Our pick · Shorter day
Experiences · Los Cabos · Day trip to La Paz
Swim with whale sharks a day trip from Los Cabos to La Paz.
From November to April, whale sharks feed in the Sea of Cortez off La Paz, Baja California Sur. A van takes you up from Los Cabos, about two hours each way, and you snorkel beside them with a guide.
8 – 10 hoursDuration
About 2 hoursEach way by van
Ages 8 +Strong swimmers
Nov – AprWhale shark season
Private & sharedTwo ways to go
The day
The largest fish in the sea, two hours up the coast.
Can you swim with whale sharks from Cabo San Lucas? Yes, as a day trip. A whale shark tour in La Paz, Baja California Sur, starts with a van ride of about two hours from Los Cabos; a local boat then takes you to where the whale sharks feed on plankton between November and April.
The swim is in a protected area with wild animals, so there may be a short wait before your group goes in, and the guides ask everyone to give the sharks space. It suits confident swimmers from age 8 who have snorkeled before, and the private boat makes it a shorter day for a villa group.
The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean, and it feeds on plankton and tiny organisms.
Choose your day
Two ways to swim with them.
A private boat and van for your group, or a shared day in a small group. Both are run by Cabo Adventures and booked through us.
Our pick · Shorter day
Shared · small group
Whale shark tour, small group
- Local boat out to the whale sharks
- Bilingual guides
- Snorkel gear and wetsuit
- A snack on the road and a Baja-style lunch at a local restaurant
Villa guests meet the van at the Cabo Adventures office in the Cabo San Lucas marina.
Our concierge confirms availability and books it for you.
The private boat takes up to 12, so most villa groups fit on one. For a larger group, our concierge asks Cabo Adventures about a second boat.
The film
A whale shark day in the Bay of La Paz
The run out of La Paz, the briefing on the boat and the swim alongside a whale shark. Filmed by Cabo Adventures, who run the day.
Film · Cabo Adventures
Private whale shark day
Eight hours, in order.
i.
Van from Los Cabos
About two hours each way
ii.
Briefing
The guides explain how to swim with the sharks
iii.
Swim alongside
Snorkel and wetsuit, at a respectful distance
iv.
Baja-style lunch
Then the drive back to Los Cabos
v.
Back in Los Cabos
About eight hours in all
The order of the day as the operator runs it; exact times are confirmed when you book.
The gallery
See it for yourself.
When to go
Through the year.
Jan
Season
Feb
Season
Mar
Season
Apr
Season
May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
Season
Dec
Season
Whale shark season, November to April
Good to know
Before you go.
Who can join
From age 8, with a 114 kg (250 lb) weight limit. Some snorkeling experience and fairly strong swimming are expected. Not suitable during pregnancy or with back, neck, mobility or breathing conditions.
In the water
Life jackets stay on throughout, under maritime rules, and wetsuits are provided.
Cameras
Only action cameras are allowed in the water. The guides take photos and videos you can buy at the end.
What to bring
Swimwear, a towel, non-slip shoes, a change of clothes, a light jacket and biodegradable sunscreen.
Our take
Founder, Villa Experience
“Go privately if you can: the boat takes up to 12, transport is included, and the day is about two hours shorter. It is a long day either way, so plan a quiet evening at the villa.”
Founder, Villa Experience
When you are back, a quiet supper at the villa by a private chef (at additional cost), arranged by our concierge.
Questions
Before you ask.
When is whale shark season?
From November to April, when whale sharks come into the Sea of Cortez off La Paz, Baja California Sur, to feed on plankton.
Can we swim with whale sharks from Cabo San Lucas, or only in La Paz?
The whale sharks are off La Paz, Baja California Sur, so the swim happens there. It is still a day trip from Los Cabos: the van does the drive both ways.
How far is La Paz from Cabo San Lucas?
From Los Cabos to La Paz is about two hours each way by van. The shared day takes about 10 hours, the private day about 8.
Is there a private boat option?
Yes. The private day has its own boat for up to 12, whale shark guides, breakfast and lunch, and a private van.
Do we need to be strong swimmers?
No expertise is needed, but Cabo Adventures asks for some snorkeling experience and fairly strong swimming. Wetsuits and life jackets are provided.
Can we touch the whale sharks?
No. Touching them can disturb their behavior and harm their protective skin layer, so the guides ask everyone to keep their distance.
Villa Experience Concierge
Let us arrange the day.
Tell us your dates and your group. We book the right option and the transfer, plan the rest of the day at the villa, and send you one confirmation.
Pairs well with
More for the same week.
Swim with whale sharksOperated by Cabo Adventures
Reserve
