Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter - Premium Service | 3 hours

307 Reviews | La Paz
From $213.00 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 6 travelers in total.
Adult (5-90) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 6
2
Non Refundable All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Please select a travel date and travelers to show booking options.

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: German, English, French, Spanish
  • Biodegradable Sunscreen SPF 50
  • Soda/Pop
  • We are sorry, we don't use single use plastics in our tours, we have old school glasses and purified water in a container, like our grandparents used!
  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • Fruit, cookies and chips
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Transport from hotel
  • Towel
  • Tips

Overview

What makes us different from other operators? They put 10 to 15 guests for boat. We prefer maximum 6 guests for boat. Since all operators are allowed maximum 2 hours in the whale shark area this policy allows you maximum time in the water, better ratio guide / guests and a more personal experience. (note: exceptionally can be 7 guests on boat when one party has odd numbers) According to regulation other operators allow 5 swimmers and the guide at the same time in the water. If you have come with your partner we prefer you two swim alone with the whale shark, without sharing your first whale shark encounter with strangers. If you come with children or many members of your family you and your guide will decide the best way for you to enjoy, maybe small groups as starter and a final jump with all together. If you are elderly or poor swimmer, or just a bit shy the guide may jump with you alone to make sure you have the best experience possible.

Meeting points

Miguel L. de Legaspy SN-S THE DOCK CAFE, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico

Open in Google Maps

Our boats depart from MARINA LA PAZ, Topete 3040 (corner Legaspy). Is a small marina, our guides will be waiting for you near the main entrance. All tour operators meet there, near the boat ramp. If you arrive too early you can enjoy a coffee in Baja Beans or The Dock Cafe

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Get ready for an adventure! Your guide will lead you to the boat, where you’ll be fitted with premium snorkel gear—mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit—so you can dive in with style. Life vests are optional in the water (because you’re brave!) but required during the boat ride. Safety first! ️ As we cruise through the whale shark zone, our friendly captain will guide the way while your knowledgeable guide fills you in on fun facts about whale sharks and how to make the most of your experience—all while keeping the environment (and the sharks) happy. Plus, expect a few dad jokes along the way—our guides love to entertain! Time to jump in! Your guide will swim alongside you and capture the magic in photos and video, so no need to worry about missing a moment. Don’t worry, it’s all included! And because we’re all about exclusivity, we try to keep each jump private for just you and your group. If conditions and time allows, we expect every guest to jump 2 or 3 times and swim next to a whaleshark Whether you’re gliding along or just taking it easy, there’s plenty of fun to be had with these gentle giants—no matter your pace!

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants not allowed
  • Weight limit 260 lbs
  • Age restriction: minimum 5 years old, maximum 80 years old
  • Restricted guests with cardiac history

Non Refundable

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

5.0

307 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    304
  • 4 stars
    3
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 304 reviews with 5 stars

Best experience ever

Published on Dec, 2024

This was a great experience from the start. We did the early 7- am tour meeting up was easy, directions were spot on the tour comp company was on time , explained every detail. Restrooms are available and very clean. The captans name started with a” B” and out guide was “Angle” with an “ H” The boat right maybe 10 minutes and the crew spotted the first whale shark This company is straight up ethical and eco which made us feel good. So don’t plan on being able to touch the animal. But if you love nature like we do you won’t want to. It was sooo magical and surreal. We highly recommend this company over any other, lots of time in the water . The company also provides wetsuits so you are very comfortable in the water other companies do not offer this. We will definitely book with this company again.

Fantastic experience

Published on Dec, 2024

We are so glad a tour guide in Loreto, Mexico told us about VIP tours for our Whale Shark experience. We went out 3 different days with them. Two times for the 3 hour Whale Shark excursion and one time we did the Sea of Cortez. We had two different guides. All three trips were exceptional. The guides made sure we had a good view and swim with the WS. We were fortunate on 2 of the days we had a “slower” swimming WS. Each swim (typically 3 swims each trip) was different. The most important part of VIP tours is the small group size. It is worth the extra money for the experience and expertise.

Beautiful Whale Shark Experience

Published on Dec, 2024

This was the most unforgettable experience my husband and I have experienced. We were a little nervous but excited to swim with whale sharks, our tour guides name is Angel and our captains name is Fernando. They were both very friendly and knowledgeable on necessary procedures to swim with them safely. Angel spotted our first whale sharks very quickly, although it was cloudy in the morning. We jumped in and the cute whale sharks was right next to us (AMAZING)! We saw a total of three and swam next to 2 and Angel took pictures of us swimming next to them. This tour was perfect, since there weren’t too many of us on the boat we got to dive in a few times. Highly recommend booking with VIP Tours!!!

