Important (dates, times & group limits):
This activity is fully regulated by authorities, who control operating dates, time slots, and the number of people in the water.
Dates:
If the season has already started and your selected date appears available, your tour is considered confirmed. If the season has not yet started, we strongly recommend having at least one additional day available. Authorities assign designated operating days only once the season officially opens (typically mid to late November), and no company can guarantee a specific date 100% in advance. If we are unable to operate and you do not have flexibility for an alternative day, you will receive a full refund, and we will gladly assist you in finding availability with trusted collaborators.
Number of people during the Swim with whale sharks:
Authorities allow a maximum of five people per boat in the water at any given time, regardless of how many guests are onboard. Time in the area is also limited for all operators. Larger groups must rotate, which often means more waiting and less actual time swimming. Encounters can vary—sometimes the sharks remain in one area, while other times they move quickly. For this reason, small groups are strongly recommended, especially for less confident swimmers. Fewer people typically means more time in the water and a calmer, more personal experience.
If your preferred date does not appear available, feel free to contact us. It may be one of our non-designated operating days, and we can request availability with the authorities and check for any open spaces.
We prioritize small groups, quality equipment, a well-prepared boat, and professional guides—ensuring a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable experience overall.
Departure: Muelle Fiscal Docks - Location
Meeting Time: 7:15 AM
Duration: 8 hours
Your experience begins at the dock, where your boat, professional crew, and fully prepared equipment will be ready and waiting. Step onboard and let us take care of everything.
We’ll contact you the day before with the name of your boat and crew, so you’re all set for departure.
This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. If you are less than 4 participants, please contact us by email (info@lapazexplorer.com) or WhatsApp (+52 612 202 0257) in advance to confirm availability.
Cancellations made more than 7 days before the activity are eligible for a full refund minus card and processing fees (5%).
Cancellations made within 7 days and more than 24 hours before the tour start time result in the loss of the 20% deposit of the total reservation amount.
Cancellations made within 24 hours before the activity, as well as late arrivals and no-shows, including cases of illness, accidents, travel delays, personal emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond the participant’s control, are fully non-refundable. All payments made, including the full balance if already completed, will be retained. Failure to meet at the designated time and location is considered a no-show.
On shared tours, the confirmed booking is binding for the full number of participants reserved. Cancellations apply per participant, and payments are non-transferable between participants. Each activity requires a minimum operational number of participants, which varies depending on the activity and vessel type. If fewer participants show up than originally confirmed in the booking and the minimum operational requirement is not met, the operator reserves the right to cancel the activity. In such cases, no refunds, credits, or transfers will apply.
Operator-Initiated Cancellations: In the event that the activity must be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather conditions, harbor closures, or vessel damage/mechanical failure, the full amount paid will be refunded or issued as credit. Credits, when issued, are valid for 1 year from the original activity date and are subject to availability.
Looking for a Private Tour? You can book here
Want to check other possible times or a Balandra combo tour, please contact us by email (info@lapazexplorer.com) or WhatsApp (+52 612 202 0257).
Rent of wetsuit, mask, fins and snorkel
Rent of scuba diving gear (wetsuit, BCD, regulators, mask, fins, weights) - if diving at the sea lion colony
Lunch is usually fresh ceviche (shrimp and/or fish), but we make adaptations taking into consideration any food allergy or dietary restrictions you may have such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
Admission to National Park and Protected Areas
Captain and guide
Please bring your own camera.
Kindly bring your own.
You’re welcome to bring your own, cooler available onboard.
Optional, and always appreciated for great service.
Location: Muelle Fiscal Docks
Date: Your tour date
Time: 7:15 AM
Please arrive at 7:15 AM for check-in and boarding. Once you pass the entrance, walk straight until the end and turn left, you’ll find the docks there.
Boat and Crew Name: Look for our boat and crew at the docks (names confirmed the day before the tour), you’ll easily recognize them by the La Paz Explorer logo on the boat and on our team’s uniforms.
If you’re coming by car: There are two parking lots nearby. You can also find street parking just outside the parking lots.
What to bring:
Swimsuit (already on)
Towel
Jacket (on windy days)
Camera
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Tips for the crew
(Optional, and always appreciated for great service.)
If you have any trouble finding us, you can contact us by phone or WhatsApp:
Call: +52 612 169 9582
Chat on WhatsApp: +52 612 202 0257
Meet your crew, check in, sign necessary waivers, and get fitted with snorkel and/or dive gear. Boat ride to the authorities’ checkpoint, where officials will visually inspect all required permits and authorizations are in place.
Once we enter the area and whale sharks are located, you will enter the water in full compliance with regulations. A maximum of five people will be in the water at a time. Rotations, if required, will be managed by your guide to maximize time in the water while respecting conservation rules.
Brief description of the place and the sea lions. Swim at the sea lion colony for about 1 hour.
Please note: The sea lion colony at Los Islotes (Espíritu Santo Island) is our preferred destination for the sea lion snorkeling/diving activity. However, if weather or sea conditions do not allow us to safely reach the area, the activity will instead take place at the San Rafaelito sea lion colony near La Paz.
Relax and enjoy lunch while taking in the sun on a beach.
Begin the boat ride back to La Paz, enjoying the scenic views, soaking in the beautiful views of the Sea of Cortez.
Arrival to Muelle Fiscal by 3:30 PM
We are often out running tours at different hours, so please contact us in advance to schedule an appointment.
C. Francisco I. Madero 3314, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
