Snorkeling with whale sharks and sea lions in La Paz

You can snorkel with the same whale shark more than once.

Snorkel with whale sharks and sea lions in La Paz on a six-hour activity with a professional guide, federal permits, full gear and meals included. Groups max out at nine people per boat, and the guide rotates through smaller groups of two to four in the water so you decide how many times you enter. The day ends at Balandra beach with lunch and time to walk or rest on the sand.

The experience

The boat leaves Marina de La Paz at the meeting point on Topete and Miguel de Legaspy streets: arriving on time matters because the group departs as scheduled. Once aboard, the crew fits you with mask, snorkel, fins and a 3mm shortie wetsuit, then heads to the whale shark zone. When a whale shark appears, you don't get one shot: the guide takes small groups of two to four into the water in rotation, which means you can swim as many times as you want instead of the single or double entry most tours allow. How many times you go in is up to you.

Between water sessions, the boat moves to San Rafaelito islet to snorkel the coral reef and sea lion colony around it. Depending on the season (August through November), you may also see La Gaviota Island, where blue-footed boobies and other endemic birds nest. The underwater life shifts with each stop: fish, rays, and the reef itself change what you see.

By early afternoon the boat reaches Balandra, one of Mexico's most photographed beaches, where lunch is served. Fish ceviche, burritos with beans and cheese or shredded meat, fruit and soft drinks are included. You have time to eat, swim from the beach or take a short walk around the sand. The guide records the day on GoPro and sends the footage in two to three days. Bring a towel and warm clothes (essential November through March) and biodegradable sunscreen. The crew provides all snorkel gear and wetsuits.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• federal permits and a donation to whale shark conservation.
• snorkel mask, fins, snorkel and 3mm shortie wetsuit.
• traveler's insurance.
• fish ceviche, burritos, fruit and soft drinks at Balandra.
• GoPro photos and videos of the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (4 to 80 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MeXplore

Is this one for you?The activity runs six hours with multiple water entries on your terms, so it suits snorkelers who want time in the water rather than a quick dip. Moderate fitness and comfort in the ocean are needed. The ride can be choppy on windy days, and the boat rocks during the approach to whale sharks.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel with whale sharks more than once on this activity?

Yes. The guide rotates through groups of two to four people in the water, so you enter as many times as you want during the day instead of being limited to one or two swims like most tours.

What's the water like around San Rafaelito and the sea lions?

San Rafaelito is a snorkel site with coral reef and sea lion colonies, plus the broader underwater life around them. Small jellyfish can appear occasionally, though not always.

How many people are on the boat?

Groups stay at nine people maximum per boat, which keeps the experience less crowded and allows the guide to work with smaller subgroups in the water.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The tour will be canceled if bad weather is forecast, and you'll be notified one to two days in advance. Moderate waves can make the ride choppy, and high winds may close the bay to all boat tours for safety.

What's included in the meals at Balandra?

Lunch includes fish ceviche, burritos (with beans and cheese or shredded meat), fresh fruit and soft drinks.

When do I get the photos and videos from the day?

The guide records the activity on GoPro and sends the footage in two to three days. Contact the operator if you don't receive it within that time.