If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, swimming with whale sharks in La Paz should be at the top of your bucket list! This incredible adventure takes place in the Sea of Cortez, a region teeming with marine life, stunning turquoise waters, and breathtaking coastal landscapes.

The main reason we traveled to Baja California Sur was to swim with these gentle giants, and the experience was nothing short of magical. In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to know about booking a whale shark tour in La Paz, what to expect, and additional activities like snorkeling with sea lions and visiting the famous Balandra Beach.

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🐋 When & Where to Swim with Whale Sharks in La Paz

Every year, from October to April, juvenile whale sharks migrate to the shallow waters of La Paz to feed on plankton. These gentle giants can grow up to 40+ feet long, but the ones in La Paz are typically smaller juveniles, making it one of the best places in the world to swim alongside them.

📍 Location: Whale shark tours take place in the protected waters of La Paz Bay, within the Sea of Cortez.

🌊 Best Time to Visit:
✔ November–February: Peak season with the highest number of whale sharks
✔ March–April: Fewer crowds, but sharks may start to migrate away
✔ Avoid Summer: Whale sharks are not present in La Paz

🚤 Tour Regulations:
La Paz has strict eco-tourism regulations to protect the whale sharks:
✔ A limited number of boats can enter the area per day
✔ Only one boat per whale shark is allowed at a time
✔ Snorkelers must keep a safe distance and never touch the sharks

Since permits are assigned the day before, some flexibility is required when booking a tour!

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🐠 Our Whale Shark Tour Experience

Winds can be an issue in La Paz. We wanted to see the whale sharks more than anything, so we booked tours on two different days. We did reschedule one tour to another day due to the high winds. Since our plans changed, we had to leave Cabo San Lucas before sunrise to make our 9 AM departure!

🌤 Tip: Whale sharks are easier to spot on sunny days, as their gray shadows are more visible from the surface. Our first day was overcast, making it slightly harder to find them.

Once in the designated whale shark area, our boat patiently waited for its turn. Each boat is assigned one whale shark at a time, ensuring a low-impact experience for these incredible creatures.

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🤿 Jumping in with a Whale Shark

When we finally spotted our first whale shark, it was moving fast! I jumped in immediately, but keeping up was a serious workout. After a few minutes, my legs were burning, and I had to climb back onto the boat.

Luckily, our next whale shark was much slower-moving, allowing for a longer, more immersive swim. I can’t even describe the feeling of floating alongside such a massive, gentle creature. It was mesmerizing—truly an unforgettable moment.

If you could cry underwater, I would have!

What It’s Like in the Water

✔ The boats typically have 6–8 people, with small groups taking turns in the water
✔ We each had the opportunity to swim with multiple whale sharks
✔ Some people only jumped in twice—I couldn’t believe it! I stayed in as long as possible

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🐟 Snorkeling with Sea Lions at San Rafaelito

After our whale shark encounter, we continued to San Rafaelito, a rocky islet home to a playful sea lion colony.

Sea lions are incredibly fast swimmers, darting around us effortlessly. It was such a fun and exhilarating experience trying to keep up with them underwater.

💡 Tip: If you want a full-day sea lion experience, you can visit Los Islotes, a larger colony further out. However, we found plenty of sea lions at San Rafaelito, making it the perfect add-on to our whale shark tour.

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🏝 Balandra Beach: A Hidden Paradise

No trip to La Paz is complete without visiting Balandra Beach, often called the most beautiful beach in Mexico.

Our boat docked on the far side of Balandra, away from the main crowds. The scene was straight out of a postcard—sparkling white sand, shallow crystal-clear water, and peaceful surroundings.

🌮 Lunchtime Perfection: We enjoyed fresh ceviche and burritos on the beach before heading back to La Paz. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.

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🐬 A second trip out: More Whale Sharks & A Surprise Dolphin Encounter

For our second tour, we booked with another company, and the experience was just as amazing.

✔ The sun was out, making it easier to spot whale sharks
✔ Our group was smaller and faster, allowing us to maximize our time in the water
✔ Our assigned whale shark was slow-moving, giving us multiple opportunities to swim alongside it

To top it all off, on our way back to the marina, a pod of dolphins surrounded our boat! We stopped for a few minutes to watch them play—a beautiful and unexpected way to end our adventure.

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🌊 Final Thoughts: Is Swimming with Whale Sharks in La Paz Worth It?

100% YES. Swimming with whale sharks is truly one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Mexico. La Paz offers one of the most ethical and responsible ways to encounter these gentle giants, ensuring their safety while providing an incredible adventure for visitors.

💙 Tips for an Amazing Experience:
✔ Book in Advance – Tours fill up quickly, especially during peak season
✔ Be Flexible – Weather can impact your tour schedule
✔ Practice Snorkeling Beforehand – It helps to be comfortable swimming in open water
✔ Wear a Wetsuit – The water can be chilly, and wetsuits are often required
✔ Choose an Eco-Friendly Operator – Look for companies that follow ethical wildlife guidelines

If you’re planning a trip to Baja California Sur, make sure La Paz is on your itinerary—you won’t regret it!

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Have You Swam with Whale Sharks?

Have you experienced this magical encounter, or is it on your bucket list? 💭 Drop a comment below and let me know!👇