What to Expect from Your Whale Shark Safari
Snorkeling with whale sharks in La Paz
Dive into one of the most incredible experiences the ocean has to offer: swimming with the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish on the planet. Pure majesty in its natural form. In the warm waters of La Paz Bay, every encounter is an opportunity to observe this remarkable species in the wild, in its natural habitat.
Mexico Travel Adventure (MTA) believes in responsible tourism: conscious, personal, and respectful. To ensure an exclusive, environmentally responsible, and personalized experience, we work with a maximum of 5 people per guide in the water, providing a safe, comfortable, and sustainable interaction for everyone.
Description
During the months from November to April, the whale shark congregates in an area near La Paz that we call Mogote. It is a sandbar that creates the perfect environment for a lot of plankton to gather, and the whale sharks feed on. During the seasonal months, we will take you swimming with these giants of the ocean. The swimming with whale shark in La Paz is done snorkeling in shallow waters, which is ideal to be able to swim peacefully without losing sight of him.
This is a highly regulated activity, which means only a select amount of boats has the government-issued permit to enter the Whale Shark area.
Itinerary
We Take Care of Everything for You.
Access to the whale shark observation area is regulated by CONANP to protect this iconic species and preserve the sustainability of the activity.
Entry is organized through a daily time-slot system, with scheduled access at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
Mexico Travel Adventure gives priority to requesting the highly sought-after 8:00 AM time slot for our guests, as conditions are ideal for the activity at that time. However, time-slot allocation depends entirely on availability and the management criteria established by CONANP.
Visibility and Sightings
The whale shark experience depends on the natural conditions of the ecosystem, so it is important to know what to expect throughout the season.
Water clarity in La Paz varies depending on the amount of plankton present, the whale shark’s main source of food.
November marks the arrival of this species, with excellent visibility ranging from 15 to 25
meters.
From January to March, whale shark sightings reach their highest levels due to the greater concentration of plankton in the water. However, visibility during these months usually ranges from 5 to 15 meters because of the increased plankton concentration.
| Month | Sighting Probability | Water Visibility |
| October | Unlikely (Season Closed) | Good (15-25m) |
| November | 70% (Mid-month opening) | Good (15-25m) |
| December | 85% (High Season) | Fair (5-10m) – Plankton rich |
| January | 85% (High Season) | Fair (5-10m) – Plankton rich |
| February | 85% (High Season) | Fair (5-10m) – Plankton rich |
| March | 85% (High Season) | Fair (8-15m) |
| April | 75% (Late Season) | Fair (8-15m) |
Swimming & Conservation Rules
Swimming with whale sharks is regulated by CONANP under conservation protocols designed to ensure a safe and respectful experience for both visitors and the species.
- Entering the water: Enter calmly and quietly, avoiding jumps or sudden movements.
- Required distance: Maintain at least 2 meters from the sides of the animal and 3 meters from its tail fin.
- Wearing a life jacket or a full wetsuit is mandatory.
- Respect its path: Do not block the whale shark’s route or swim directly in front of it.
- No physical contact at all: Touching, chasing, or harassing the animals is strictly prohibited.
- Protect the ecosystem: The use of biodegradable sunscreen is recommended.
- Prohibited equipment: Aerial or underwater drones, underwater scooters, camera flashes, or any artificial lighting are not permitted.
- Alcohol and drugs: Participation in the activity while under their influence is not permitted.
Galería
Duration: 3 hours.
Requirements: Know how to swim, as the whale shark is often swimming, and you have to swim along the sides of the shark to see it well.
Difficulty: Easy to medium, depending on the current and speed of the whale shark.
Minimum number of participants: 2 people.
Whale Shark Tour Logistics
A short, comfortable boat ride from downtown La Paz to the official protected area.
Whale Shark Protected Area
The official zone established by CONANP near El Mogote sand spit. Here, the nutrient-rich waters attract juvenile whale sharks to feed.
Meeting Point: Muelle Fiscal
Located on the main boardwalk (Malecon) of La Paz. Please arrive 1 hour prior to your officially assigned CONANP time slot.
