5.5 Hours, Drinks Included

Overview

This Orza Tours trip runs about 5 to 5.5 hours and centers on one thing: getting in the water with whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz, near El Mogote. It starts at Marina La Paz on Calle Topete in Barrio Manglito. Before anyone boards, the crew runs through safety, equipment use, and the rules that govern whale shark observation in the protected area.

The boat ride out to the authorized viewing zone is short, roughly 10 minutes by speedboat. Once a shark is located, swimmers enter the water with a guide and stay close enough to observe while keeping the distance the protection rules require. Groups are capped at 15 passengers, with a certified captain and guide aboard. Mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket are provided, and the permit fee for the protected area is already covered in the tour price.

Drinks are stocked on board: bottled water, sparkling water, juices, and soft drinks. No food is mentioned, so eat beforehand. Swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen go on the packing list. Cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Marina briefingAt the marina the crew covers safety, equipment use, and responsible whale shark observation before departure.
2. Speedboat transferA 10-minute speedboat ride takes the group to the authorized viewing area in the Bay of La Paz, near El Mogote.
3. Punta Mogote snorkelingRoughly 3 hours in the whale shark area. Swimmers enter the water with a guide when a shark is spotted, keeping a safe distance under protected-area rules. Gear and drinks are on hand.
4. Return to Marina La PazThe boat heads back to the marina, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before you book this trip.

• What to bring. Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, per the listing's what-to-bring list. Gratuities are not included.
• Swimming and pace. You enter the water from the boat and swim near a whale shark with your guide. A life jacket is provided and required safety equipment is on board.
• Group size. The boat takes up to 15 passengers, with a certified captain and a certified local guide. The listing describes this as a more comfortable and personalized experience.
• Food and drink. Bottled water, sparkling water, juices, and soft drinks are all included. No food is listed, so plan a meal before or after the roughly 5 to 5.5 hour outing.
• Rules in the water. Touching marine life is not allowed. Guides brief everyone on responsible observation, and swimmers must keep a safe distance from the sharks under protected-area guidelines.
• Weather risk. The activity can be modified or canceled for weather, sea conditions, or rulings from the protected natural area. If that happens, or if the trip changes significantly, customers receive a full refund.

Common issues. The main uncertainty is nature: the operator may modify or cancel the trip for weather, sea conditions, or protected-area regulations, with a full refund in those cases. Drinks are provided but no food is mentioned in the listing, and gratuities are extra. The group travels with up to 15 passengers. Cancellation on your side must happen at least 24 hours in advance to get your money back.

Common Questions