Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
La Paz, Mexico
- 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
What's Included
- Snacks
- Soda/Pop
- Bottled water
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentUse of Snorkelling equipment
- Wetsuits
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Playa SN-C RESTAURANT BAR LA COSTA, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
Please be on time as the whale shark schedule is strict. At the end of the street " Antonio Navarro" you will go on the marina on your left when you look at the sea, it has a restaurant called La Costa. I will be waiting for you in the entrance of the marina.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
- 11/15/2025 - 04/30/2026
Monday - Sunday : 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- 11/15/2026 - 04/30/2027
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Elizabeth_P
It was amazing!! We wore shorty wetsuits and the water was warm. The visibility was poor according to our guide but we saw the whale sharks very well when we were close. We saw them both vertical feeding and swam along side. Our team was excellent: Mar was our Guide Hamza was our marine biologist and spotter —- both were very knowledgeable and took care to give us the best experience. Our captain Julio was perfect at getting us close. I definitely recommend this tour!!
Reviews
4.9
based on 109 reviews
Terri_S, Apr 2026
Such a wonderful experience with a knowledgeable guide. He was able to describe the whale sharks for my grandson who was 4 up to me and my husband.
Elizabeth_P, Feb 2026
It was amazing!! We wore shorty wetsuits and the water was warm. The visibility was poor according to our guide but we saw the whale sharks very well when we were close. We saw them both vertical feeding and swam along side. Our team was excellent: Mar was our Guide Hamza was our marine biologist and spotter —- both were very knowledgeable and took care to give us the best experience. Our captain Julio was perfect at getting us close. I definitely recommend this tour!!
Antonio_C, Feb 2026
Great respect for nature and the animals. I loved the experience. Visibility underwater was poor, but once close to the sharks i could see it perfectly and swim alongside them. Peaceful and majestic creatures. Totally recommended the tour. The guide, capitan and organizer were all very friendly and thoughtful.
Charlotte_R, Feb 2026
Despite a slight hiccup locating the meet up point for the trip, we had an amazing time on our whale shark excursion. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our family, and I’ll share more details below for anyone considering booking this tour.
Whale shark encounters are regulated by local authorities and divided into four time slots (7am, 9am, 11am and 1pm). We initially booked the 9am slot. Two days before the trip, the tour operator messaged us explaining that while they request your preferred time, the final slot is assigned by the authorities and can occasionally change. They asked if we would be available for 11am if moved. We confirmed, and the day before the trip they let us know we had been reassigned to 11am.
To get to the meetup point, I pasted the exact address provided in the booking into Google Maps, but it routed us to the wrong location. Instead of having us go South along the Malecon, it routed us north. I was able to reach our captain on the phone right away when we figured out we must be in the wrong place, and he dropped a pin via WhatsApp to the correct location. We were about 12 minutes late but it didn’t seem to cause any major issues. I would recommend just typing La Costa restaurant into Google Maps to get to the right location and avoid any confusion.
Our initial reservation was for 6 people but one of our party ended up being sick that day so 5 of us went out, and only 4 actually got in the water. We were each issued a wet suit, snorkel, and pair of flippers. Francesca, our assigned marine biologist and tour guide, began the trip by explaining the local guidelines for swimming with the whale sharks. She also shared some key facts about the world's largest fish, and what to expect during the swim. We each had 3 opportunities to jump in the water to swim alongside them. One member of our group even had the unexpected opportunity to swim alongside a pod of dolphins, which made the experience even more special.
Francesca stood at the bow of the ship to spot the whale sharks, which are located either by their dorsal fins or large shadows under the water. Once a whale shark was spotted, the next person in line quickly put on their flippers and snorkel and prepared to enter the water. Everyone goes one at a time for each encounter, and we were directed to always stay behind our guide. We found it much easier to jump in and swim alongside the fish without the life jacket, though it’s recommended you keep it on if you’re at all concerned about your swimming skill level. Once you lose sight of the whale shark, you swim back up to the boat and the captain lowers a ladder to let you back on board.
