Flexible 2-4 Hours, Snacks

Overview

This Alonso Tours trip puts you in the water with whale sharks in the bay off La Paz, running between two and four hours from a 09:30 start at Muelle Fiscal on the Malecón, in the city center. The boat heads out across the bay, passing the Dunas del Mogote sand dunes on the way, and once whale sharks are located the group rotates into the water in small parties, each swimmer typically getting around three turns in the water beside the animals.

Reviewers repeatedly praise the education side of the trip, with guides who explain local marine life and answer questions in both English and Spanish. Snorkeling gear is provided, snacks are handed out, and the operator serves purified water from a container rather than plastic bottles. Wetsuits are not in the price but can be rented on the day, which some swimmers prefer to wearing a life jacket.

It suits confident swimmers best. The sharks move fast when they are not feeding, and several reviewers warn that keeping up takes real effort with fins. Travellers who prefer not to get in the water can stay on the boat and still enjoy the ride. Groups run to a maximum of 20 travellers.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Muelle FiscalThe meeting point is Muelle Fiscal, Paseo Álvaro Obregón 220 on the Malecón in central La Paz. One recent group met at 09:30 and was underway by 09:50.
2. Cruise the bayThe boat crosses the bay toward the whale shark area, passing the Dunas Del Mogote without stopping. Reviewers report seeing seagulls, sea birds, pelicans and sea lions along the way.
3. Snorkel with whale sharksSwimmers rotate into the water in small groups, with about three turns each on recent trips. Guides cue the group on when to look down and where to swim.
4. Return and drop-offThe activity ends back at the meeting point. One reviewer described a return early in the afternoon, within the stated 2 to 4 hour window.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in reviews and in the operator's own information.

• Swimming fitness. This is the single most repeated point in reviews. Whale sharks swim fast unless they are feeding, and you need to be a strong swimmer with fins to stay alongside your group. The listing asks for moderate physical fitness and does not recommend the trip for travellers with back problems, pregnant travellers, or those with serious heart conditions.
• What to bring. Bring a towel, since towels are not included. Wetsuits can be rented on the day rather than included. The listing also notes there is no WiFi on board.
• Waiting your turn. Boat access to the whale shark area is government regulated, so there can be a wait before your boat's slot. Once in the zone, the group splits into smaller parties and rotates, so swimmers get multiple turns while others rest on the boat.
• Food and drink. Snacks are included, and reviewers mention healthy snacks and drinks handed out on the ride back. Water is served purified from a container rather than in bottles. Alcohol is not included.
• Weather and timing. The trip requires good weather, and the operator contacts bookers in advance if boats are cancelled, as one reviewer experienced before getting out the next day. If the whale shark area is full, your time slot can change, and tickets are not refunded in that case.
• Group feel. The cap is 20 travellers per departure. Reviews describe crews of around three who help stragglers keep up, film the sharks for guests, and answer questions in both English and Spanish.

Common issues. The honest limits: you must be a decent swimmer, and reviewers who struggled to keep up with the sharks say so plainly. The water can be murky, one reviewer noting it was hard to see the shark until it was close. Wetsuit rental costs extra, towels are not provided, and there is no WiFi or alcohol on board. Wheelchair users cannot be accommodated, infants must sit on laps, and the trip may not suit those with back problems or pregnant travellers. Time slots can shift if the whale shark area is congested, and those tickets are not refunded, though weather cancellations come with a new date or a full refund.

Common Questions