Whale Watching · LA PAZ

Top 15 La Paz Whale Watching Tours

23 tours  ·  from $110 a head

The good La Paz whale watching tours fill up weeks ahead in season and the best ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist - What the boat ride and briefing are like
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Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

1.Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 594 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $190Our pick

Meet in central La Paz for a roughly three-hour whale shark trip with no more than eight people. A marine biologist such as Angel, Carla, or Karen explains the rules, then guides small groups through several surface swims. Wetsuits, gear, refreshments, permits, insurance, and GoPro footage are included.

“Angel was a fantastic guide, providing us with a fantastic encounter with the whale sharks. Alejandro was a great captain, putting is in perfect position for multiple chances to see the whale sharks. It was a once in a lifetime experience, an absolute must do!”

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Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter - Premium Service - The ride into the whale shark zone
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Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter – Premium Service

2.Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter – Premium Service

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 392 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $268

Meet at The Dock Cafe in La Paz for a three-hour whale shark outing limited to seven people. Your English-speaking guide fits you with a wetsuit and snorkel gear, explains sanctuary rules, and helps you swim beside whale sharks two or three times when conditions allow. Photos, video, snacks, and drinks are included.

“Great staff and amazing Sharks. Do this tour. You won’t regret it. Katlin was an amazing guide who knew her sharks and answered all our questions. If you are cruising, do this trip!!!!”

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Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz - The boat ride across the Sea of Cortez
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Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz

3.Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 154 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110Best value

Join Sunrider Tours in La Paz for a regulated whale shark swim in the Sea of Cortez. Small groups of up to 10, with five people entering the water at a time, help give you a closer encounter while protecting these gentle giants. Guides such as Armando, Dellis, and Martin explain the rules and assist in the water.

“Great trip! The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Was able to swim with 3 different whale sharks. Would highly recommend!!”

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Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist - Why the departure time can change
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Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist

4.Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $170

Meet Baja Wild Adventures at Playa SN-C Restaurant Bar La Costa for a small-group whale shark outing with a marine biologist. You’ll receive a wetsuit, snorkel gear, snacks, and water, then spend up to 30 minutes at a time in the water with no more than five swimmers near a shark.

“I had an incredible time swimming alongside whale sharks. They were huge and beautiful! The captain and guide took good care of us, making sure we all had a chance to get a good look and as we were a small group, we were all able to enter the water at the same time rather than having to wait and take turns. Also want to give a huge shoutout to Hamza from Baja Wild Adventures who was so kind, communicative and helpful along the way. Definitely will be back to swim with whale sharks again!”

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La Paz Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Tour - Meeting Whale Sharks in La Paz Bay
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La Paz Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Tour

5.La Paz Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $250

Join a marine biologist and a maximum of 10 people for whale shark snorkeling, sea lions at San Rafaelito, and a Balandra Beach stop. Tuna Tuna Tours includes equipment, wetsuit, lunch, drinks, snacks, and underwater photos and videos.

“Christian and Marco were amazing and took great care of us. They got us so close to the whale sharks, it was unreal! And the homemade lunch they served on a beautiful beach was delicious! Fair warning, the tiny jellyfish in the water can be brutal, so might want to bring a full body wetsuit if you are sensitive to it.”

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Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz - Three chances to swim beside a whale shark
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Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz

6.Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $131

Meet Alonso Tours at La Paz’s Fiscal Pier at 9:30 a.m. and head into the bay to find whale sharks. Guides such as David, Gustavo, and Angel organize several water turns, explain local marine life, and keep the encounter respectful. Bring swimming ability, sun protection, and patience.

“Communication on meet up location and time was perfect, we met at 9:30 am and left by 9:50am. There were 3 great crew members who made us feel comfortable and safe in and out of the water. We were all able to take 3 turns swimming beside a Whale Shark which was enough. Over all great experience! Thanks to David and crew!”

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Full Day Gray Whale Watching Experience - What Two Hours With the Whales Can Be Like
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Full Day Gray Whale Watching Experience

7.Full Day Gray Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $191

Travel from La Paz to Puerto Chale for about two hours of gray whale watching by panga, with chances to see dolphins and birds. Guides such as Pamela, Maria, Shiro, Susana, and Diana have led departures, followed by a local lunch and return transport.

“Great tour, great time. We saw lots of whales and were close to a few of them. Pamela was a great guide, was helpful when my wife became sick and we had to cancel, rescheduling us on a new discounted tour. We would have hated to miss this experience. We had a nice lunch as well. Many thanks.”

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Whale sharks and sea lions snorkeling plus Balandra beach lunch - Sea lions, fish, and a second water stop
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Whale sharks and sea lions snorkeling plus Balandra beach lunch

8.Whale sharks and sea lions snorkeling plus Balandra beach lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $250

Meet MeXplore at Marina de La Paz at 9 a.m. for a six-hour English tour with a maximum of nine people. Snorkel with whale sharks, visit sea lions, stop at Balandra Beach, and enjoy ceviche, burritos, fruit, and drinks. Guides such as Karla, Chrissy, Fabian, and Archie lead the trip.

“Our guides were able to find the whale sharks quite quickly and gave great instructions on how to swim with them. It was exhilarating! The sea lion colony was teaming with coral and fish. Lunch at the beach was wonderful and the scenery was amazing. Highly recommend going with Mexplore!!”

