Whale Shark Snorkeling La Paz: Small Group with Marine Biologist

Whale Sharks in La Paz: Small Group Snorkeling with a Marine Biologist

You'll snorkel with whale sharks in La Paz bay with a marine biologist guiding a group of no more than nine people. The tour includes wetsuits, snorkel gear, GoPro photos, and all permits and conservation fees. Expect 1–2 days' notice if bad weather closes the bay, and plan for a moderate level of fitness since the boat ride can be choppy on some days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale shark snorkeling tour in La Paz

• Check weather conditions
• Confirm tour schedule
• Meet local marine biologist
• Board boat with max 9 people
• Travel to whale shark area
• Snorkel with whale sharks
• Learn about whale sharks
• Return to La Paz bay
• Receive tour footage in 2-3 days

What’s included

• Certified marine biologist guide and captain.
• snorkel equipment and 3mm wetsuits.
• light refreshments on board.
• GoPro photos and videos (sent in 2–3 days).
• federal permits and conservation donation.
• traveler's insurance. You'll need to bring your own towel, warm clothes, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Times

• Every day except Saturday 07:00 09:00 12:00
• Saturday 07:00 12:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 9

Live guide English and Spanish Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 1 with pickup ›

Book up to 2h before

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

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Wheelchair accessible Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems Infants must sit on laps

Operated by MeXplore

Prices and times updated yesterday

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The experience

The water is still when the boat cuts the engine, and the guide leans over the rail scanning the bay. A few minutes into La Paz bay and you're already searching. The whale shark could be anywhere below. When one rises, it's the size of a school bus, mouth open, filter-feeding on plankton so close you can see the pattern on its skin. Your guide, a local marine biologist, is there to explain what you're watching: how these gentle giants migrate through here, why the government limits boats to 14 at a time, and what makes La Paz one of only three top spots worldwide for this kind of encounter.

The boat holds a maximum of 9 people, which changes everything about the experience. You're not crammed with thirty other snorkelers jostling for position. There's room to move, time to breathe, and the guide can actually see each person in the water. The tour includes certified snorkel equipment and 3mm wetsuits, a certified captain and guide, light refreshments on board, and GoPro footage of your swim sent to you in 2–3 days. Federal permits and a donation for whale shark conservation are built in, so you're not paying extra for the protection that keeps them coming back each year. Weather matters here: if winds pick up and the bay closes to all boat tours, you'll get 1–2 days' notice and the option to reschedule.

Bring a towel, warm clothes (essential November through March), and biodegradable sunscreen: the sun reflects hard off the water. Snorkeling only, from the surface. Freediving isn't allowed due to federal regulations. Whale sharks are wild animals in their natural habitat, so visibility, how many show up, and how long they stay are never guaranteed, but the guide's knowledge and the small group size mean you'll understand what's happening either way. The tour operates on assigned boat turns. You'll usually get your requested time slot, but occasionally a later one, so stay reachable by phone or email during your stay in case the schedule shifts.

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.

What's the maximum group size on the whale shark tour?

Nine people per boat, which keeps the experience personal and gives everyone space in the water.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If winds are strong, La Paz bay closes to all boat tours. You'll get 1–2 days' notice and can reschedule.

Is snorkel equipment included?

Yes. The tour provides snorkel gear, 3mm wetsuits, and a certified guide and captain.

Do I get photos from the tour?

Yes. GoPro footage is taken during the tour and sent to you in 2–3 days. Quality depends on water conditions that day.

Are whale sharks guaranteed?

No. Whale sharks are wild animals in their natural habitat. Visibility, numbers, and how long they stay cannot be predicted.

Is freediving allowed?

No. Federal regulations permit snorkeling only, from the surface.

What should I bring?

A towel, warm clothes (especially November–March), and biodegradable sunscreen. Wetsuits are provided.

Who shouldn't do this tour?

It's not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries, heart or breathing problems, or poor cardiovascular health. Infants must sit on an adult's lap.