The official whale shark season in the Sea of Cortez opened 1 October, and operators in La Paz are preparing to launch tours once they confirm a stable aggregation of at least seven individuals - a threshold that is usually met by the second or third week of October.
What the Season Looks Like
Whale sharks gather annually in the warm, nutrient-rich waters around El Bajo Espiritu Santo and the channel south of Isla Partida. The animals typically range from 5 to 10 metres in length and are present in greatest numbers between January and February, though October through December offers less competition for spots and calmer seas.
All interactions are swim-only under Mexican federal regulations: no scuba equipment, no touching the animals, no flash photography. Group sizes are capped at ten swimmers per shark, and guides are required to accompany each group in the water.
How Tours Work
Most full-day tours depart the La Paz marina between 07:00 and 08:00 and include a stop at Los Islotes sea lion colony before returning in early afternoon. Prices for the 2026–27 season are running at 1,500–1,800 MXN per person (roughly $75–90 USD at current exchange rates), not including mask and snorkel rental. Fins are usually provided.
Because operators need three consecutive days of confirmed sightings before advertising departures, booking much more than a week in advance is rarely possible early in the season. If you need certainty, plan for November onwards.
Getting to La Paz
La Paz has its own domestic airport with connections to Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana. Driving from the US–Mexico border via the Transpeninsular Highway takes 20–24 hours. Ferries also run between Mazatlán and La Paz for travellers combining Baja with the mainland.
For tours across the wider region, our La Paz tours guide covers city and sea excursions from the capital. Travellers planning the full Baja circuit can find blue whale and grey whale options in our Baja whale watching guide. For seasonal planning across Mexico, see our best time to visit Mexico page.