LA PAZ, MEXICO – SEA OF CORTEZ

WHALE SHARKS IN LA PAZ

Join a guided tour to swim alongside the largest fish in the world in the waters of La Paz, one of the best places in the world for whale shark encounters

⭐ Small groups | 👥 Expert guides | 🤿 Wetsuit and Snorkeling gear included

WHALE SHARKS LA PAZ TOURS

Departure from Muelle Fiscal Docks

Meeting time: to be confirmed
Duration: 2 – 3 hours

Please meet us directly at the dock, where your boat, crew, and all equipment will be ready for your departure.

Includes:
– Rental of wetsuit (3 mm Full-Length) and snorkel gear (mask, fins and snorkel)
– Admission to the Whale Sharks Area
– Light refreshments
– Soft drinks and water
– Highly experienced crew

Please Contact Us:
– Our 28 ft boats have a capacity of up to 12 passengers, but for your comfort, we limit our groups to a maximum of 10 guests. If your group is larger than 10, please contact us. We also may be able to arrange multiple boats so everyone can enjoy the experience together.
– For guests arriving in La Paz by cruise ship, we can arrange pickup directly at the port for an additional fee, as determined by the port authorities. Available exclusively for private tours.

SHARED TOURS – 28 ft Boat (Max 10 Guests)

$2,300 MXN per person (ages 12+)
$1,900 MXN per person (ages 6 – 11 )
Younger children are welcome on board — please ask us about availability.

Book your Shared Tour

SHARED TOURS – 23 ft Boat (Max 5 Guests)

$3,000 MXN per person (ages 6+)

Book your Shared Tour

PRIVATE TOURS – 28 ft Boat (Max 10 Guests)

$22,000 MXN: 1 – 10 passengers

PRIVATE TOURS – 23 ft Boat (Max 5 Guests)

$15,000 MXN: 1 – 5 passengers

Book your Private Tour

How Whale Shark Tours Work in La Paz

IImportant Information About Dates, Times & Group Limits

Dates

The whale shark season opening is determined by local authorities and depends on the number of whale sharks present in the bay. If the season has already started and your selected date appears available, your tour is considered confirmed. If the season has not yet started, we strongly recommend having at least one additional day available. If your preferred date does not appear available, feel free to contact us.

Times

There are four possible time slots. Each includes meeting at the docks, gear fitting, a boat ride to the authorities’ checkpoint, authorization, approximately 2 hours of activity, and the return boat ride:

7:15 am – 11:30 am — First slot of the day; it includes an extra hour since we are among the first boats to locate the sharks.
9:30 am – 1:30 pm
11:30 am – 3:30 pm
1:30 pm – 5:30 pm

The exact time slot is assigned by the authorities and is usually confirmed the day before. While we always aim for our preferred time, 9:30 am, the final assignment depends on the official system, so we recommend keeping some flexibility or having a second option.

Unless otherwise requested, we prioritize the time slots in this order: 9:30 am, 7:15 am, and 11:30 am. The last slot, 1:30 pm, is only recommended for guests who do not have other options.

If you are only available during a specific time of day, please contact us before booking so we can confirm whether we can accommodate your schedule.

Number of people

Authorities allow a maximum of five people per boat in the water at any given time, regardless of how many guests are onboard. Whether a boat has four or thirty guests, the rules do not change. Larger groups must rotate, which often means more waiting and less actual time swimming. Time in the area is also limited for all operators.

Activity

Encounters can vary—sometimes the sharks remain in one area, while other times they move quickly. For this reason, small groups are strongly recommended, especially for less confident swimmers. Fewer people typically means more time in the water and a calmer, more personal experience.

Difference between our boats

On a 10-person boat, guests are divided into two or sometimes three rotations (depending on the group), meaning some will be waiting while others are in the water. With the smaller boat, rotations are not necessary, allowing you to maximize your time swimming and enjoy a smoother, more continuous experience with the whale sharks.

Have the BEST swim with whale sharks in La Paz with:

Comfortable and secure boats
Group tours designed for adventure
Rental of wetsuit and snorkel gear INCLUDED and in great condition
Departs from Muelle Fiscal in Downtown La Paz
Experienced guides and captains
W/C on board
Small freshwater shower on board
First Aid Kits and Oxygen on board

Please note:

Contact us to book a COMBO TOUR, an excellent way to enjoy this activity and the other popular experience of swimming with sea lion in La Paz.

->BOOK your combo tour

Whale shark regulations are the same for all companies: limited time in the area and a maximum of five people in the water at once. Whether a boat has four or thirty guests, the rules do not change. Larger groups must rotate, which means more waiting and less actual time swimming with the whale sharks.

Encounters vary, sometimes the sharks stay in one spot, other times they move quickly. For this reason, small groups are strongly recommended, especially for less confident swimmers.

Whale Sharks La Paz Tour – Itinerary*

To be determined

Meeting and Departure at Muelle Fiscal

Meet your crew, check in, sign necessary waivers, and get fitted with snorkel gear. Board the boat and set off into the Bay of La Paz. The boat ride to the whale shark zone takes approximately 20-30 minutes, where you can enjoy views of the coastline.

2 hours

Find and Swim with the Whale Sharks

The guide will help locate the whale sharks and lead you into the water for an up-close snorkeling experience. Each person will have opportunities to swim with the whale sharks, rotating in small groups to ensure a safe and intimate experience. The time spent in the water depends on how many whale sharks are in the area and how they are behaving. Between swims, relax on the boat and enjoy snacks and soft-drinks.

To be determined

Return to shore

After the whale shark swim, take a short scenic boat tour of the bay.

