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!
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
La Paz
This is a very special tour since La Paz is one of the only spots in the world where we can enjoy the whale sharks in a sustainable and conscious way, that's why the Government has several rules in order to protect them. 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, or in a worst case, we don't get a turn at all (this is very unlikely, the last season this happened only on 2 tours out of 200+) so we ask you kindly to be reachable on your phone or email that you provided us when booking, because in any of this cases we need to inform you the day before, that is when we know which turn we got. 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.
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
Options
Whale sharks
Approx 3 hour trip for whale shark sightseeing and snorkeling.. It is VERY IMPORTANT to arrive on time.
Duration: 3 hours
Reviews
556 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Expect to swim with whale sharks for while!
Frank J,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Angel and Captain were amazing! This was my 50th birthday gift to myself and I thoroughly enjoyed this bucket list venue. My husband gets a little nauseous on the fast boat ride but took half a gravol before and was fine. I brought my own snorkel which I loved. You have to be prepared and swim fast. These Whale sharks (14’ plus) are gentle giants and swim fast. We had a perfect day and even got to see some humpback whales, baby sting rays, a baby something ( not sure if dolphin or w.s.) lots of wild life. Some brought a go pro and regretted it as the water is murky and not the best visibility. Just enjoy and let your guide take the free video which they will send later.
Fantastic experience!
dprofis,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a fantastic trip. My daughter and I went. Carla and Sergio were wonderful. We got to swim with a number of whale sharks up close and they were amazing creatures. Carla, the guide was very knowledgeable and great with us in the water.
You have to do this!
carriemK2400SH,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Carla, our guide and marine biologist was kind, knowledgable, and helpful. She took great care of us and made sure we all had an amazing experience. We saw so many whale sharks and swam right next to them. Our boat captain was always close by and between them we felt safe in the presence of these enormous and powerful features. It was an unbelievable, once in a lifetime experience.
Excellent
gerard s,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00mexplore was very informative before during and after the excursion. I had booked with another (less expensive) company who was not responsive to questions or confirming trip. I’m very glad I chose MExplore. In addition, I was running short on time to make my cruise ship and they made a soecial stop to shave time on my return. They really are a high quality operation and very cognizant to protect the whale sharks’ environment.
Amazing whale shark swim
Elizabeth D,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was provided, crew was great. Experience was excellent. Our guide Angel and captain Alejandro were amazing
So cool and very, very...
Sarah R,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00So cool and very, very worth it to see those big sharks gulping water up close! :) A once-in-a-lifetime thing. They are so big and so grand!
December 17th 12:00 meet up time with Anjel and I think David (captain)
Jonathan F,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00They were both amazing! Very friendly, patient, and informative. They made sure everyone got up close and had a great experience. I really appreciate the experience they gave us.
Amazing experience
suziofe,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was everything and more I had hoped for. Karla who guided the trip is getting her degree in marine biology and was very knowledgeable, extremely kind, and clearly cared for the animals. The captain (Alejandro, I think) of the boat drove extremely well and safely; no bumps at all! We had our concerns about finding the right eco tour, and were pleasantly surprised and impressed that it was very monitored and controlled by the government and that the company adheres to rules and restrictions 100%. We felt they created a respectful and safe experience. We swam with the animals for several minutes, several times. The water was extremely calm, wetsuits were provided, GoPro photos included, and it was a small group of less than 8 I would highly recommend Mexplore.
Amazing!
Paulet G,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was amazing, we could see whale sharks up close, sea lions and snorkeling. The experience had been cancelled due to bad weather, and they very kindly accommodated us in another more far-reaching group for the next day so as not to miss the experience, at the same cost. The guide super friendly and provides the information and security about the experience.
First time in Mexico
jasonbF985BM,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing adventure! Carla our guide and Alejandro were so great and worked so hard to ensure we had the best experience!
From MX$3,000.00
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Operated by MeXplore