Swim with whale sharks in La Paz and enjoy one of Mexico’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences. These gentle giants cruise through the waters of the bay, offering a rare chance to see them up close in their natural habitat.

All encounters follow strict local regulations to ensure the safety of both guests and whale sharks. Our knowledgeable guides are there every step of the way, creating a safe, respectful, and unforgettable experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Departure: Muelle Fiscal Docks - Location
Meeting Time: to be determined
Duration: 2 - 3 hours

We’ll contact you the day before with the name of your boat and crew, so you’re all set for departure.

If your booking is for more than 10 people, please contact us by email (info@lapazexplorer.com) or WhatsApp (+52 612 202 0257) in advance to confirm availability.

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.

• Times:

There are four possible time slots, which include meeting at the docks, gear fitting, boat ride to the checkpoint with authorities, authorization, approximately 2 hours of activity, and the return boat ride:

7:15 am – 11:30 am (first slot of the day; it has one extra hour as we are among the first to locate the sharks)

9:30 am – 1:30 pm

11:30 am – 3:30 pm

1:30 pm – 5:30 pm

The exact time is assigned by authorities and is usually confirmed the day before. While we always aim for our preferred schedule (9:30 am), assignment depends on the official system, so we recommend being flexible or having a second option.

Unless otherwise requested, we prioritize time slots in the following order: 9:30 am, 7:00 am, then 11:30 am. The last time slot (**1:30 pm**) is only recommended for guests who do not have other options.

If you are only available during a specific time of day (morning or afternoon), please contact us before booking so we can confirm availability for your schedule.

• Number of people:

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.

Location: Muelle Fiscal Docks

Date: Your tour date

Time: to be confirmed

Please arrive at time to be confirmed for check-in and boarding. Once you pass the entrance, walk straight until the end and turn left, you’ll find the docks there.

Meet your crew, check in, sign necessary waivers, and get fitted with snorkel gear. Board the boat and set off into the Bay of La Paz. The boat ride to the whale shark zone takes approximately 20-30 minutes, where you can enjoy views of the coastline.

The guide will help locate the whale sharks and lead you into the water for an up-close snorkeling experience. Each person will have opportunities to swim with the whale sharks, rotating in small groups to ensure a safe and intimate experience. The time spent in the water depends on how many whale sharks are in the area and how they are behaving. Between swims, relax on the boat and enjoy snacks and soft-drinks.

After the whale shark swim, take a short scenic boat tour of the bay.

Arrival to Muelle Fiscal 2 - 3 hours after departure.

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

Location