4-Hour Swim, Marine Biologist

Overview

This four-hour trip from Eco Migrations puts a small group of snorkellers into the water with the whale sharks that feed in the bay off La Paz. You meet the team at their office on Mutualismo in the Zona Comercial, a corner location beside a rehabilitation centre, and the outing starts at 11:00. Groups are capped at eight travellers, and the booking maximum is six.

The draw beyond the swimming itself is the guiding. A marine biologist leads the trip, and reviewers again and again describe the crew as knowledgeable about local marine life and careful around the animals. Snorkel gear and a 2 to 3 mm full wetsuit are provided, so the main things to sort yourself are the towel and biodegradable sunblock the listing excludes.

It suits confident swimmers with moderate fitness. It is not recommended for travellers with back problems, pregnant travellers, or anyone with heart conditions, and it is not wheelchair accessible.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the officeMeet at Mutualismo 342, Zona Comercial, La Paz, on the corner with Nicolas Bravo, beside the CORE rehabilitation centre. The tour starts at 11:00.
2. Wetsuit and briefingReviews describe the crew walking everyone through putting on the 2 to 3 mm wetsuit and the snorkel gear, both provided, before heading out.
3. Boat out to the bayThe boat heads out from La Paz to find cooperative whale sharks. One reviewer noted the crew kept looking until they found animals that would stay around swimmers.
4. Snorkel with whale sharksEnter the water in small turns with the guide. Reviews describe multiple entries during the trip, with one reviewer reporting a single swim of 25 to 30 minutes, and boat guides helping swimmers in and out of the water.
5. Return to the meeting pointThe activity ends back at the office on Mutualismo. Total duration is 4 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what past swimmers say the day actually involves, plus the practical details from the listing.

• Fitness and pace. You need to swim hard to keep up. Several reviewers said they could not keep pace on every swim, and the listing asks for moderate physical fitness. Slower swimmers report the crew still found ways to get them multiple turns in the water.
• What to bring. Towel and biodegradable sunblock are not included, so bring your own. One reviewer specifically recommended bringing water as well.
• Gear provided. Snorkel equipment and a 2 to 3 mm full wetsuit are included. The crew adjusted mouthpieces and snorkels on the spot for anyone swallowing seawater, according to one reviewer.
• Group size. The tour runs with a maximum of eight travellers and a booking maximum of six. Several reviewers mention the small group alongside the multiple swims they got with the sharks.
• Respect for the animals. Reviewers repeatedly mention the crew's emphasis on the animals' space and on safety. Swims happen near the shark rather than on top of it, and guides brief you on how to enter the water from the boat properly.
• Getting to the office. Find the office with Google Maps, not Apple Maps, as one reviewer warned it is hard to locate otherwise. The site is near public transportation. One cruise passenger reported their ship offered a free shuttle into downtown La Paz, so it is worth asking yours.

Common issues. The trip is not wheelchair accessible, not recommended for pregnant travellers or people with back problems, and not suitable for anyone with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Poor weather can cancel the trip, with a different date or full refund offered. A minimum number of travellers is required, and if it is not met you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. Cancellations by travellers must be made at least 24 hours before the 11:00 start for a refund.

Common Questions