How Much Is a Whale Shark Tour in La Paz?
La Paz whale shark tour prices for 2026-27: about $110 to $176 from the marina, $259 from Cabo. What each price includes and the fees paid in cash.
From the La Paz marinas, a whale shark swim costs about $110 to $176 a person; from Los Cabos, with the transfer and lunch, about $259 (Viator, checked October 2026). The difference inside La Paz is mostly group size, the guide, and whether the fees are in the price.
The price ladder
| Tour | Price | Time | What the price covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrider, budget panga | From $110 | 2 h 30 min | Gear, water, snacks, insurance. Dock fee and conservation fee extra, in cash |
| Malecón swim, max 8 | From $125.86 | 3 hours | Gear, water and all fees |
| Baja Wild Adventures, with a biologist | From $156.64 | 3 h 30 min | Wetsuit, gear, snacks and soft drinks |
| MeXplore, max 9 | From $175.88 | 3 hours | Marine biologist, federal permit and donation, wetsuit, GoPro photos |
| Tuna Tuna Tours, max 10 | From $175.88 | 3 hours | Marine biologist, wetsuit, photos and video, bracelet and all fees |
| Whale sharks, sea lions, Balandra | From $230.84 | 6 hours | Whale sharks, sea lions, lunch at Balandra, drinks and all fees |
| From Los Cabos, Cabo Adventures | From $259 | 10 hours | Hotel pickup, wetsuit, gear, drinks and lunch at a seafood restaurant on the malecón |
Prices from the Viator listings (checked October 2026). Several La Paz operators price in pesos, so the dollar figure moves with the exchange rate; treat it as the shape of the market, not a quote.
What the extra money buys
A smaller boat. The rules cap each group in the water at five swimmers with one guide, so the number of people on the boat decides how many turns there are. Most La Paz boats carry 8 to 12 guests; the difference is in who leads the swim and what is included.
A marine biologist. MeXplore and Tuna Tuna Tours put a marine biologist on every boat. On the water that means a guide who explains what you are seeing, from feeding behavior to why the sharks gather here.
The fees, already paid. The cheapest swim leaves the dock fee and the conservation fee to be paid in cash on the day. The mid-priced tours include the federal permit, the conservation donation or the protected-area bracelet in the price, so the number on the booking is the number you pay, apart from tips.
Photos. Tuna Tuna Tours and MeXplore include underwater photos or GoPro video, which you would otherwise need your own camera for.
Check dates for the small-group swim
Pick by budget
Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz
Two and a half hours in a panga from Marina Asipona. Bring cash for the dock and conservation fees; for swimmers aged 8 and up.
See the budget swim →Small-Group Whale Shark Snorkeling with a Marine Biologist
At most 9 guests, a marine biologist, permit, donation, wetsuit and GoPro photos, all for one price.
Check dates →La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos
The transfer is most of the price: pickup at your hotel, two hours each way, lunch included. Children from $219.
See the day from Cabo →Prices, ratings and review counts from the Viator listings (checked October 2026).
Costs that are not in any price
- Tips for the crew and guide are extra on almost every tour.
- Getting to the marina. La Paz tours meet at the marina or the Muelle Fiscal; hotel pickup is not included, so budget a taxi if you are staying out of town.
- Sunscreen. Only biodegradable sunscreen is allowed in the water. Buy it before you go.
- A towel and a warm layer. Most tours do not supply towels.
If you are deciding between a day from Cabo and a night in La Paz, the Cabo guide does the sums, including the hotel.
Can't Make These Dates?
Browse More Available Options
Find a tour that fits your schedule. Dates and cancellation terms are on each listing.
The Mid-Price Swim, Everything Included
MeXplore's small-group swim from Marina de La Paz: at most 9 guests, a marine biologist, the federal permit and conservation donation, a 3 mm wetsuit and GoPro photos. About three hours.
Check dates on Viator