Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling in La Paz
La Paz is the Baja Sur state-capital; a large fishing town on the Sea of Cortez that has a reputation for being home to a huge variety of incredible aquatic life. And it doesn’t get much more impressive than the largest fish in the ocean: The whale shark.
But why stop there? Why not snorkel-swim with playful sea lions on the same day? And if you’re a fan of tropical fish you will enjoy the reef life at rocky volcanic reefs that frame the colony. In between the 2 activities, you will have a boat picnic lunch surrounded by beautiful scenery.
We visit either the smaller San Rafaelito Sea Lion Colony tour or the larger Los Islotes Sea Lion Colony. The location depends on site availabilty, as dictated by CONANP authority, and the surface conditions affecting comfort levels.
Nov 2026 – March 2027 – Please call / message us on (WhatsApp) +526241609925 OR on the button below OR email info@caboprivateguide.com . Turn allocations are last minute, port clousres for weather are frequent. It is advised to contact us before booking.
** please note the whale shark turns are confirmed up to a day before at 3pm. We may have to leave town as early as 4.30am.
Tour details Price & booking
Tour Outlines
Optimize your day with 2 amazing wildlife encounters in one
What's included
- Transportation + Tourist Licensed Driver
- Official Whale Shark Guide
- Snorkeling Equipment
- Boat Snacks and Ceviche/Vegan Ceviche lunch
- 26ft - 28ft Boat with ladder
- CPG Day Manager for 5 person + groups
Schedule
Leave Los Cabos 6 AM (Sometimes it's recommended to leave 5.30am in high seasons)
Arrive La Paz 8 AM check in
1 - 1.5 hours to the sea lions. 45 minute sea lion swim. 1 - 1.5 hour voyage to the WS area (+ 30 min lunch break). 2 hours in the whale shark area - 30 mins - 1 hour returning.
*times will vary depending on wind
Return to the sea front approximately 3pm
Return to Los Cabos 6pm.
Departure
From Cabo San Lucas. Pick ups beyond The Cape can be organised for an extra cost.
Duration
12 hour
Price & Booking
Whale Shark and Sea Lion snorkel combo
Cash discount availableTo see the prices in your local currency, click the "Book Now" button
Shared Transport | Shared Boat
$ 5,900 MX
pp
Minimum 4 people
Inclusions: Hotel pick-up Cabo Centro | day guide | Shared boat tour | whale shark swim | sea lion swim | equipment | breakfast take out, cookies, water, boat picnic.
Private Car | Shared Boat
$ 10,700 MX
Whole Tour
Shared Boat
1 Person $10,700 MXN | 2 People $15,000 MXN | 3 People $19, 700 MXN
Private Car + Shared boat in La Paz Only.
Inclusions: Private Car & English Speaking Driver| Shared boat tour | whale shark swim | sea lion swim | equipment | breakfast take out, cookies, water, boat picnic.
5% discounts available on balance Payment. Contact us to leave a deposit
Secure online payment powered by wetravel.com
Hotel pick ups :
Hotel pick ups include all hotels in the Cabo San Lucas area up to The Cape, all Hotels on the Pacific side and Todos Santos.
If you are coming from the Corridor or San Jose del Cabo please meet at the tour center by 6am or we can pick you up for an extra cost. Please check that cost with the dive center
Included Lunch :
If you have allergies we can request an alternative – just let us know!
La Paz Snorkeling : Swim with Whale Sharks
Although this is the largest shark that exists in the ocean (hence the name ‘whale shark’!) It is a slow and docile, plankton-eating animal and is in absolutely no way dangerous to humans to snorkel with them. In fact, the reverse is true. A whale shark has very few natural predators and humans are considered to be the main reason they have declined in numbers. Over-fishing and boating injuries account for their decline in recent years.
These sharks do not hunt large prey as many of their sharky cousins do. They eat tiny animals through the filter-feeding technique – another reason for its likeness to a whale.
When your guide introduces you to these breath-taking fish in La Paz we limit Snorkelers to 5 per whale shark. Only 14 boats are permitted in the designated shark area to reduce human impact and maintain this very unique experience.
Check also our other activities in La paz to mix diving and whale Shark tours.
Swimming with sea lions colony of La Paz, Mexico
You can find California sea lions all around Baja California Sur. One of the biggest colonies exists in La Paz on Espiritu Santo Island. Near to the whale shark area there is another large colony at San Rafaelito which provides the perfect opportunity to snorkeling with a second animal species in one tour – enjoy interactions with both animals!
The whale shark is majestic and impressive but sea lions are fast, fun and incredibly agile. They are so enjoyable to snorkel with! The younger pups will come and have a nibble on your fin; their power and grace underwater will surprise you!
They have been likened to dogs by many in regards to their loveable and extroverted behaviour. They will always to pose for a photo!
Price & booking