Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

La Paz , Mexico

Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

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(522 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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!

Available options

Whale sharks

Approx 3 hour trip for whale shark sightseeing and snorkeling.. It is VERY IMPORTANT to arrive on time.<br/>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)

Detailed itinerary

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 not included

Transportation to/from attractions

Gratuities

Towel, sweatshirt and biodegradable sunscreen

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

112 reviews

5★

102

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

410 reviews

5★

398

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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

Meeting point

It is VERY IMPORTANT to arrive on time at the hour marked on your ticket. There's no tolerance after the meeting time since the Whale Shark area is strictly regulated by the Government.

We will meet at "Marina de La Paz" which is located in the corner of "Topete and Legaspy" streets.

Important notes

• It is VERY IMPORTANT to arrive on time (at least 10 min before) at the time showed on your reservation. Once we got the spot on the whale shark area, if we don't arrive on time, we can not enter at all in the day.
• Bring swimsuit, towel and sweatshirt/cold clothes (Dec-March) if you bring sunscreen please bring biodegradable, other ones are not allowed.
• Contact: Alejandra Briseño for any further information at +526121071604 or info@mexplorebcs.com
• Please provide us with a contact phone number where we can locate you in case of bad weather cancellation or last minute schedule changes

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.

We check the forecast daily, so in case of bad weather we will let you know 2-3 days in advance. Strong winds can cause moderate or big waves, in some cases we can still go out but the ride will be choppy, and on harsher days, the Bay may be officially closed for any boat tours.

If you have any doubts or require more information please contact us:

info@mexplorbcs.com
+52 612 107 1604
Alejandra Briseño

About La Paz

La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning beaches, rich marine life, and relaxed atmosphere. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Top Attractions

Balandra Beach

Balandra Beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations. It's a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Isla Espiritu Santo

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Isla Espiritu Santo is a pristine island known for its diverse marine life and stunning landscapes. It's a paradise for snorkeling, diving, and whale watching.

Nature Full day Moderate (boat tours range from $50-100 USD)

Malecón Boardwalk

The Malecón Boardwalk is a scenic promenade along the waterfront, lined with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. It's a great place to enjoy the sunset and soak in the local atmosphere.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (costs vary for dining and shopping)

La Paz Cathedral

The La Paz Cathedral is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture and a significant historical landmark in the city. It's worth a visit for its architectural beauty and historical significance.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

El Mogote

El Mogote is a small island located in the Bay of La Paz, known for its rich marine life and snorkeling opportunities. It's a great spot to see a variety of fish and other marine creatures.

Nature Half day Moderate (boat tours range from $20-50 USD)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pescado Zarandeado

Grilled fish, typically red snapper, marinated in a mixture of spices and citrus, then cooked over an open flame.

Dinner Gluten-free, can be made dairy-free

Tostadas de Mariscos

Crispy tortillas topped with a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, octopus, and ceviche.

Appetizer/Snack Gluten-free if using corn tortillas, contains seafood

Chiles Toreados

Fried chili peppers stuffed with cheese or seafood, often served with a side of guacamole.

Appetizer Vegetarian option available, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Scuba diving Kayaking Hiking Beach lounging Sunset watching Spa treatments Visiting historic sites

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the best time to visit La Paz, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. It's ideal for outdoor activities and beach relaxation.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Time Zone

GMT-8 (Mountain Standard Time, MST)

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

La Paz is generally considered safe for travelers, with low crime rates compared to other Mexican cities. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help

Getting there

By air

La Paz International Airport • 10 km from city center

By bus

Central de Autobuses de La Paz

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transportation in La Paz. They are affordable and cover most areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown (Centro) El Centenario Tres Marías

Day trips

Todopoderoso

25 km from La Paz • Full day

A beautiful beach located near La Paz, known for its stunning rock formations and clear waters. It's a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking.

San Ignacio

150 km from La Paz • Full day

A historic mission town located in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. It's known for its beautiful mission church and rich history.

Laguna Ojo de Liebre

100 km from La Paz • Full day

A beautiful lagoon known for its gray whale watching opportunities. It's a unique experience to see these magnificent creatures up close.