Baja Whale Shark
All-Inclusive Tour Details

The Whale Shark and Sea Lion encounter includes ground transportation from the Cabo area to the La Paz whale shark location, and back. There is a discount for driving on your own. On board our private sailing catamaran, or our 96-foot cruising yacht, you will enjoy a light breakfast of fruit, yogurt, and pastries as we begin the whale shark cruise. A chef-prepared lunch is also included, along with an open bar. After the captain’s orientation, your hostess and snorkel leader, usually a marine biologist, will share valuable information on the Sea of Cortez and pertinent details pertaining to whale shark snorkeling and a visit to the sea lion colony.

Which activity we do first is a function of the reservation entry time to the whale shark feeding zone. Federal regulators control access to the whale shark area. Only licensed providers with a current permit and whale shark flag, are allowed entry, and then only with explicit permission. Baja Charters has the appropriate licenses, permits, and whale shark flag. We submit entry reservation requests prior to guest pickups.

The whale shark experience is a very special one. When cleared by regulators into the whale shark zone, guests cross-board into one our companion snorkel boats. This allows guests to get up close and personal with these large and magnificent creatures. Boarding ladders allow access to and from the water. Your licensed, certified whale shark guide will enter the water first to assist guests as needed. Guests wishing to swim or snorkel alongside a whale shark will be encouraged to do so, but it is not required. Only five guests are permitted in the water with a licensed guide and a single whale shark, at any one time. When reboarding the sailing catamaran, freshwater showers are available, as are fresh laundered towels, shampoo, soaps, etc.

Once everyone has had their own personal experience with a whale shark, a delicious lunch of several prepared dishes will be served. Also included throughout the day are snacks, chips, salsas, guacamole, soft drinks, beer, bottled water, ice, and an OPEN BAR. Fruits and vegetables are purchased fresh each day, as are chicken and beef. An onboard chef will prepare various dishes along with multiple side dishes. Provisions are made for those with allergies, and for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free needs, provided we are advised at least 24 hours in advance.

Snorkel gear, flotation vests, snorkel-dive boats, beach towels, layout mattresses, cushions, and pillows, are all included. It is not legal to use our kayaks, paddle boards, or scuba equipment in the whale shark area. Weather permitting, the sails will be raised for a dramatic return cruise to the resort at Marina Palmira where guests will board our private ground transportation for their return trip to Cabo. On the return drive, there is a brief bathroom stop at the mythological Hotel California, made famous by the Eagles popular song of the same name, after which you will be returned to your pick-up location.

The Season

The season for whale sharks in La Paz normally runs from October through April. Baja Charters has successfully operated the premier whale shark tour for ten years with a perfect track record of locating them, subject to weather closures and governmental regulations. It is important to note that we are operating in the open sea and subject to shifting rules by governmental agencies. Once approved into the whale shark swimming area, it takes from fifteen minutes to an hour, and sometimes longer, to find these wonderful creatures.

Pick-up Locations

We are generally able to provide pick-ups from most locations around Cabo San Lucas, the Corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, and on the way to La Paz through Pescadero and Todos Santos.

There is a ground transportation surcharge for pickups in Los Barriles, La Ribera and La Ventana for groups of less than five persons.

Discount Available

Returning guests receive a 10% discount. If you prefer to drive directly to our sailing catamaran, there is plenty of safe parking in Marina Palmira. Click on: Contact Us. Scroll to: Yacht Location.There is a $30 discount per guest, that drives on their own. If you are calling or emailing, be sure to tell us if you are a returning guest.

Travel Times

The normal time to drive from the greater Cabo area to La Paz is about two hours, including a stop on the way over in Pescadero for coffee, restroom break, etc. After your Whale Shark encounter, on the return trip from La Paz, we stop at the Hotel California (of the Eagles Mythology), for restroom access, drinks, and brief shopping.

Departure Times

Pick-up time is approximately 6:00 AM. You will receive an email the day prior to your departure, to confirm a more precise pick-up time for the next day. The whale shark feeding zone has been taken over by CONANP, Mexico’s National Park System. Changes in guest pick-up times, and dock departure times, are subject to change based on directives from CONANP.

Ground Transportation

Typically, guests are picked up directly from the lobby entrance of their hotel or resort, but not always. Depending on a number of factors, guests may be requested to meet ground transport in a central location.

Pricing

INCLUDES:
5 Hour tour on large and spacious sailing catamaran, Ground Transportation, Captain, Chef, Certified Guide, Chef prepared meals, Typically, a marine biologist as hostess, Snorkel gear in various sizes, Sodas and Beer, Unlimited Open Bar, Bottled Water, Beach towels, Bracelets for natural protected parks, Reef-friendly sunscreen

$375

Adult

All Inclusive
per person
plus tax

Book Now Booking and Terms

$275

Child Under 12