Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter

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

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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!

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
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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her

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.