Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Swim with the largest fish on Earth in one of the few places where this is possible.
Our whale shark experience is more than just a tour, it’s a rare chance to connect with one of the ocean’s most peaceful and impressive creatures in their natural environment.
A Peaceful Encounter:
Whale sharks are massive, yet incredibly gentle. Most of the individuals we see here are juveniles, but even at this young stage, they’re already between 4 and 9 meters long, impressive to see up close.
Small Groups, Big Moments:
We keep our groups small so you get space, time, and a more personal experience. You’ll be just meters away, swimming alongside these incredible animals.
Learn As You Explore:
Our certified guides are not just here for safety, they’re passionate about the ocean. During the trip, they’ll share stories, facts, and everything we know about these amazing animals, their behavior, and why protecting them matters.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Embark on an unforgettable whale shark swimming experience in a small group (4 to 12 people). Only 5 participants will be in the water at once, swimming for a maximum of 30 minutes with each whale shark. Our expert guide will be by your side, ensuring a fantastic experience without disturbing these incredible creatures. The 2 hour adventure offers multiple opportunities to swim with different whale sharks. If you prefer, you can also enjoy the view from the boat. Plus, keep an eye out for dolphins encounters with these playful creatures are common. Light snack and water are included for a relaxed and enjoyable excursion. IMPORTANT TO READ : Whale shark authority regulates the activity by allowing 4 times slot (7 am, 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm), and in each time slot, only a certain number of boats are allowed. We are only allowed to ask for our time slot a day prior to the trip. That means that there is a possibility that we don't get the 9 am time slot. In this case, tour operator will contact you a day prior to the trip and offer the possibility to get on an earlier or later time slot. This is why it is important to check your email, SMS and WhatsApp message the day before the trip.
Options
Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist
What‘s Included
Wetsuits
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
Snacks
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
109 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent family adventure
Terri S,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a wonderful experience with a knowledgeable guide. He was able to describe the whale sharks for my grandson who was 4 up to me and my husband.
Beyond Expectations Swimming With Whale Sharks with Baja Wild Adventures
Jose F,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Hamza and his captain found the whale sharks quickly and were very knowledgeable on how to swim with them and guided us to such a successful experience. We strongly recommend Baja Wild Adventures for your visit to La Paz. We came to La Paz on a cruise and due to where the cruise port was it would take some time to get to the excursion which we booked by ourselves not with the cruise. We were tight on time but Hamza worked with us from the start and he went above and beyond to accommodate our arrival. Our Guide and my wife ended up being circled by three sharks as the sharks fed on plankton. She had a great time and it was everything we wanted and more.
A Perfect Day in La Paz With Baja Wild Adventures
whitnif2026,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the best days, EVER! Hamza is a fantastic guide and I was very comfortable before ever getting in the water. His instructions were easy to follow and he led us to swim with four whale sharks. We ended up swimming along with them as they slowly fed. We ultimately ended up with three whales circling, so swimming was more of knowing where they were and simply watching. Hamza helped us with that too, so we never got in the way and had a beautiful, upclose adventure, being eye to eye with these beautiful, gentle giants. We were very luck today and I left feeling inspired. Hamza and his captain found the first whale quickly. It was such a comfortable beautiful experience. I highly recommend Baja Wild Adventures for your next adventure in LA Paz.
Incredible experience
Passport27641098461,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an incredible experience. Francesca was a great guide!! Highly recommend!!!
Great adventure
authorb2020,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent experience. We got to swim and quite close proximity to numerous whale sharks. It was a small group and everyone got enough interaction while the fish fed on plankton. We were also lucky enough to see a Manta RAY feeding. The guide and drivers were knowledgeable and skillful and made sure we were not interfering with the fish. The location itself is not too far from shore and the ride was easy. I also want to commend the staff for helping me out with rescheduling when I accidentally scheduled for the wrong day. I was on a cruise so another day would’ve been impossible but they were extremely accommodating. This was the best excursion I did out of many while on the Cruise.
