Premium Reduced-Group Encounter

Overview

Seven travellers at most share this boat, and that cap shapes the whole outing. La Paz Whale Sharks VIP Tours runs a three-hour whale shark snorkeling trip from Marina La Paz, with snorkeling equipment, snacks, drinks and biodegradable SPF 50 sunscreen all provided. Once out on the bay, swimmers take turns entering the water with a guide, following the animals from the boat and slipping in when the crew is close enough.

The tour takes place in the waters off La Paz, and one reviewer mentions being briefed on the whale shark sanctuary and its protections during the ride out. Several travellers mention getting multiple swims each, with the guide photographing and filming the encounters and sending the files afterwards. Guides rotate, but reviews repeatedly name them as knowledgeable and careful about not disturbing the animals.

Keeping pace with a whale shark is a real workout in open water, and the sea is cold enough that everyone on one trip wore wetsuits. Families with children aged five and up, couples and small groups all fit within the seven-traveller cap. It is not an option for wheelchair users, infants, pregnant travellers or anyone with serious back or heart conditions, and there is a weight limit of 260 lbs.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Marina La PazThe boats depart from Marina La Paz, Topete 3040 at the corner of Legaspy. Guides wait near the main entrance by the boat ramp, and early arrivals can get a coffee at Baja Beans or The Dock Cafe.
2. Board the boatThe group boards at the marina and heads out onto the bay in search of whale sharks.
3. Whale shark snorkelingSwimmers take turns entering the water with a guide while the rest of the group watches from the boat.
4. Return to the marinaThe activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the difference between a good swim and a frustrated one.

• Bring a towel. Towels are not included, so pack your own. Reviewers say the water is cold, and some wore wetsuits, so check with the operator ahead of time about what is available.
• Fitness and pace. Whale sharks move fast and swimmers have to keep up. One reviewer described the conditions as windy with big waves and called it a workout, so reasonable swimming fitness matters.
• Small group rhythm. The boat takes a maximum of seven travellers, and reviewers credit the small numbers with more time in the water. One couple reported swimming with a shark for up to five minutes at a time with just a guide alongside.
• Photos from the guide. Several reviews mention guides taking photos and videos and sending them after the tour. One traveller reported never receiving the promised files despite asking twice, so it is worth confirming delivery on the day.
• Weather flexibility. The experience requires good weather and gets cancelled or rescheduled in poor conditions. One reviewer's guide contacted them days ahead about forecast high winds and moved their trip, so keep some slack in your schedule.
• Food and drink. The operator avoids single-use plastics and serves purified water from a container, so there are no plastic bottles to grab.

Common issues. This tour needs a minimum number of travellers to run, and bad weather cancels it; in both cases you are offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund. It is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travellers or people with back problems, with no infants, a weight limit of 260 lbs, and an age range of 5 to 80. Confirmation can take up to 48 hours and is subject to availability, so the slot is not fixed at the moment of booking. One reviewer also reported never receiving the promised photos.

Common Questions