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Whale Shark Swimming Adventure: Small Group with Marine Biologist - The boat ride and briefing in the protected area
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Whale Shark Swimming Adventure: Small Group with Marine Biologist

9.Whale Shark Swimming Adventure: Small Group with Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 50 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $208

Meet Eco Migrations at 11:00 am in central La Paz, gear up, and ride by boat to the protected whale shark area. Marine biologists such as Erin, Tomas, and JJ explain the animals and guide short swims alongside them. The outing lasts about four hours and returns to the shop.

“There are many options to swim with whale sharks in La Paz, but I feel that these guys were the safest, most professional group! They put us right in with the whale sharks and kept looking for a cooperative whale shark that we could swim with for 15-20 minutes. Not all whale sharks will stay around and let you swim with them. These guys were knowledgeable and respectful to us and the wildlife! We will book with them again next time!”

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Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La Paz - Meeting at the Fiscal Dock in central La Paz
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Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La Paz

10.Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $131

Meet at La Paz’s Fiscal Dock for a roughly three-hour whale shark outing near El Mogote. You’ll search for sharks, then snorkel in shallow water in groups of five, with a maximum of eight people aboard. Timing depends on the park’s daily boat slots.

“The tour operators were extremely communicative and professional. The guide and captain worked together to accommodate the small group with varied swimming abilities. Their passion for conservation shown through the entire experience. Highly recommend this tour operator out of the myriad of available options.”

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Gray Whale Watching Tour with Marine Biologist and Small Group - Three hours with gray whales
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Gray Whale Watching Tour with Marine Biologist and Small Group

11.Gray Whale Watching Tour with Marine Biologist and Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $376

From La Paz, drive to Puerto Chale for a three-hour gray whale watch limited to six people. Marine biologist Valentina explains whale behavior and conservation, while Captain Mike handles the boat. Fresh seafood lunch, drinks, snacks, and transport are included.

“It is a lengthy drive to get there but it is definitely worth it. FYI bring your passport with as we were stopped at a checkpoint and passports were requested. One of the travelers did not have one, luckily they were allowed to pass but they may not be as forgiving next time. We seen a great number of whales during the trip. We were very fortunate to have a few people on the boat actually touch a whale. I would think that anyone that goes should get to view them within 20-30’ at some point. At one point we could see over 15 whales in the surrounding area in…”

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Experiences with whale sharks in La Paz - Equipment, guides, and what you need to bring
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Experiences with whale sharks in La Paz

12.Experiences with whale sharks in La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 36 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

Meet Salty Life in Baja at Marina de La Paz for about three hours on the water. Certified bilingual guides, expert captains, snorkeling gear, drinks, and snacks are included as you search for and swim near whale sharks. The group is limited to 16 people.

“It was amazing to see the whale sharks. Our guide was very knowledgeable and everything was well organized with wetsuits, and masks, and snorkel and fins supplied. We were lucky that there were several whale sharks to see. It was an amazing experience. Our kids aged 11 and 12 both really enjoyed it.”

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Gray Whales Watching in Magdalena Bay - A Mexican breakfast breaks up the drive
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Gray Whales Watching in Magdalena Bay

13.Gray Whales Watching in Magdalena Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 8 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $232

Leave La Paz at 7:30 a.m. with marine biologist guide Hamza for a full day at Magdalena Bay. After breakfast and a two-hour drive, board a comfortable panga with a local captain to watch gray whales, mothers, and calves. Round-trip transport, snacks, water, and fees are included.

“If I could give this trip more than 5 stars, I would. It’s obvious that Hamza, our tour guide, put in a lot of effort to make this a personalized experience. Captain & Hamza were both very respectful & safe around the gray whales. They provided transportation from La Paz to Magdalena Bay. We stopped for a very authentic breakfast on the way to the boat. We then spent hours with playful gray whales. Afterwards, we stopped for lunch at the Captains house, which was truly special. This was so much more than your average excursion. Can’t recommend enough.”

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Gray Whale Watching Expedition at Magdalena Bay - Searching Bahía Magdalena and Almejas
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Gray Whale Watching Expedition at Magdalena Bay

14.Gray Whale Watching Expedition at Magdalena Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $179

You’ll leave Puerto Chale at 9:00 a.m. in a panga carrying no more than six people, then search Bahía Magdalena and Almejas for gray whales. Guide Juan Carlos provides clear explanations, while captains choose the best area based on conditions. Dolphins and seabirds may appear too.

“Great trip. Bring jacket to stay warm on boat ride out to area. Juan Carlos was very informative. Go enjoy”

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Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling Picnic at Espiritu Santo Island - Sea Lions at La Lobera
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Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling Picnic at Espiritu Santo Island

15.Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling Picnic at Espiritu Santo Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $298

Spend about nine hours on a private boat from La Paz, snorkeling with whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz and sea lions near La Lobera. Guides such as Diana, Chrissy, and Julio add marine-life insight, while lunch, drinks, gear, and GoPro documentation are included.

“Julio, the boat captain, was knowledgeable and patient as he got us in and out of the specific sites and Diana was an amazing guide and interpreter. She clearly has a deep affection for sea lions and was able to describe the joy of life as well as the challenges that sea lions face mostly due to the bad behaviour of humans. It was more challenging to swim with the whale sharks, but again, Diana was patient in helping us fully enjoy the experience. I would totally take this tour again with Julio and Diana!”

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