3 Hours With Gear, Photos

Overview

This three-hour outing from Marina de La Paz pairs a short boat ride with unhurried time in the water beside whale sharks. La Paz Tiki Tours caps the group at 8 travellers, so there is less crowding in the bay and more actual swimming beside the animals rather than waiting your turn. A certified bilingual marine guide is in the water with the group the whole time.

The flow is simple. You meet at the marina, ride out to the protected whale shark area, get a safety briefing on how to swim near the animals respectfully, then enter the water in small numbers. Non-swimmers and anyone who prefers to stay dry can watch from the shaded boat instead. Back on board there are local snacks, granola bars, soft drinks and water.

Gear and paperwork are handled for you: fitted mask, fins, life jacket and a 3mm shorty wetsuit, plus all park permits, federal access bracelets and conservation fees. The guide shoots underwater photos and video throughout, which are included. The tour is open to all swimming levels and runs from November through April.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Marina de La PazGather at the marina on Calle Topete in Barrio Manglito.
2. Boat ride outA speedboat covers the run to the protected whale shark area in 25 minutes. A safety briefing on swimming near the animals follows before anyone enters the water.
3. Whale shark swim, two hoursGuided snorkeling and shark viewing, with dolphin watching, whale watching and general marine life viewing possible along the way. Stay on the shaded boat if you prefer.
4. Boat ride backThe return leg to the marina takes 15 minutes, with snacks and drinks served on board.
5. Return to Marina de La PazThe tour ends back at the starting point. Hotel drop-off is not included.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing are worth knowing before you book this one.

• What to bring. Pack sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen and some cash. Everything you need in the water is supplied, including mask, fins, life jacket and a 3mm shorty wetsuit.
• Departure timing. The encounter area runs on strict daily slots between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and park authorities assign the times. The operator confirms your exact departure once the slots are released, so keep your morning and afternoon flexible until you hear.
• Swimming ability. The listing states the tour is open to all swimming levels, including non-swimmers. You can take part in the water or stay on the shaded deck and still see the sharks clearly.
• Photos and video. Your guide shoots underwater photos and video during the swim, and both are included in the price. That leaves you free to focus on the animals rather than a camera. Flash photography is not allowed.
• Food and drink. Local snacks, granola bars, soft drinks and purified water are on board. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited, and anyone intoxicated cannot join.
• Season and rules. The season runs from the start of November to the end of April. Touching marine life and littering are strictly not allowed, in line with the protected area rules.

Common issues. Two limits stand out. Departure times are assigned by park authorities rather than chosen by you, so you cannot lock in a morning or afternoon slot at booking. No traveller reviews of this exact tour were available to draw on for further caveats.

Common Questions