swimming
with giants
Whale Sharks, known as the “Gentle Giants,” visit the Bay
of La Paz to feed on its plankton-rich waters.
Swimming with them is both thrilling and exhilarating, attracting all who participate.
What do you need to know about this activity?
The Whale Shark season runs from October 1st to April 30th in a protected refuge zone in the Bay of La Paz, with rules to safeguard the Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) population. This area focuses on protection, care, and sustainable use of these creatures.
A maximum of 56 boats are allowed per day, divided into four time slots with 14 boats each at the following times:
- 7:00 am
- 10:00 am
- 12:00 pm
- 2:00 pm
Your assigned time slot depends on availability and will be confirmed as follows:
- For the 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM slots, you'll receive confirmation by 3:30 PM the day before.
- For the 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM slots, confirmation will be provided by 7:30 AM on the day of the activity.
NOT STAYING IN LA PAZ?
Don’t worry, we can arrange ground transportation from the surrounding area, ask us about it!
RATES
Whaleshark
$160 USD
per person/ minimum 4
$950 USD
Private boat
Whaleshark + Sealions
Balandra
$200 USD
per person/ minimum 4
$1,200 USD
Private boat
*We can coordinate your transportation with extra cost.
- Short trip: 2 - 3 hrs
- Extended trip: 5 - 6 hrs
- Season: October to april
- Departure: marina costa baja
- Cameras
- Sunglasses
- Biodegradable Sunscreen
- Jacket and extra clothes
- Certified Guide
- Certified Captain
- Sanctuary Zone Bracelet
- Soft Drink and Snacks
Extended trip
- Snorkel with Sealions
- Lunch at Balandra Beach
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Professional Photo/Video service
- TIPS
FAQ
Officially, the activity begins once the authorities register 14 sharks within the Whale Shark (WS) area. Usually, this happens between mid or late October and mid November, but it varies year by year.
Your check-in must be done 30 minutes before your boat departure.
The schedules are set by the authorities, and there is no tolerance for late arrivals to access the area. If you arrive late, you lose your reservation, the full reservation amount is charged, and there is no refund.
You can cancel up to 72 hours before your departure, and you will receive a full refund, or you can reschedule.
If you cancel within 72 hours of your tour, a 50% charge will apply.
If you don’t show up on the day of the activity, the full amount of the activity will be charged.
Yes, but you must use either a wetsuit or a life jacket. We have both on site for you.
Five people at a time, accompanied by a certified guide, per whale shark.
The time allowed within the area is two hours.
The maximum snorkeling time allowed is 30 minutes per whale shark.
A swimsuit, biodegradable sunscreen, and a cap or hat. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before getting into the water. Bring a light jacket or a windbreaker
We provide all the equipment for the activity (wetsuit, life jacket, snorkel gear, and fins), although you may bring your own gear if you have it.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed before or during the activity.
The marina is Marina Costa Baja, located within Puerta Cortes Resort.
BACo’s office is located in Unit 36 within the marina village of Puerta Cortes Resort, next to Café 1240.
A confirmation email will include a link to a map with the location.