Swim with Whale Sharks in La Paz, Baja California Sur
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have basic swimming skills and be comfortable in open water for extended periods.
Overview
Join Baja Adventure Co for an unforgettable 5-6 hour swim with gentle whale sharks and playful sea lions in La Paz. Explore vibrant reefs, enjoy a fresh ceviche lunch on Balandra beach, and engage in eco-friendly marine encounters.
Shared Extended Whale Shark Adventure
Half Day Tour Including San Rafaelito Sea Lion Colony & Balandra Beach !
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 5-6 hour adventure swimming with gentle whale sharks and playful sea lions in the stunning Bay of La Paz. Enjoy intimate encounters with these magnificent creatures, explore vibrant coral reefs, and savor a delicious ceviche lunch at Balandra beach, all while prioritizing sustainability and care for marine life.
Extended Whale Shark Adventure - Gentle Giants, Playful Sealions & Beautiful Beaches
Rates
Person: $200 Minimum 4 passengers to depart Maximum 10 passengers
For reservations of less than 4 people, the group is opened and if no one else joins, you can pay for the pending passengers or cancel. We will notify before your activity if more passengers join.
Duration
5 - 6 hours
About
Known as the Gentle Giants, these creatures visit the Bay of La Paz as they come here to feed in the plankton rich waters. Swimming with them can be both a humbling and exhilarating experience.
After that, we'll take a dip with the SeaLions over a shallow coral reef teeming with colorful fish before we wrap it all up with a fresh ceviche lunch at Balandra beach!
This activity is regulated by local authorities, it takes place in a designated refuge zone, and it's managed with a focus on protection, care, and sustainable use. Only 56 boats are permitted to enter the zone each day, divided into four time slots with just 14 boats allowed per slot.
The departure times are as follows: 7:00am, 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm.
Please confirm your preferred time slot and we will try to get in it. Confirmation of your boat's departure time is subject to availability: for the first two slots, confirmation is given the day before the activity at 3:30 pm, and for the last two slots, confirmation is on the day of the activity at 7:30 am.
What To Expect From Our Whale Shark Adventure
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Intimate encounters with whalesharks & Sealions
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Fun, Safe & Educational Experiences
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Full equipment (snorkel, fins, wetsuit)
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Small groups (Typically 6-8 Passengers)
This Trip Includes
- Gear: Wetsuit, Mask, Snorkel, Fins & Lifejackets
- Snacks: Granola bars & Fruit
- Soft Drinks: Water & Sodas
- Lunch: Fresh Fish Ceviche (Vegetarian Options Available)
- Biodegradable Sunscreen Available on Board
- Park Permits
What's Not Included
- Tips for crew
- Extra Hours
- Transportation (We can help to arrange this with extra cost. Please contact us)
What to Bring
- Towel
- Bathing suit
- Hat & Sunglasses
Adventure Tips
Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and the marine environment by choosing reef-safe sunscreen before your swim.
Bring a Waterproof Camera
Capture your encounters with whale sharks and sea lions with an underwater camera or waterproof case.
Follow Guide Instructions Closely
Safety and wildlife protection depend on respecting the guides’ directions throughout the swim.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water and drink plenty before and after the adventure to stay energized.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Whale sharks
- California sea lions
History
La Paz has long been a key fishing and trading hub with rich cultural ties to indigenous coastal communities.
Conservation
The Bay of La Paz is a protected marine area, with efforts focused on sustainable tourism and protecting migratory species like whale sharks.
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Adventure Hotspots in La Paz
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
To protect your skin and the fragile marine ecosystem.
summer specific
Snorkel mask and fins
Essential gear for comfortable swimming and clearer underwater views.
Wetsuit (optional)
Keeps you warm in cooler water temperatures, especially during winter months.
winter specific
Waterproof camera
Capture your underwater encounters without damaging your device.