It was amazing!! We wore...
Elizabeth P,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was amazing!! We wore shorty wetsuits and the water was warm. The visibility was poor according to our guide but we saw the whale sharks very well when we were close. We saw them both vertical feeding and swam along side. Our team was excellent: Mar was our Guide Hamza was our marine biologist and spotter —- both were very knowledgeable and took care to give us the best experience. Our captain Julio was perfect at getting us close. I definitely recommend this tour!!
Loved this experience
Antonio C,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great respect for nature and the animals. I loved the experience. Visibility underwater was poor, but once close to the sharks i could see it perfectly and swim alongside them. Peaceful and majestic creatures. Totally recommended the tour. The guide, capitan and organizer were all very friendly and thoughtful.
Bucket List Experience
Charlotte R,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Despite a slight hiccup locating the meet up point for the trip, we had an amazing time on our whale shark excursion. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our family, and I’ll share more details below for anyone considering booking this tour. Whale shark encounters are regulated by local authorities and divided into four time slots (7am, 9am, 11am and 1pm). We initially booked the 9am slot. Two days before the trip, the tour operator messaged us explaining that while they request your preferred time, the final slot is assigned by the authorities and can occasionally change. They asked if we would be available for 11am if moved. We confirmed, and the day before the trip they let us know we had been reassigned to 11am. To get to the meetup point, I pasted the exact address provided in the booking into Google Maps, but it routed us to the wrong location. Instead of having us go South along the Malecon, it routed us north. I was able to reach our captain on the phone right away when we figured out we must be in the wrong place, and he dropped a pin via WhatsApp to the correct location. We were about 12 minutes late but it didn’t seem to cause any major issues. I would recommend just typing La Costa restaurant into Google Maps to get to the right location and avoid any confusion. Our initial reservation was for 6 people but one of our party ended up being sick that day so 5 of us went out, and only 4 actually got in the water. We were each issued a wet suit, snorkel, and pair of flippers. Francesca, our assigned marine biologist and tour guide, began the trip by explaining the local guidelines for swimming with the whale sharks. She also shared some key facts about the world's largest fish, and what to expect during the swim. We each had 3 opportunities to jump in the water to swim alongside them. One member of our group even had the unexpected opportunity to swim alongside a pod of dolphins, which made the experience even more special. Francesca stood at the bow of the ship to spot the whale sharks, which are located either by their dorsal fins or large shadows under the water. Once a whale shark was spotted, the next person in line quickly put on their flippers and snorkel and prepared to enter the water. Everyone goes one at a time for each encounter, and we were directed to always stay behind our guide. We found it much easier to jump in and swim alongside the fish without the life jacket, though it’s recommended you keep it on if you’re at all concerned about your swimming skill level. Once you lose sight of the whale shark, you swim back up to the boat and the captain lowers a ladder to let you back on board. As far as the athleticism and mobility needed for this activity, I would say it’s minimal. I am 39 years old and plus size and was able to get on and off the boat without issue. My 12-year-old son also had no problems getting on and off the boat, or keeping up during the swim. The main requirement is that you are a confident swimmer. This was hands down one of the most unforgettable experiences we’ve ever had. My son hasn’t stopped talking about it and says it’s something he will remember for the rest of his life. If you’re considering this tour, book it.
Unique Experience
290marlenea,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, what an experience! Our driver and guide were the best and they took every opportunity that could to make sure we saw the whale shark. I almost gave up but Francesca our guide wouldn't have it. She took me out one on one to make sure I saw it. With a PHD in Whale Sharks, she shared incredible information and didn't give up on us. Being a senior, it was a challenge but the driver and the guide made sure we had the best experience possible. Thanks to you both!
Chilly adventure day, best for very strong, fast ocean swimmers who are tough about cold
Freedom32098464228,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Mar is a great guide! I learned a lot, but am not a strong enough swimmer to have caught up w a whale shark. Very chilly!!!!!
Related Experiences
Operated by Baja Wild Adventures