Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Hop in the best whale shark tour in La Paz. Meet the biggest fish in the world, the giant gentle.
Just a few minutes into La Paz bay you will search and swim with one or more whale sharks, guided by a local marine biologist who will share lots of interesting information about this species. On whale shark tours, we allow maximum 9 people per boat so we can offer you can have a comfortable and personalized experience.
This activity is probably the most special in the area, and La Paz is on the top 3 worlwide spots to do whale shark snorkeling tours. That's why the activity is highly regulated by the Government and us, tour operators, to ensure its protection and hopefully they'll keep coming back every year. So if you're a nature lover, this is exactly what you're looking for!
Please consider that in order to operate this tours we need good weather. La Paz bay closes to all boat tours when winds are strong, thus we will need to cancel. We can let you know this 1-2 days in advance.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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
Bring towel and warm clothes (VERY important Nov-March) and biodegradable sunscreen
Activity restricted for safety and federal regulations to: women in pregnancy, heart, neck and breathing problems
Freediving is not allowed due to Federal regulations, only snorkeling in the surface
In case of bad weather forecast, we will let you know 2-3 days in advance. In some cases the waves can be moderate causing a choppy ride, and on other days with high winds, the bay may be closed officially to all boat tours
What To Expect
La Paz
PLEASE read the following information carefully, it is very important: In case of bad weather the tour will need to be canceled, we know this around 1-2 days in advance. Take this into consideration when planning your schedule here. The whale shark area is restricted to only 14 boats at the time, thus we get turns assigned every day. On average, we get the turn we requested 95% of the time, but some times we get a later turn on the day. This may change the meeting time. Please make sure either the contact email or phone you provided us is reachable during your stay in La Paz in case we need to contact you before the tour for a change of schedule. Also, inherently to all water tours, there may be small jellyfish around (not always). Whale sharks are in their natural habitat, we can not predict 100% the conditions how we will see them: visibility, how many, or for how long. The footage of your tour will be sent in 2-3 days, please contact us if you don't get it in that time.
Options
Whale sharks
Approx 3 hour trip for whale shark sightseeing and snorkeling.. It is VERY IMPORTANT to arrive on time. Duration: 3 hours
What‘s Included
Certified guide and captain
Light refreshments
Traveler's insurance
Federal permits and donation for whale shark conservation
Go pro photos and videos of your tour (quality will depend on the day's conditions)
Use of snorkel equipment and wetsuits (3mm shorties)
Transportation to/from attractions
Gratuities
Towel, sweatshirt and biodegradable sunscreen
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
649 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Essential La Paz Experience
J7689YValejandrol,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Simply put, this was an INCREDIBLE and UNFORGETTABLE experience. Our tour was near the end of the season on April 21, and we were fortunate to see/swim with four juvenile whale sharks. Our guide, Carla, had a wealth of knowledge about the Baja marine ecosystem. Although I’m not the strongest swimmer and initially felt hesitant, Carla and our boat captain created an encouraging environment that prioritized safety and respect for the whale sharks.
Swimming with giants
angelocZ8147QS,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yesterday we swam with the whale sharks in La Paz and had such an amazing time. Our biologist guide, Karla, was phenomenal. Extremely knowledgeable: and ensured we all had an amazing safe time swimming with the whale sharks
A must do experience in La Paz and the best folks to do it with!
jeffmJ2783YY,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friend and I were wrapping our road trip to La Paz and signed up to swim with whale sharks last minute. We were grateful they had room for us in the first place! Karla was our primary guide, she has a marine biologist background so any questions we had were answered. I also want to give a shout out to our captain who was a fantastic navigator through the bay and was able to safely get the boat close enough to the whale shafks without spooking them! She was incredibly informative. Then there was the actual time to swim with the whale sharks which was absolutely incredible!! Beyond words - Karla did an amazing job keeping us together and having the best opportunities to really experience the presence of the biggest fish in the ocean, she did this while also keeping us safe and aware of our surroundings like even we found ourselves surrounded by three of them. And importantly she kept us aware of how to keep the whale sharks safe and comfortable as well. Their whole operation is focused on keeping the whale sharks safe and healthy during the whole experience, something I greatly respect. A must do if you find yourself in La Paz, and definitely go through these wonderful people!!
Highly recommend
Ethan C,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Carla y Manolo were super knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, reassuring, and made it a great experience all around.
See and swim with the largest fish in the world
389StevenD,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An unforgettable experience. To see these large but very docile animals in their native habitat. Our marine biologist guide was terrific snd we learned a lot.
Wonderful Experience
Lori M,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful experience today with Javier “El Cuate” and Angel. We found our first whale shark and they were so helpful getting us close. When we lost that one, they found a second one and we were able to go in a couple more times. Plenty of time with the whale sharks and in small groups of 3 or 4 people at a time. They were professional and all the wetsuits & snorkel gear was in great condition. I would highly recommend.
Captain Javier and guide...
Ryan S,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Javier and guide Angel were amazing. Able to quickly find the sharks and drop us off next to the path the sharks would be taking to give us a great view without disturbing them. Would 100% recommend.
Best activity in La Paz
CARLOS M,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Karen super well prepared, very professional. David very friendly and attentive to the group. I highly recommend them.
Great experience, 3...
Nathalie T,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Superb experience, 3 swims with two different sharks, small group, very friendly and interesting guide
Wow
Kristin T,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Swimming with the whale shark was incredible. Small, personal, and educational. We had many opportunities to swim side by side with the whale shark and felt safe the whole time.
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