Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter - Premium Service
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
What makes us different from other operators? They put 10 to 15 guests for boat.
We prefer maximum 6 guests for boat. Since all operators are allowed maximum 2 hours in the whale shark area this policy allows you maximum time in the water, better ratio guide / guests and a more personal experience. (note: exceptionally can be 7 guests on boat when one party has odd numbers)
According to regulation other operators allow 5 swimmers and the guide at the same time in the water. If you have come with your partner we prefer you two swim alone with the whale shark, without sharing your first whale shark encounter with strangers.
If you come with children or many members of your family you and your guide will decide the best way for you to enjoy, maybe small groups as starter and a final jump with all together.
If you are elderly or poor swimmer, or just a bit shy the guide may jump with you alone to make sure you have the best experience possible.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants not allowed
Weight limit 260 lbs
Age restriction: minimum 5 years old, maximum 80 years old
Restricted guests with cardiac history
What To Expect
Get ready for an adventure! Your guide will lead you to the boat, where you’ll be fitted with premium snorkel gear—mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit—so you can dive in with style. Life vests are optional in the water (because you’re brave!) but required during the boat ride. Safety first! ️ As we cruise through the whale shark zone, our friendly captain will guide the way while your knowledgeable guide fills you in on fun facts about whale sharks and how to make the most of your experience—all while keeping the environment (and the sharks) happy. Plus, expect a few dad jokes along the way—our guides love to entertain! Time to jump in! Your guide will swim alongside you and capture the magic in photos and video, so no need to worry about missing a moment. Don’t worry, it’s all included! And because we’re all about exclusivity, we try to keep each jump private for just you and your group. If conditions and time allows, we expect every guest to jump 2 or 3 times and swim next to a whaleshark Whether you’re gliding along or just taking it easy, there’s plenty of fun to be had with these gentle giants—no matter your pace!
Options
Whale shark Encounter
VIP: Maximum 7 guests for boat Duration: 3 hours Superpanga: 27ft boat with shade and cushioned seats, designed for the local sea conditions, easy to maneuver in the whale shark area
What‘s Included
Biodegradable Sunscreen SPF 50
Soda/Pop
We are sorry, we don't use single use plastics in our tours, we have old school glasses and purified water in a container, like our grandparents used!
Use of Snorkelling equipment
All Fees and Taxes
fruit, cookies and chips
Transport from hotel
Towel
Tips
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
412 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Super cool whale shark expedient
419martyl,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Am amazing experience with Katya and Katrina! Both gals were very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about their jobs. Highly recommend this tour to get to swim with amazing creatures of the sea.
Amazing!
laured108,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely amazing experience with our guide Katrin and skipper Alfredo; they knew exactly where to go to find a whale shark far from the other boats, and she positioned us perfectly in the water for the best possible swim- thank for an unforgettable encounter!
Whale Shark Wonder
Paul E,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Two fantastic trips with Katrin plus boat drivers Eddie and Alfredo! Awesome experience swimming with Whale Sharks and then California Sea Lions! Thanks for two incredible days exploring the wonders of the area!
Amazing close encounter with whale sharks
Compass722113,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time! Our guide Maritza was a graduate student studying whale sharks and very well informed. She even told us a little about her research into whale shark gestation and the effects of microplastics on their health. She was an excellent guide in the water, adjusting to everyone's different swimming abilities and comfort in the water to ensure we each got the most out of our experience, and taking photos and videos so that we got a memento without needing to worry about it. The experience itself was awesome! We got to see multiple whale sharks, including a group feeding at the surface! They were so close we had to swim back at times to keep our distance. The small group size (only our 6 family members) meant we all got personalized attention and time with the whale sharks. I would definitely go back.
Awesome experience!
814joshuaw,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience! Katrin was an excellent guide! It was magical swimming so close to these giant creatures!
Fantastic experience!
K5490SAlisas,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience. The tour was professional and personal. A small group of people which gave us more time to enjoy the experience. Katrina and Lucas were both great. Katrina ensured we got to achieve the best experience, she was attentive and knowledgeable. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to experience these animals close but at the same time respecting their space.
Great experience .
AKsloper,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience that was on my bucket list. Awesome guide and boat captain. I would not recommend this excursion for those that aren’t decent swimmers and in good shape.
Organized, fun and informative
gorge51,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful experience! So glad I took this tour with VIP tours. The boat is limited to 7 people and we had only two people in the water at one time, which allowed for a relaxing swim and optimal whale shark viewing. I brought my own wetsuit but their suits were nicer😱 There were snacks, beverages, good gear and…… incredible guide and boat captain.
Great gear and excellent guide
rblanch2017,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Angel the guide and Juan Carlos the captain worked well together to give each person on board a great whale shark experience.
Incredible experience!
michellelS2794TA,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely amazing experience! It has been a bucket list item and totally exceed our expectations. Our guides were very respectful of the whale and local rules, which we very much appreciated. They were also very knowledgeable about the area and whales. We had more than enough time with the whale. The three groups in the boat rotated turns and by the end of our session, we all felt more than satisfied with our time. You do have to be a strong swimmer to keep up with the whale, but the boat crew takes good care of you if you fall behind. We felt completely safe! We even saw dolphins on our way back. We would love to go back!
Related Experiences
Operated by La Paz Whale Sharks VIP Tours