Swimming With Whale Sharks In La Paz: FAQ
Questions Swimmers Ask
When is the whale shark season in La Paz?
The 2026-27 season runs from 1 October 2026 to 30 April 2027 as announced by SEMARNAT. December, January and February are usually the best months for sightings. Trips pause whenever fewer than six sharks are counted in Zone I, since at least six are required for the activity to operate.
How many swimmers are allowed per guide?
Each specialised guide controls a group of up to 5 swimmers, kept together in the water. One boat at a time may swim with a given shark or group for a maximum of 30 minutes, while other boats wait 50 m away.
How close can you swim to a whale shark?
Regulations require a minimum distance of 2 m beside the shark's head and sides, and 3 m from the tail fin. Boats approach from behind and parallel to the shark's path, no closer than 5 m, and drop swimmers about 15 m ahead of the animal with the engine in neutral. Touching or riding the sharks is prohibited, and evasive or defensive behaviour ends the encounter.
Can you swim with whale sharks on a day trip from Cabo San Lucas?
Yes, day tours from Cabo run 10 to 12 hours door to door, covering about 160 km or 2 to 2.5 hours of driving each way. The only authorized swim zone is in the Bay of La Paz, so Cabo visitors travel to La Paz for the activity. Tours based in La Paz spend 3 to 5 hours on the water.
How long does a whale shark tour in La Paz last?
Local tours typically last 3 to 5 hours on the water, with a 20 to 40 minute boat ride out to the swim zone. Each boat gets up to 30 minutes with a given shark or group, and four shifts run per day under the 2026-27 rules.
What should you wear for swimming with whale sharks?
A life vest or wetsuit is required, and operators commonly suggest a 3 mm shorty to 5 mm full suit for water between 20 and 24 C. Only biodegradable sunscreen is allowed, applied before entering the water, and photos are fine but without selfie sticks, flash or artificial light. Sea temperatures around La Paz range from about 19 C in February to 30 C in September.
Is there a guarantee of seeing whale sharks?
No, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Trips stop if CONANP counts five or fewer sharks in Zone I, and past seasons saw suspensions in 2023 and in late January 2025 after counts fell to 9, 5 and 1 sharks. For reference, the 2025-26 season closed with 56 individual sharks identified and 950 sightings.
How do you spot an authorized whale shark boat in La Paz?
Authorized boats display a SEMARNAT pennant called a banderola and carry the original or a certified copy of their SEMARNAT authorization on board. Boats are limited to 11 m in length, and 112 authorizations were issued for the 2026-27 season, one per boat. PROFEPA and CONANP inspect these authorizations on the water.