Approximately 6 hoursYear-round
Espiritu Santo Island Tour
Snorkeling, untouched beaches and sea lions in season — the signature La Paz day trip.
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Whale Shark Tour in La Paz
A SEMARNAT and CONANP regulated activity inside La Paz bay: 2 to 3 water entries beside the largest fish in the ocean.
About 2 hours November to April (subject to regulation) La Paz, Baja California Sur
Quick facts
- Duration
- About 2 hours
- Season
- Generally November to April
- Activity
- 2 to 3 water entries, roughly 5 to 6 minutes each
- Departure
- Dock in La Paz (confirmed when you book)
- Regulation
- Refuge zone regulated by SEMARNAT and CONANP
- Price
- Quote via WhatsApp (wetsuit changes the price)
Custom quote via WhatsApp
About the whale shark tour
Whale shark snorkeling in La Paz takes place inside the bay, in a refuge zone regulated by Mexican environmental authorities. Every season whale sharks feed in these shallow waters and visitors may enter the water with them under strict rules.
Only permitted boats with a certified in-water guide may run the activity. The number of boats and swimmers per sighting is capped by the authority, so departures run on assigned time slots.
Diamante Tours operates with current permits, a mandatory safety briefing and snorkeling gear included. The whale shark is a completely harmless filter feeder that can reach around 12 metres in length.
Itinerary
- 1
Check-in and briefing
Welcome at the departure point and mandatory briefing on distances, the no-touch rule and the guide's hand signals.
- 2
Cruise to the refuge zone
Transfer on a permitted boat to the feeding area inside La Paz bay.
- 3
Water entries
Each guest makes 2 to 3 entries of roughly 5 to 6 minutes, always alongside the guide.
- 4
Return
Rest on board with drinks and snacks, then back to the dock.
What's included
- Permitted boat
- Certified guide and captain
- Snorkeling gear
- Life jacket
- Drinks and snacks
- Safety briefing
What's not included
- Wetsuit (optional, changes the price)
- Hotel–dock transfer
- Professional photography
- Gratuities
What to bring
- Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
- Towel
- Reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen
- Light windbreaker — the season falls in the cooler months
- Underwater camera without flash
Requirements and restrictions
- You should be able to float and feel comfortable in open water with a life jacket or snorkel.
- Touching, chasing or blocking the whale shark is prohibited.
- Keep the minimum distance indicated by your guide at all times.
- Non-biodegradable sunscreen and camera flash are not allowed.
- Sightings depend on natural conditions and the daily authorised capacity; they are never guaranteed.
- Minimum age and restrictions for pregnant travelers: please confirm with us.
Important notes
- Exact season opening and closing dates change every year according to official rulings. Check availability before booking.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
When is whale shark season in La Paz?
The season generally runs from November to April. Exact dates change each year based on natural conditions and official regulations.
How long is the whale shark tour?
About 2 hours in total, including the briefing, the cruise and the water entries.
How many times do you get in the water?
Each guest makes 2 to 3 entries, roughly 5 to 6 minutes each, next to the whale shark.
Is swimming with whale sharks safe?
Yes. Whale sharks are plankton feeders and harmless to people. Safety comes from the briefing, the guide in the water and respecting the official distances.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No. These are wild animals in a regulated zone. Odds are high in peak season, but no operator can guarantee an encounter.
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Message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size. We reply with availability and a quote, no obligation.