Top 6 La Paz Whale Watching Tours

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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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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3.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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4.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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5.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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6.Gray Whale Watching Expedition at Magdalena Bay

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

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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