Baja Wild, Snacks And Wetsuits

Overview

This whale shark snorkeling trip from La Paz puts a marine biologist on the boat with you and keeps the group to a maximum of twelve travellers. The whole outing runs three hours and thirty minutes, starting and finishing at the marina beside the La Costa restaurant at the end of Antonio Navarro street in the Zona Central. From there the boat heads out on the water where whale sharks feed, and swimmers enter the water with a guide to swim alongside them.

Wetsuits, snorkeling gear, snacks, soda and bottled water are all part of the package, so there is little to organize beyond arriving on time. Reviewers repeatedly praise how much the biologists explain about whale shark behavior before anyone gets in the water. Several travellers also noted the crew's care around the sharks themselves, calling the experience respectful.

It suits confident swimmers and reasonably fit travellers best. The listing asks for moderate physical fitness and advises against the tour for people with back problems, pregnant travellers, or anyone with serious heart conditions. Families do join, with one reviewer describing how the guide pitched explanations for both a four year old and grandparents.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Marina La CostaArrive at the marina entrance beside the La Costa restaurant bar at the end of Antonio Navarro street, Zona Central, La Paz. Punctuality matters, since the whale shark schedule is strict.
2. Boat out on the waterBoard the boat with the guide, marine biologist and captain and head out to look for whale sharks.
3. Briefing and gear upThe crew explains whale shark behavior and safety rules, and hands out wetsuits, masks, fins and snorkels.
4. Swim with whale sharksSwimmers enter the water with the guide to swim alongside the whale sharks as they feed.
5. Snacks and drinksSnacks, soda and bottled water are included on the trip.
6. Return to the marinaThe boat heads back to the same meeting point at Marina La Costa, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this trip goes, from the water conditions to how the timing is assigned.

• Swimming fitness. The listing asks for a moderate physical fitness level and is not recommended for travellers with back problems or serious heart conditions. Swimming in the open water takes effort, so come prepared for an active outing rather than a relaxed float.
• Water and visibility. Wetsuits are provided and reviewers mention the water is warm. Visibility in the bay can be poor from a distance, but several travellers said the sharks come into clear view once you are close.
• Time slots. Your exact start time is assigned rather than chosen, and the listing asks you to confirm the time with the local provider in advance of your experience. One reviewer reported being messaged two days before the trip about a change to the assigned slot.
• Food and drink. Snacks, soda, pop and bottled water are included, along with all snorkeling equipment and wetsuits. Lunch is not included.
• Wildlife is wild. Sightings depend on the sharks themselves. When few sharks had reached the area, one crew kept the group out snorkeling for a good stretch instead, and reviewers appreciated the effort even without a shark encounter.

Common issues. Whale sharks are wild animals and some departures see few or none, which the crew cannot control. The slot system means your requested time may be reassigned by local authorities shortly before the trip. Poor visibility in the bay is common, and finding the marina meeting point confused at least one traveller. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for people with back problems, pregnant travellers, or those with serious heart conditions. A minimum number of travellers is required, and if it is not met you will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.

Common Questions