Whaleshark Experience in La Paz: Swim with the Giants of Baja California Sur
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for swimmers with moderate skill; ability to snorkel in open water is required.
Overview
Discover an unforgettable adventure swimming with whale sharks in La Paz, Baja California Sur. This eco-friendly tour offers close encounters with the ocean’s gentle giants in the pristine waters of the Sea of Cortez.
Whaleshark Experience
Truly a Bucketlist Activity
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About This Adventure
$1600 MXP Aprox $100 USD Wetsuit and Whale Shark Fee Included
Close encounters with the biggest fish on earth like nowhere else!
Duration
3 Hours
*the whale shark "zone" is strictly controlled with limited vessels entering and exiting, 2 hour limit in "zone", Once we identify "our" Whale Shark we will have 30 minutes for the activity. ALL VESSELS MUST COMPLY TO ALL THE REGULATIONS.
About
La Paz has become in the last 15 years a premiere destination for naturalists, biologists and ocean lovers that want a truly close encounter with the gentle giant of the seas. The nutrient rich waters of La Paz secure a high density of food, allowing the whale shark to eat plankton and other tiny lifeforms in huge quantities which explains its behavior, It swims in circles at slow speed and maintaining a vertical static position at times, while filtering the waters, this behavior is perfect for observation.
Swim with the largest fish in the sea as they feed on plankton in the safety of The Bay of La Paz. Spending time with these gentle giants is truly a life time experience.
What's Included
- Fully sanitized Snorkel Gear
- Soft drinks/water
- Whale Shark Conservation Fee
- Certified Captain and Guide -Wetsuit
Not Included
Tips for your captain and guide
What to bring
- Swimming suit
- Towel
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Camera
- Layers
Recommendations
- Use biodegradable sunblock
- It is not allowed to extract, insert or touch any wildlife, plants or animals in the area
- It is forbidden to feed the wildlife of any kind
Adventure Tips
Maintain respectful distance
Always stay at least 3 meters away from whale sharks to avoid disturbing their natural behavior.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen
Protect the marine environment by using only eco-friendly sunscreens during your swim.
Bring an underwater camera
Capture this unique encounter, but avoid flash photography which can startle the sharks.
Listen to your guide’s instructions
Follow the expert guides closely for a safe and responsible wildlife interaction experience.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Whale sharks
- California sea lions
History
La Paz has long been a fishing and port town with roots dating back to Spanish colonial times and is now a gateway to marine conservation efforts in the region.
Conservation
Strict regulations are in place to minimize human impact on whale sharks, including limited daily permits, group sizes, and enforced safe distances.
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Adventure Hotspots in La Paz
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask and snorkel
Essential for swimming and observing whale sharks underwater with clear visibility.
winter specific
Wetsuit (3mm)
Provides warmth in cooler waters during the low season months.
fall;winter;spring specific
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while preserving the marine ecosystem during sunny conditions.
summer specific
Waterproof camera or GoPro
Ideal for capturing memorable underwater moments on the trip.