Swim with the Whale Sharks in La Paz
Snorkeling with whale sharks in La Paz
Enjoying this graceful, gentle, biggest fish in the world, known as the whale shark, is one of the top and most unique experiences to be had in La Paz, only possible at very few other world locations. Swimming with these ocean giants and peacefully watching them as they eat immense plankton quantities is, at the very least, thrilling.
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
Typically, we start our day with the 8 am slot, but this can vary depending on the shift assigned, which is selected on the same day or one day before. We’ll depart from the Fiscal Dock on the Waterfront in La Paz (or the beach at Marina Cortez; this will be determined the day before the adventure), and once we enter the whale shark area, we’ll search for it until we find it. Usually, we locate the whale shark fairly quickly, but sometimes it can take up to an hour. We’ll swim with the whale shark several times, ensuring all our visitors fully enjoy the experience. The experience, from the moment we enter the whale shark area, lasts approximately 3 hours.
There are four slots available for swimming with the whale shark in a day, and each slot allows access to 14 boats (or fewer if there are not many sharks). The first slot runs from 8 AM to 11 AM. The second slot is from 11 AM to 1 PM. The third slot is from 1 PM to 3 PM. The fourth slot is from 3 PM to 5 PM, approximately. The day before, at 3 PM, the 14 boats allowed to access the first or second slot are determined. On the day of the activity, at 7 AM, the boats that can enter the third or fourth slot are decided. We will inform you about our slot, meeting point, and meeting time as soon as we know. We will always schedule the meeting one hour before our slot begins.
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.
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.
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
What can I expect from the whale shark swimming experience in La Paz?
Expect an educational and exhilarating experience, swimming alongside the world’s largest fish, accompanied by expert and attentive guides.
What is the best season for swimming with whale sharks in La Paz?
The ideal season is from late November to April when these creatures visit the bay.
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 conservation measures should be followed during the tour?
Tourists must follow a code of conduct, including not touching the whale shark and maintaining a safe distance.
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.