2-Hour Snorkel

Overview

This two-hour whale shark snorkel runs out of La Paz. Groups meet at the Muelle Fiscal on the Malecón, right by the monument called La Perla, for an 11:30 start. Punta Baja Tours keeps the group to a maximum of 10 travellers and the whole trip begins and ends at the same dock.

Once on the water, the format is simple: the crew locates whale sharks and puts snorkelers in the water beside them. Reviewers repeatedly credit the captain and guide with working hard to maximize time in the water while keeping everyone safe, and one noted the guide even filmed the encounter on a guest's GoPro. Snorkeling experience helps, since the pace in the water is reactive rather than leisurely.

The practical side is well covered. Full snorkeling gear is provided, along with bottled water, soda and beers, plus a Punta Baja style lunch of tuna and ham salad sandwiches with gouda and vegetables, sweet cookies and fresh fruit. It suits reasonably fit swimmers who want a short, focused trip rather than a full day on the boat, and it is not recommended for travellers with back problems, pregnant travellers, or anyone with serious heart or medical conditions.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at La PerlaArrive at the Muelle Fiscal on the Malecón, at the monument called La Perla, for the 11:30 start.
2. Boat out and snorkelThe trip runs from La Paz over 2 hours, with the crew finding whale sharks and putting snorkelers in the water beside them.
3. Return to the dockThe activity ends back at the original meeting point on the Malecón.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape how this trip goes for you.

• Bring a towel. One reviewer specifically advises bringing your own towels, which are not on the included list. A GoPro or similar camera is also handy, since the sharks move fast and one guest had the guide film the encounter.
• Know how to snorkel. One reviewer suggests knowing a bit about snorkeling ahead of time. The in-water pace is quick and reactive, and another advised being agile with your camera and ready to react fast, because the sharks leave if they feel boxed in.
• Short and focused. The whole trip lasts 2 hours from a single meeting point. It suits travellers who want the whale shark swim without committing to a full-day boat tour.
• Food and drink. Lunch is included: seasonal sandwiches, tuna and ham salad with gouda cheese and fresh vegetables, plus sweet cookies and fresh fruit. Bottled water, soda and beers are also provided.
• Weather is decisive. Reviewers report cancellations due to wind and a closed port, and the listing states the experience requires good weather. One recommends booking early in your stay so there is time to reschedule if the trip is called off.
• Group cap. The tour caps participation at 10 travellers. Reviewers praised the crew's organization and knowledge, and noted their focus on whale shark preservation.

Common issues. The biggest downside is cancellation risk: this experience requires good weather, and reviewers have had trips called off on the day for wind and a closed port. When that happens the operator offers a different date or a full refund, but same-day alternatives may be impossible, and one reviewer suggested staying several days in La Paz to allow a retry. One reviewer who did get out reported very murky water and few whale sharks, noting the advertising photos can mislead on clarity. The listing also flags the trip as not wheelchair accessible, not recommended for pregnant travellers or those with back problems, and unsuitable for anyone with heart problems or serious medical conditions. Infants must sit on laps, and a moderate level of physical fitness is expected.

Common Questions