Arrival to Muelle Fiscal 2 – 3 hours after departure.

*For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

FAQ

How can we make a reservation?

We accept online bookings through our website. You can also book by email and WhatsApp.

How will I find you at Muelle Fiscal?

A few days before the tour, we will reach out to provide details such as the name of the boat and the crew members who will be awaiting your arrival at the docks. Both the boat and our crew will be easy to spot, as our boats feature the La Paz Explorer logo and our team will be dressed in uniforms featuring the same logo.

How long is the whale sharks tour?

The duration of the swim with whale sharks is 2 to 3 hours.

Is parking available near by?

Yes, there are two parking lots 2 blocks from our meeting point Muelle Fiscal.

BOOKINGS & QUOTES

info@lapazexplorer.com

WhatsApp Chat

Hear from our happy guests – Read their stories and discover why La Paz Explorer is one of the top choices for snorkeling with whale sharks in La Paz

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 125 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jeanne 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 2 jours de plongée avec La Paz explorer! Premier jour avec Roberto, très attentionné et sécuritaire, a pris le temps avec mon amie qui était plus insécure de tout revoir avec elle et nous ont amené avec un bateau différents des autres plongeurs afin de faire des sites de plongées plus facile pour mon amie ! Très belle attention!! Magnifique plongée, banc de poisson gigantesque et tous les poissons semblaient plus gros que dans mes plongées précédentes! Plusieurs loups marins en surface et visite d'un sous l'eau qui fait des culbutes devant nous 🤩! Visite de 2 épaves, la 2e avec 3 tortues!! Roberto et Marie on pris des vidéos de nous pendant la plongée et nous les ont envoyés gratuitement ( belle qualité d'images!!) Seul point plus négatif les plongées en basse Californie sont assez dispendieuse et à notre 2e jour de plongée un plongeur consommait vraiment rapidement son air et donc la première plongées à durée seulement 30min et nous aurions aimé profiter plus longtemps de l'épave qui était magnifique. Par ailleurs repas après les 2 plongés de ceviche de crevette avec tortillas/chips/breuvage et fruits 🤤 sur 2 plages différentes et nous font voir des points d'attraction/ des oiseaux etc sur le retour! ! Prenne le temps de nous expliquer et enseigner pleins de chose sur la Paz etc!! Nous avons adoré et recommandons :) merci encore!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Annie Federica Nocerino 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Se potessi mettere 6 stelle, ne metterei comunque 10! Ho fatto diverse immersioni, ma questo centro diving ci ha regalato un'esperienza fantastica e super rilassante. Abbiamo esplorato un relitto mozzafiato e visto tantissime tartarughe, poi siamo andati verso uno spot di leoni marini con una distesa di coralli impressionanti. Tra un'immersione l'altra abbiamo mangiato uno snack con succo di frutta. Alla fine del diving, siamo andati a rilassarci su una spiaggia solitaria e indimenticabile, dove è stato organizzato un pranzetto buonissimo e ricchissimo di civiche, burritos, patatine e frutta. Il capitano è stato simpaticissimo, ma la nostra diving master Daleth (o Dalett, scusaci non sappiamo bene come si scrive) è stata fantastica! Una guida attenta e premurosa che ci ha consentito di vivere un'esperienza rilassata, lenta e incantevole. Grazie infinite, se dovessimo tornare, verremmo certamente da voi e dalla nostra Guida preferita nel mondo!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Camilla Ignaccolo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience! Marie, Joel, and Cory are the best! They were incredibly friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, making every dive and snorkeling experience fun, safe, and unforgettable. They were always attentive and happy to share their knowledge about the marine life and the best spots. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for an amazing diving and snorkeling experience. Thank you for everything!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   florian lisi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Después de varios viajes a Baja California Sur, puedo confirmar que esta experiencia fue la más bonita que he vivido. Tres días de desconexión total, paisajes preciosos y una verdadera sensación de conexión con la naturaleza. Kayak, paddle surf, snorkel, paseos en barco: cada día con actividades diferentes. El barco es muy cómodo, y el skipper y el chef son dos grandes profesionales, con quienes la convivencia es discreta y agradable. ¡Lo recomiendo al 200% y lo repetiría sin dudarlo!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Clément suard 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. El profesionalismo de Tatyana permitió tener una experiencia increíble. El barco, el staff, y el seguimiento, todo ha sido muy bien gestionado desde el primer contacto y hasta después del barco. Muy recomendable.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jimena Ballesteros 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pasamos unos días increíbles!! Dante y Gerry hicieron la experiencia espectacular, estuvimos en playas hermosas, actividades increíbles y comimos delicioso. Totalmente recomendable! Si tienen la oportunidad de ir no lo duden!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Heidi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We came on a recommendation and were not disappointed. Had the best time with Roberto and captain Corey! Went out for 2 dives and pulled up on the most beautiful beach where they had lunch prepared for us. Everything ran so smoothly and Roberto was a great guide! So good that we came back for a second day of diving🤿 The gear and boat were clearly very well maintained and the guys were very attentive and easy to get along with. 10/10 would recommend to anyone wanting to be looked after for a day on and in the water.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Geotop Ingenieria 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Una maravilla, espectacular, servicio,experiencia ,amabilidad 100 puntos. Esta es su mejor elección .Ya quiero volver!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Linda Meyer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend!!!! It was absolutely amazing! We had such a great time. We saw so much sea life. And I especially want to thank Marie for her unforgettable commitment.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   rolf meyer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. very friedly, professional and knowledgeable team! highly recommendable
  
 
  
  
 
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