Included
Trained guide and captain.
Safety equipment on the boat, wetsuit, mask and fins, towels.
Permits for the protected natural area.
Water and snacks.
Not Included
Alcoholic beverages.
Lunch.
Land transportation.
You must bring
Environmentally friendly sunscreen.
Cap and sunglasses.
Swimming suit, comfortable shoes and waterproof wind jacket.
Book
When you book with Mexico Travel Adventure, your enjoyment is high on our list, but safety comes first. Every experience is carefully organized and carried out responsibly.
Every boat has a marine biologist on board to enrich the experience and ensure that the best wildlife observation practices are followed. We also provide all the necessary equipment, including a wetsuit, mask, and fins.
Book your adventure with us and get ready to experience one of the most extraordinary encounters the ocean has to offer.
Price per person: MXN 2290
Reviews
Yaser Bana Rodriguez
100% recommended
An unforgettable experience! Swimming alongside the gentle giants in La Paz's clear waters was truly magical.
Alejandra Canchola
Breathtaking
The whale shark snorkeling tour exceeded all expectations - safe, respectful to wildlife, and absolutely breathtaking.
Mariana González
A must-do
A must-do in La Paz! The guides were knowledgeable and ensured we had a safe and memorable experience.
Marius Carbonell del Hoyo
Whale sharks in La Paz
Seeing whale sharks up close was a dream come true. The crew was fantastic, making the whole experience perfect.
Tomas Alonso
Perfect Family Adventure
Amazing is an understatement! We saw 3 sharks and jumped into the water to swim with them 6 times. We all loved it.
extensions
If you're looking to extend your day even further after the thrilling encounter with the whale shark, we offer two additional options to complete your adventure in a unique way. Each extension is designed to enrich your experience to the fullest and provide you with a comprehensive view of the stunning marine life and natural beauties that La Paz has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the CONANP Time Slot System work?
To protect the whale sharks, local authorities (CONANP) heavily regulate access to the area through assigned time slots (8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM).
At MTA, we always aim for the 8:00 AM slot for the best sea conditions. However, the exact time is assigned by the authorities. We will notify you of your confirmed departure time one day before your tour.
Where do we meet and what time should I arrive?
Our meeting point is the Muelle Fiscal, located on the main Malecon in downtown La Paz. You must arrive 1 hour before your assigned time slot to complete check-in and gear fitting.
What are the rules for swimming with the Whale Sharks?
As a certified eco-operator, we follow strict rules: A maximum of 5 swimmers per authorized guide are allowed in the water at a time. You must enter the water smoothly without splashing. Keep a distance of 2 meters from the sides and 3 meters from the tail. Touching, harassing, or using underwater scooters and camera flashes is strictly prohibited.
Do I need a wetsuit and can I use sunscreen?
A full-body wetsuit or a chest life jacket is mandatory. We provide all necessary snorkeling gear. Regarding sun protection, only biodegradable sunscreen is allowed. We highly recommend wearing a rash guard (long-sleeve water shirt) and a hat instead of chemical lotions.
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks in La Paz?
Yes, it is safe. Whale sharks are known for their gentle nature and pose no danger to humans.
How do whale sharks feed?
They feed by filtration, sucking in zooplankton, crustacean larvae, and occasionally larger fish.
Why do whale sharks choose La Paz Bay?
The bay provides ideal conditions for their breeding, with abundant food and protection from predators.
What is the booking and cancelation policy?
For day tours, a 40% deposit of the total payment is required to complete or secure the booking if the reservation is made more than 7 days in advance. If the reservation is made with less than 7 days notice, full payment is required.
For packages that include multiple activities, a 40% deposit of the total payment is required to complete or secure the booking if the reservation is made more than 60 days in advance. If the reservation is made with less than 60 days notice, full payment is required.
If we cancel the activity due to "unforeseen circumstances" such as weather, mechanical difficulties, or insufficient participants, you will receive a 100% refund.For all cancellations requested by clients, any amounts paid in advance are non-refundable and non-transferable.
We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover unforeseen personal emergencies, such as illness or accidents.