WHALE SHARK, SEA LIONS AND BALANDRA
NOV-APR | $3,900 MXN PER PERSON | MARINE BIOLOGIST GUIDE | MAX. 9 PEOPLE PER BOAT
What you will experience
Experience three of La Paz’s most iconic marine attractions in one unforgettable day: swim with whale sharks, snorkel with sea lions, and visit Balandra Beach.
Your tour begins with the search for whale sharks in La Paz Bay, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants.
We travel in small groups with a maximum of 9 guests per boat, and every tour is led by a marine biologist who will guide you in the water and share insights about the wildlife and ecosystem of the Sea of Cortez.
The adventure continues to San Rafaelito, where you can snorkel with playful sea lions and explore the surrounding marine life.
From there, we head to Balandra, one of the most beautiful beaches in Baja California Sur, where you can relax, swim in its shallow turquoise waters, and enjoy lunch. The order of the sites may change depending on the time slot we will be assigned on the whale shark area.
Whale shark activities in La Paz are strictly regulated to protect the animals and their feeding habitat. The 2026–2027 whale shark season is expected to run from mid-November 2026 through mid-April 2027.
Includes
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Approx. 6 hours tour
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Food and drinks: Fish ceviche, burritos, fruit, water, sodas and beer. If you have any special diet let us know. All fresh made
- Quality snorkeling gear and 3mm shorty wetsuits, long available upon request.
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GoPro photos and videos taken by your guide. The quality will depend on the conditions of the day
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Marine biologist guide and certified captain
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Whale shark conservation fee and required permits
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Traveler insurance
Safety and Requirements
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For your own safety this activity is restricted for people with back, heart or respiratory problems.
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Swimming or snorkeling skills are not mandatory, but they can make the experience more enjoyable. Whale sharks sometimes move very slowly, but at other times they can swim faster, which requires good physical condition to keep up and swim alongside them.
$3,900 MXN | $215 USD per person
Price on a shared tour, maximum 9 people per boat
On private tours we can fit up to 12 on our biggest boat
Last Season Méxplore Stats Nov 2025 - Apr 2026
129,960
56
5
Mexican pesos donated to conservation
Individual whale sharks spotted
Tours with no whale sharks spotted
388
Operated tours
Frequently Asked Questions
Are whale shark sightings guaranteed?
Whale sharks are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
If we do not find whale sharks during your tour, we offer a 50% refund for the whale shark-only tour, or $1,400 MXN per person for the combo tour, which still includes San Rafaelito and Balandra.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made at least 8 days before your tour are eligible for a 100% refund. Cancellations made within 7 days of the tour are non-refundable.
Our tours are in high demand and availability is limited, so every reserved spot is important. We appreciate your understanding.
Where will we meet?
We depart from Marina de La Paz, located at the corner of Topete and Miguel de Legaspy streets.
We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before your scheduled meeting time. Street parking near the marina can sometimes be limited, so you may need to park one or two blocks away and walk to the meeting point.
Our boats do not have restrooms on board, but restroom facilities are available at the marina before departure.
How many guests are on each boat?
Our shared whale shark tours have a maximum of 9 guests per boat. We have up to 2 hours inside the whale shark area to search and swim, with guests taking turns in small groups. Fewer guests means less time waiting between turns, although actual swimming time depends on conditions and the sharks’ behavior.
Can my tour time change?
Yes. Boat entry times are assigned through a regulated daily system, and we receive our allocation the day before your tour or early that morning.
We will contact you only if your departure time changes or we do not receive an entry slot. Otherwise, your tour stays as booked. Please make sure we can reach you through the phone number or email on your reservation.
For the combo tour, a later whale shark slot usually means changing the order of activities while keeping the 9:00 am meeting time. If no slot is available, we offer rescheduling, subject to availability, or a full refund.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Strong winds or rough seas may affect your tour. If we cancel because of weather or a port closure, you can reschedule, subject to availability, or receive a full refund.
We recommend booking early in your stay to leave room for a possible change of date.
How long is the whale shark tour?
The whale shark-only tour usually lasts around 3 hours, from departure to return. Depending on the sharks’ location and sea conditions, it may be as short as 2 hours or extend to approximately 4 hours. This includes boat travel, searching, and swimming.
Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?
You do not need to be an expert, but being comfortable swimming and snorkeling in open water helps. Whale sharks can move quickly, making the activity more challenging for beginners.
Our marine biologist guides explain the activity and accompany you in the water. Please tell us beforehand if you are not a confident swimmer. You are also welcome to stay aboard.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. Masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits, and life jackets are included. You are welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer.
Are GoPro photos and videos included?
Yes. GoPro photos and videos are included at no extra cost, whenever conditions allow. Your guide prioritizes your safety, so the amount and quality of footage depend on visibility, sea conditions, and the encounter. Individual photos or specific shots cannot be guaranteed.
When will I receive my GoPro photos and videos?
We usually email you a Google Drive link within 2–3 days after your tour.
Are there jellyfish in the whale shark area?
Jellyfish can occasionally be present, and their presence varies with conditions. Their presence is rather unlikely but if you are sensitive to jellyfish we strongly recommend you to bring rash guard and leggins to protect your skin.
Can I freedive with the whale sharks?
No. Our whale shark encounters are conducted by snorkeling at the surface. Freediving is not allowed by the Whale Shark tour guidelines in La Paz.
Why are whale shark tours so regulated in La Paz?
La Paz Bay is a seasonal feeding area for whale sharks. Regulated access limits boat traffic and swimming activity to reduce disturbance while the animals feed. Following these rules helps protect the sharks and the habitat that brings them here, and also provides a better experience for humans to interact with them.