3 hours
4 languages
Mobile ticket

Highlights

What makes us different from other operators? They put 10 to 15 guests for boat. We prefer maximum 6 guests for boat. Since all operators are allowed maximum 2 hours in the whale shark area this policy allows you maximum time in the water, better ratio guide / guests and a more personal experience. (note: exceptionally can be 7 guests on boat when one party has odd numbers) According to regulation other operators allow 5 swimmers and the guide at the same time in the water. If you have come with your partner we prefer you two swim alone with the whale shark, without sharing your first whale shark encounter with strangers. If you come with children or many members of your family you and your guide will decide the best way for you to enjoy, maybe small groups as starter and a final jump with all together. If you are elderly or poor swimmer, or just a bit shy the guide may jump with you alone to make sure you have the best experience possible.

Inclusions

What's included

Biodegradable Sunscreen SPF 50
Soda/Pop
We are sorry, we don't use single use plastics in our tours, we have old school glasses and purified water in a container, like our grandparents used!
Use of Snorkelling equipment
All Fees and Taxes
fruit, cookies and chips

What's not

Transport from hotel
Towel
Tips

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

5.0

5418
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30
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10

Ratings come from 422 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

5Amazing Whale Shark and Sea Lion Encounter
My family, ages 80 to 20s, had a AMAZING experience that we will remember forever. We did the Sea of Cortez Wonder Tour. Very ethical swimming with Whale Shark, snorkeling with Sea Lions, and delicious beach lunch. We learned a lot! La Paz VIP Tours strikes the perfect balance of protecting the resource while providing great encounters. They also take video and photos that they provide to you - for free! This is who you want to jave an adventure with. Thank you Captain Edie and Katrin!
Z5369XYcharlesgApril 2026via Tripadvisor
5Super cool whale shark expedient
Am amazing experience with Katya and Katrina! Both gals were very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about their jobs. Highly recommend this tour to get to swim with amazing creatures of the sea.
419martylApril 2026via Tripadvisor
5Amazing!
We had an absolutely amazing experience with our guide Katrin and skipper Alfredo; they knew exactly where to go to find a whale shark far from the other boats, and she positioned us perfectly in the water for the best possible swim- thank for an unforgettable encounter!
laured108April 2026via Tripadvisor
5Whale Shark Wonder
Two fantastic trips with Katrin plus boat drivers Eddie and Alfredo! Awesome experience swimming with Whale Sharks and then California Sea Lions! Thanks for two incredible days exploring the wonders of the area!
Paul EApril 2026via Tripadvisor
5Amazing close encounter with whale sharks
We had an amazing time! Our guide Maritza was a graduate student studying whale sharks and very well informed. She even told us a little about her research into whale shark gestation and the effects of microplastics on their health. She was an excellent guide in the water, adjusting to everyone's different swimming abilities and comfort in the water to ensure we each got the most out of our experience, and taking photos and videos so that we got a memento without needing to worry about it. The experience itself was awesome! We got to see multiple whale sharks, including a group feeding at the surface! They were so close we had to swim back at times to keep our distance. The small group size (only our 6 family members) meant we all got personalized attention and time with the whale sharks. I would definitely go back.
Compass722113April 2026via Tripadvisor
5Awesome experience!
We had an amazing experience! Katrin was an excellent guide! It was magical swimming so close to these giant creatures!
814joshuawMarch 2026via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

Meeting point: Our boats depart from MARINA LA PAZ, Topete 3040 (corner Legaspy). Is a small marina, our guides will be waiting for you near the main entrance. All tour operators meet there, near the boat ramp. If you arrive too early you can enjoy a coffee in Baja Beans or The Dock Cafe
Pickup: Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size: Up to 7 travellers
Operated by: La Paz Whale Sharks VIP Tours

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants not allowed
Weight limit 260 lbs
Age restriction: minimum 5 years old, maximum 80 years old
Restricted guests with cardiac history

How it compares in La Paz

Its from-price is 75% above the median of the 202 experiences we list in La Paz.
It is shorter than most of them.
By number of reviews it ranks 4 of 202.

About La Paz

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, a calm Sea of Cortez port with a seafront promenade, island beaches and sea lion colonies offshore.

La Paz lies on a sheltered bay on the Gulf of California, also called the Sea of Cortez, in the south of the Baja California peninsula. Its malecón, a long seafront promenade, runs past sculptures, cafés and ice-cream stalls. The cathedral stands on Plaza Constitución, the Museum of Anthropology and History covers the peninsula, and the city has a long past as a centre of pearl fishing.

Top-ranked sights in La Paz: Malecón.

See all 202 experiences in La Paz