.7 · 53 reviews of La Paz City Map on TripAdvisor
- person
- Free cancellation — full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts (local time).
- Reserve now, pay later — secure your spot while staying flexible.
- Live tour guide English, Spanish
Swim and snorkel alongside the majestic whale shark in the waters of La Paz. An unforgettable experience in the natural habitat of the world's largest fish!
Highlights
- A beautiful way to experience snorkeling in a unique environment.
- Enjoy a pleasant time with delicious snacks and drinks on board.
- Discover the magic of whale sharks up close in their natural habitat.
Your day, hour by hour
Approximately 4 hours from meeting point to return. Times are set by the CONANP permit issued for the day and may vary.
| 0:00 20 min | Meeting and check-in We meet at the sea lion statue on the La Paz malecón. Paperwork, permits and introductions. |
| 0:20 25 min | Briefing and gear Safety talk, whale shark behaviour and the CONANP rules of conduct. Snorkel gear and life vest fitted before boarding. |
| 0:45 ~40 min | Transfer to the encounter zone Boarding and speedboat crossing into the protected whale shark area of the Gulf of California. |
| 1:25 ~2 h | In the whale shark area Entries into the water in groups of up to five, a maximum of 30 minutes per animal, as CONANP requires. Whale sharks are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed. Water and soft drinks on board. |
| 3:25 ~30 min | Return to La Paz Crossing back to the malecón, arriving around the 4-hour mark. |
Includes
- Protected Natural Area Access Permit fee.
- Swimming with Whale Sharks.
- Boat trip to the snorkeling point.
- Snorkel equipment and life vest.
- Bottled water and soft drinks.
- Tips
Not included
| ✕ | Meals. Bottled water and soft drinks are on board; food is not included. |
| ✕ | Hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour starts and ends at the meeting point on the malecón. |
| ✕ | Gratuities. At your discretion. |
| ✕ | Travel insurance. |
Good to know. Whale shark season in La Paz runs October through April. Encounters take place inside a protected area and follow CONANP rules: groups of up to five swimmers, a maximum of 30 minutes per animal, and no touching. Sightings depend on the animals and are never guaranteed.
Meeting point
Meeting point: sea lion statue, La Paz malecón. Open in Google Maps
Look for the bronze sea lion statue on the seafront walkway. Please arrive 15 minutes before your start time — boats depart on the schedule set by the daily CONANP permit and cannot wait.
Important information
What to Bring: Biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear.
Recommendations: Dress comfortably and include a swimsuit. Bring sun protection, such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Weather conditions may affect tour operations.
Full description
Experience the thrill of swimming and snorkeling with whale sharks in the warm waters of La Paz, Baja California Sur. Get up close to the world's largest fish and explore its natural habitat. Prepare to embark on an exciting and educational journey, creating memories that will last a lifetime and developing a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. Our expert guides will provide you with a fun, safe, and educational experience.
The full experience lasts approximately 4 hours from meeting point to return: briefing and boarding, a speedboat transfer to the encounter zone (about 40 minutes), roughly 2 hours in the area for snorkeling and whale shark watching, and the return to La Paz (about 30 minutes). Times are set by the CONANP permit issued for the day and may vary.
Whale sharks are wild animals in the Gulf of California and sightings are never guaranteed. Enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Frequently asked questions
When is whale shark season in La Paz?
From October through April. Outside those months the animals are not in the bay and the tour does not operate.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No. Whale sharks are wild animals in the Gulf of California and no operator can guarantee an encounter. Your guide will look for them within the protected area during the permitted window.
How long does the tour take?
About 4 hours from the meeting point back to the meeting point. The exact schedule is set by the CONANP permit issued for that day, so plan to keep the morning free.
Do I need snorkelling experience?
Snorkelling takes place at the surface and a life vest is included. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell your guide before boarding so they can position you accordingly.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation with a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour starts, local time. You can also reserve now and pay later.
What are the rules in the water?
CONANP regulates the encounter: groups of up to five swimmers at a time, a maximum of 30 minutes per animal, no touching and no chasing. Your guide enforces these rules and they are what keep the population healthy.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Snorkel gear and life vest are provided.
Is hotel transport included?
No. The tour begins at the sea lion statue on the La Paz malecón. If you need a transfer, ask us on WhatsApp and we will arrange it separately.
Plan your encounter
Ready to swim with whale sharks?
Whale sharks are wild animals in the Gulf of California and sightings are never guaranteed. Tell us your travel dates and a local expert will confirm availability, permits and the best window for your trip.
Check dates & bookAsk a local on WhatsApp
Answered by a real local — usually within hours.