Is Swimming with Whale Sharks Safe?
Whale sharks eat plankton and are not dangerous to swimmers. What the real risks are in La Paz, who should not swim, how cold the water is, and the age limits.
Yes. Whale sharks are filter feeders that eat plankton and small fish, and they are not a danger to people. The juveniles in the Bay of La Paz feed slowly near the surface, and swimmers keep at least 2 meters from the head and 3 meters from the tail. The real risks of the day are the sea itself: chop, cold, seasickness and the occasional jellyfish.
What the sharks do
A whale shark is the largest fish in the sea, but it feeds by filtering water through its gills. In La Paz the sharks are juveniles, mostly males under 8 meters long, feeding on the plankton off the El Mogote sandbar. They do not bite, and they pay little attention to snorkelers beyond turning away if crowded. The main physical risk is the tail: a big sweep of it can knock a swimmer, which is why the rules keep you 3 meters from it.
The real risks
- Cold. The water in the bay is about 20 °C (68 °F) in February. A 3 mm wetsuit is included on most tours, but the ride back in the wind is the cold part; bring a warm layer.
- Chop and wind. Some days the water is choppy, and on days of strong wind the bay closes to all boats. A choppy ride out is uncomfortable, not dangerous, but it is the day to take seasickness tablets.
- Jellyfish. Small jellyfish are sometimes in the water. A full wetsuit or a rash guard helps.
- Sun. You spend three hours on an open boat. Only biodegradable sunscreen is allowed in the water, so use a hat and a long-sleeved top on board.
Who should not swim
Most tours do not take pregnant travelers, or travelers with heart, neck, back or breathing problems. Several set a minimum age of 8: Cabo Adventures’ day from Los Cabos and Sunrider’s budget swim both do, and Cabo Adventures has a weight limit of 120 kg (265 lb).
You do not need to be a strong swimmer, but you do need to be comfortable in deep, open water with a mask and snorkel. The wetsuit makes you float, and life vests are available, but you will kick to keep alongside a moving shark. If that sounds hard, ask the guide to put you in the last group in the water, when you have seen how it works.
Check dates for a small-group swim
Children
Children of 8 and up can usually swim if they are confident in the sea. On the boat they will see the sharks either way: juveniles feed near the surface and are often visible from the panga. Child prices are listed on some tours, such as $219 on the day from Cabo.
A first-swim checklist
- Book a small group, so there is room for a slow first turn.
- Pick a tour that includes a wetsuit, and bring a towel and a sweatshirt.
- Take seasickness tablets before you board if you need them.
- Use biodegradable sunscreen, or none, and a rash guard.
- Listen to the briefing: the guide decides when each group gets in.
Small-Group Whale Shark Snorkeling with a Marine Biologist
At most 9 guests, a marine biologist in the water, wetsuit and traveler's insurance included.
Check dates →Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La Paz
At most 8 guests from the malecón, fees and gear included, about three hours.
See the swim →Prices, ratings and review counts from the Viator listings (checked October 2026). Treat them as the shape of the market, not a quote.
The rules guide lists exactly what is and is not allowed in the water.
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Find a tour that fits your schedule. Dates and cancellation terms are on each listing.
A Small Boat for a First Swim
MeXplore's three-hour swim from Marina de La Paz: at most 9 guests, a marine biologist in the water, a 3 mm wetsuit, traveler's insurance and GoPro photos.
Check dates on Viator