Good reason to visit La Paz in winter

Published on Dec, 2024

Excellent experience. Angel, our guide, and Fernando, our boat driver, were both dedicated to giving us a great experience. We were given long wetsuits for the December water. We felt very safe and it was great to see these huge fish up close. The whale sharks in the area are juveniles, so only about 20 feet compared with fully mature at 40 -60 feet. Angel took pictures during our tour which were available to us by Dropbox the same day at no extra charge. This is a unique experience and well worth the money and time! Highly recommend this.

Incredible experience with an ethical operator

Published on Dec, 2024

We had 5 people on our bought, clear safety instructions and our guide was brilliant. The trip was exactly as advertised in terms of the intimate moment with the whale sharks. It absolutely exceeded my expectations and I’d do it again! I should add that I felt nervous but the guide made me feel safe at all times.

Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Death Road Bolivia Biking Tour
125210P1
time

24 hours

time Free Cancellation
3,027
From
$125 /   Person
Death Road, Bolivia: Mountain Bike Tour ...
6521WMDR
time

13 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
803
From
$135 /   Person
The World's Most Dangerous Road - Barrac ...
52143P1
time

24 hours

time Free Cancellation
653
From
$90 /   Person
Full Day Guided Tour in Copacabana and I ...
166558P1
time

16 hours

time Free Cancellation
552
From
$49 /   Person
City Tour plus Cable Car La Paz
20316P3
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
509
From
$10 /   Person
Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced ...
48947P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
465
From
$152 /   Person
Death Road Biking Tour
186042P2
time

24 hours

time Free Cancellation
460
From
$78 /   Person
La Paz City Walking Tour Including Histo ...
6521P4
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
454
From
$5 /   Person
Small group Whale Shark snorkeling in La ...
203550P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
339
From
$152 /   Person
Private City tour, Cable Car and Moon Va ...
383977P1
time

4 hours to 5 hours

time Free Cancellation
272
From
$40 /   Person
Be a Local - La Paz Walking Tour
125210P3
time

2 hours to 3 hours

time Free Cancellation
271
From
$8 /   Person
La Paz Walking City tour plus Cable cars
20316P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
246
From
$10 /   Person
Recently Viewed
Customized Private Tour Jakarta With Lun ...
195545P44
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
3
From
$80 /   Person
Scooter rent
129274P2
time

24 hours

time Non Refundable
76
From
$10 /   Group
Twizel Stargazing Experience with a Guid ...
New On TravelOne
466651P6
time

1 hour 15 minutes

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$57 /   Person
Kruger National Park Full Day Tour Minim ...
184976P1
time

9 hours to 10 hours

time Free Cancellation
56
From
$78 /   Person
Riverside Experience Tour
71060P3
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
28
From
$45 /   Person
Zipline, Hangout and SkyWalk Adventure
New On TravelOne
73320P3
time

1 hour

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$36 /   Person
Private Ring of Kerry luxury tour with a ...
86470P2
time

7 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
74
From
$696 /   Group
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Plan your Next Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover

TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

Are you visiting Japan for the first time?

Travel Date

What is your general interest for this trip?

City Breakup


Travelers Details


Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Dining Preferences

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Transportation

What are your preferences for Arrival/Departure Airport Transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Guide Support

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Do you need dining recommendations/reservations support from the guide?

Flights Preferences

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Flyboarding Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Caving Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Sea Caving
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Heli-Hiking Helicopter Tours Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Go Kart Hummer Tours Motor Sports Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Fun & Games Scavenger Hunts Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Ferry Services Pack Animal Tours Water Equipment Rentals Water Parks Water Transfers
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Bike Rentals Bike Tours Cycling Cycling Classes E-Bike Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Self-guided Tours Walking Tours
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    Involves Animals Involves Poverty Stricken Communities National Parks Nature Parks
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Olive Oil Tasting Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Wine Making Workshops
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Breakfast Brunch Dinner Dinner and Show Tickets Lunch Restaurants
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings High Tea Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Attractions & Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Museums Planetariums
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Crime Tours Ghost Tours Underground Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Classic Car Tours Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Photography Tours Pottery Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Costume Dress Up Experiences Cultural Tours Culture Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Once in a Lifetime Experiences Private and Luxury Viator Exclusive Tours Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator VIP Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Photo Shoots Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Horseback Riding Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises Sailing
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Eco Tours Fishing Charters
    Hiking & Exploration
    Glacier Walks Hiking Tours National Parks Natural Attractions Nature Parks Nature Walks Outback Tours Parks
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Jet Ski Rentals Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Shark Diving Snorkeling Swim with Dolphins
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Aquariums Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Safaris Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins Whale Watching Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching Zoos & Wildlife Parks
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Carnival Christmas Festivals Halloween Mardi Gras Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Live Concerts Music Tours Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Winter Sports
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Spas Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Easter Lunar New Year Sufi Whirling Shows
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Cycling Cycling Classes Sports Lessons
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!