Budget Fare Whale Shark Swim

Overview

The listing caps the trip at 10 travellers, and groups that small shape the whole day. You check in at Local 8, half an hour before departure, then head out to the whale shark feeding zone under the eye of a professional guide and captain.

The listed duration is 2 hours 30 minutes, but the day can run longer, and that is worth understanding before booking. Whale shark activity in La Paz is regulated by the protected species authorities, who assign each boat a shift. Possible start times are 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm or 3 pm, and Sunrider confirms the actual slot the day before. Even after departure, boats queue to enter the feeding zone, and the listing puts that wait anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Once in the zone, swimmers take turns entering the water with the guide for close encounters with the sharks. Equipment, water and snacks are provided, and past travellers repeatedly praise the crew's knowledge and their care for the animals. It suits confident swimmers aged 8 and up with moderate fitness, and it rewards patience more than a tight schedule.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Marina ASIPONAArrive at Local 8 at Marina Asipona, Calle Recinto Portuario 110, La Paz, 30 minutes before departure. Bring cash for the dock and conservation fees.
2. Depart for the bayThe boat leaves from the marina for the whale shark feeding zone. The exact start time is assigned by the authorities and confirmed the day before.
3. Wait for your assigned slotRegulations limit how many boats enter the whale shark zone at once, so a wait of anywhere from 30 minutes up to 3 hours can happen before entering.
4. Swim with the whale sharksSwimmers enter the water in turns with the guide for close, supervised encounters with feeding whale sharks.
5. Return to the marinaThe trip ends back at the same meeting point at Marina Asipona.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in both the listing and traveller reviews, and they make the difference between a frustrating day and a great one.

• Bring cash. The dock fee of US$5.00 per person and a conservation fee of US$3.00 per person are not included and must be paid in cash. Gratuities and crew tips are also excluded.
• Manage your timing. The departure slot is set by the authorities, not the operator, and can shift to 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm or 3 pm, confirmed the day before. Keep your schedule loose on the day of the tour.
• Be a strong swimmer. Participants need to be at least 8 years old and good swimmers, with moderate physical fitness.
• Pack for the water. All necessary equipment is included, and one reviewer mentioned being given a wetsuit, which they appreciated. Water and snacks are served on board.
• Learn the snorkel basics. Guides help first-time snorkellers feel comfortable in the water, one reviewer reported. Any prior snorkel practice you have will add to the experience.
• Small group feel. The tour is capped at 10 travellers. Multiple reviews mention guides giving each person individual attention in the water.

Common issues. The main frustration in reviews is waiting: boats queue to enter the whale shark zone, and waits of 30 minutes to 3 hours are possible. The listed duration is 2 hours 30 minutes, but the regulated schedule means your start time may be later than booked. The dock and conservation fees are payable in cash on site. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for pregnant travellers or those with back problems, and requires a minimum number of travellers to run. One reviewer arrived with a confirmed booking and was told there was no space.

Common Questions