La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling & Seafood Lunch from Los Cabos

Summary

Swim beside whale sharks in La Paz then taste Baja’s freshest seafood

You’ll start your day with a scenic drive from Los Cabos to La Paz before snorkeling alongside gentle whale sharks in their natural bay habitat. A local guide helps you spot these giants safely, then you’ll relax over fresh Baja fish tacos on the Malecón. Expect laughter, sea air, and moments of real awe you might remember for years.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous on the drive up from Los Cabos to La Paz — two hours felt long at first, but watching the Pacific roll by and spotting a few humpbacks (or maybe just big splashes?) made it fly. Our guide, Carla, kept pointing out little fishing villages and told us stories about her childhood here. I liked that she didn’t rush through anything; we even stopped for coffee at a roadside stand where the owner’s dog tried to steal my muffin. It was warm already, even though it wasn’t even noon yet.

The boardwalk in La Paz had this easy-going vibe — pelicans everywhere, kids eating paletas, and our boat captain greeting everyone like he knew half the town. Getting into the wetsuit felt awkward (I’m not graceful), but Carla just grinned and handed me a mask that actually fit my weirdly-shaped head. The panga ride out was bumpy in a fun way. When we finally saw the first whale shark — just this huge shadow gliding under us — I forgot to breathe for a second. Slipping into the water next to them, you hear your own breath echoing in your mask and nothing else. They’re so gentle it almost feels unreal. At one point, Carla tapped my arm and whispered (well, underwater whispered) “look left” — there was another one right behind me. That moment still gives me goosebumps.

Afterwards, back on shore, walking along the Malecón with wet hair and sunburned cheeks felt oddly triumphant. Lunch was at this local spot where they serve classic Baja fish tacos — crispy but not greasy, with lime and some salsa that nearly made me cry (in a good way). Everyone at our table swapped stories about who got closest to which whale shark; I probably exaggerated mine a bit. The drive back to Los Cabos was quieter — most of us dozed off or stared out at the desert hills rolling by. I kept thinking about that silence underwater, how peaceful it felt floating next to something so big and harmless.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale shark snorkeling and lunch in La Paz

• Drive 2 hours from Los Cabos to La Paz
• Meet guide and get snorkel gear
• Board panga boat and cruise main bay
• Swim with whale sharks with guide
• Return to boardwalk and walk to restaurant
• Enjoy regional seafood lunch with drinks
• Drive back to Los Cabos and hotel drop-off

Top questions

How long is the drive from Los Cabos to La Paz?

The drive takes about 2 hours each way by air-conditioned vehicle.

Is lunch included on this whale shark tour?

Yes, lunch at a local seafood restaurant is included after snorkeling.

What’s the minimum age for swimming with whale sharks?

The minimum age is 8 years old for participants.

Are wetsuits and snorkel gear provided?

Yes, all necessary snorkel equipment and wetsuits are included in the tour.

When is whale shark season in La Paz?

The season runs from mid-November to mid-April each year.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available upon request at lunch.

Is hotel pickup included from Los Cabos?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in your booking.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?

No prior experience is required but moderate fitness is recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Los Cabos, all snorkel equipment including wetsuits, an experienced local guide throughout the trip, freshly prepared Baja-style fish tacos with drinks for lunch on the Malecón after swimming with whale sharks, plus comfortable air-conditioned transport both ways.