As far as the athleticism and mobility needed for this activity, I would say it’s minimal. I am 39 years old and plus size and was able to get on and off the boat without issue. My 12-year-old son also had no problems getting on and off the boat, or keeping up during the swim. The main requirement is that you are a confident swimmer.
This was hands down one of the most unforgettable experiences we’ve ever had. My son hasn’t stopped talking about it and says it’s something he will remember for the rest of his life. If you’re considering this tour, book it.
Tiffany_G, Jan 2026
It was so fantastic! The guide was super conscientious and careful and her directions were very clear and helpful. It was a delightful excursion from start to finish.
Tom_G, Jan 2026
It was a great experience! Our boat Captain got of smoothly out there and picked back up. Our Whale Shark guide Francesca was amazing! Super knowledgable about the Whale Shark and she helped us see a bunch of them. Just an amazing experience!
Rosianna_H, Jan 2026
I had an incredible time swimming alongside whale sharks. They were huge and beautiful! The captain and guide took good care of us, making sure we all had a chance to get a good look and as we were a small group, we were all able to enter the water at the same time rather than having to wait and take turns. Also want to give a huge shoutout to Hamza from Baja Wild Adventures who was so kind, communicative and helpful along the way. Definitely will be back to swim with whale sharks again!
Lauriane_B, Dec 2025
Awesome! I was a bit scared before to do it but after it was all good! Still very impressive. We were able to 3 shark-whales, a baby one and ray manta ! the staff is organized and on time.
William_M, Dec 2025
This was a great experience. My wife and I really enjoyed it. Natalia, Hamza and Lobo were our crew. Natalia was a great guide, Hamza handled all the logistics and spotted the sharks while Lobo was the boat captain. They all spoke English. Natalia’s and Hamza’s English was really good. It was a much more active tour than I anticipated. I envisioned tranquilly snorkeling around a placid whale shark. Obviously, sharks are made to swim and a leisurely feeding for a whale shark is a workout for a human. The crew divided the tourists into three groups and we took turns cycling in and out of the water. I would have liked more time in the water but I’m pretty fit and swim for exercise. I also have significant experience snorkeling and scuba diving but I think most of the passengers were grateful for the rest. The event is heavily regulated by the Mexican government. The number of boats, number of passengers on each boat and number of swimmers with each shark are all regulated. Even the boats’ velocity is controlled. All this provides margin of safety for the sharks while allowing you an amazing opportunity to see an amazing animal in it’s natural environment. When all was said and done Natalia airdropped and emailed videos that she took in the water with swimmers and the shark. 100% highly recommend.
Dusan_K, Dec 2024
Whale shark tour: great tour with really nice, patient and knowledgeable guide Marru and captain Joel. Saw multiple sharks in the bay and swam with one up- close!
Bas_L, Apr 2024
Incredible moments to swim along with the sharks. Super peaceful, well prepared by the guides who took their time to explain everything and were super knowledgeable. It made the whole experience feel much better, respectful towards the sharks. Wonderful and would highly recommend anyone to take this tour. The small group size also helped.
James_M, Feb 2024
Hamza did a great job coordinating our trip. The crew had two Biologists who very knowledgeable and personable. Weather did not favor finding the Whale Sharks, but they persevered and we left with good memories. Hoping Hamza sends us the video.
Meredith_D, Dec 2023
An excellent excursion from start to finish. What a wonder it was to be in the water with these giant creatures. Guides were knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and multilingual. Highly recommended.
Guillermo_P, Dec 2025
We could not see the whale shark, because very few had reached the sea of cuts. But the tour manager super friendly and looking for other alternatives to enjoy the tour, we were very tight snorkeling for a very good time, and the fish ceviche we ate on the beach was requisitionism. Thank you.
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Martina_S, Nov 2025
Very well organized in advance and informed about time and program changes. The biologist on board was very dedicated and could answer all our questions competently. An unforgettable experience.
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From $166.76
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist
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