Whale Shark Swim in Angers: Small Group, Maximum Water Time

Snorkel face-to-face with whale sharks, two or three times in one morning.

This small-group whale shark swim in Angers limits boats to a maximum of 6 guests so you get more time in the water and a closer ratio with your guide than larger tours offer. Your guide swims alongside you with a camera, and the tour includes snorkel gear, wetsuit, biodegradable sunscreen, and refreshments. The 3-hour outing is structured so most guests jump in 2 or 3 times; if you're swimming with a partner, the guide can arrange for you two to have a private encounter, and if you're less confident in the water, the guide will jump with you alone to make sure you're comfortable.

The Experience

The boat holds a maximum of 6 people—occasionally 7 when a group has an odd number—which is half the size of most other operators in the area. That smaller headcount is the reason you get more time actually in the water with the whale sharks instead of waiting your turn on the boat. Your guide briefs you on whale shark behavior and safety before you enter the water, and once you're in, they stay with you, photographing and filming so you don't have to choose between the moment and the memory.

You'll make 2 or 3 separate jumps into the water during the 3-hour tour, depending on conditions and how many whale sharks are in the area. If you came as a couple, the guide can arrange for just the two of you to swim together on your first encounter—no strangers sharing that first moment. Families with children can start with smaller groups and then all jump together later if everyone's comfortable. If you're an older swimmer, less confident in the water, or just prefer one-on-one attention, the guide will jump in alone with you to make sure you're having the best experience.

Snorkel gear—mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit—is fitted to you before you board. Life vests are optional once you're in the water but required during the boat ride. The tour includes biodegradable SPF 50 sunscreen, fresh fruit, cookies, chips, and purified water in a reusable container; no single-use plastics are part of this operation. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, French, or German depending on availability.

What’s included

• Premium snorkel gear including mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit.
• biodegradable SPF 50 sunscreen.
• fresh fruit, cookies and chips.
• purified water in a reusable container.
• photos and video taken by your guide.
• all guide services and all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by La Paz Whale Sharks VIP Tours

Is this one for you?With maximum 6 guests per boat instead of 10-15, you spend more time actually swimming with the whale sharks rather than waiting your turn—and if you're a couple, you'll have your own private encounter in the water.

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Top questions

How many times will I actually swim with the whale shark?

Most guests jump in 2 or 3 times during the 3-hour tour, depending on how many whale sharks are present and conditions on the day. Each jump is a separate encounter, and your guide is in the water with you every time, photographing and keeping you safe.

What's the difference between this tour and the bigger boats I've seen advertised?

This tour keeps boats to 6 guests maximum, while other operators in Angers run 10 to 15 people per boat. The smaller group means you spend more time actually in the water instead of waiting, and you get a better guide-to-guest ratio for a more personal experience.

Can I swim alone with the whale shark, or will I be in a group?

If you're traveling as a couple, your guide can arrange for just you two to swim together on your first encounter. Families can start with smaller groups and jump together later. If you prefer one-on-one attention or are less confident in the water, the guide will jump in alone with you.

What snorkel gear and safety equipment do I get?

You're fitted with a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit before boarding. Life vests are optional in the water but required on the boat. All gear is included, along with biodegradable sunscreen, so you don't need to bring your own.

What's included in the tour price?

Snorkel equipment, wetsuit, biodegradable sunscreen, all guide services, photos and video taken by your guide, fresh fruit, cookies, chips, purified water, and all fees and taxes are included. You'll need to arrange your own transport to and from the meeting point.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides are available in English, Spanish, French, and German. Let the operator know your language preference when you book.