Complete Guide To Los Cabos Whale Shark Swimming In 2024 

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Last Updated 3 months ago

In recent years, Los Cabos has slowly grown a reputation for being one of the best Mexican destinations for animal spotting.

With thousands of baby turtles hatching on its beaches, grey whales swimming in its waters, and hundreds of bird species migrating to San José del Cabo Estuary every year, there is no better place for animal lovers. 

One of the most popular activities in the area is surely whale sharks swimming. But how much should you budget to try this unique experience? When is the best time to see these massive fish? And what are some things to consider when booking a tour? 

You’ll find all the answers in our complete guide to Los Cabos whale shark swimming in 2024. 

Best time to swim with whale sharks in Los Cabos

Whale sharks can technically be found in Baja California Sur all year long, however, the months going from October to April are considered whale-shark peak season.

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This means that right now is probably the best time to try this experience. Not by chance, recent estimates showed that in the first half of January 2024, roughly 45 to 65 species were found in the Los Cabos surroundings. 

Where to swim with whale sharks in Los Cabos

Unfortunately, whale sharks cannot be found in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabos. However, you can still swim with them during your Los Cabos stay if you’re willing to travel a bit. 

One of the best places to see these great animals is the Bahia de la Paz. This can be easily reached with a two-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas, meaning that you can easily leave in the morning and return back to your accommodation in the evening. 

But what should you expect on your tour?

All you need to know about whale sharks

Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the world, reaching a length of up to 20 meters and a weight of 20 tonnes. This is roughly equal to the size of a typical yellow school bus. 

They are incredibly docile animals and they mostly feed on plankton and small fish. This means that whale sharks have no interest in humans and won’t attack you. 

Known as the ‘gentle giants of the sea’, these majestic animals do not bite and instead suck their food with huge gulps. 

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Whale sharks are, unfortunately, an endangered species, and La Paz Bay is one of the few places in the world where they still gather in such huge numbers.

How much should you budget for a Los Cabos whale shark tour? 

There are plenty of whale shark tours available in Los Cabos. Prices vary a lot depending on what is included in your tour.

For instance, some operators include lunch and transportation, while others only charge you for your boat tour and swimming experience. 

On average, costs range from $125 for the most basic offer, up to 300$ or more per person. Which tour is ideal for you largely depends on your personal situation.

For instance, if you have a car you obviously won’t have to look for an operator offering you transportation to La Paz, while if you don’t have a car, we highly suggest you find an experience with this service included as using public transport in Los Cabos can be extremely time-consuming. 

A few things to consider before your Los Cabos whale shark tour

Alright, you’re now all set for your swimming adventure. However, there are still a few things you should consider before booking your tour. 

First and foremost, keep in mind that whale shark swimming experiences require a lot of swimming!

You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete, but if you don’t feel confident swimming for long periods of time, this may not be a good idea. 

Make sure to also book your tour in advance as this experience is extremely popular in Baja California Sur, meaning that last-minute bookings are not always possible. 

Unfortunately, you also have to consider that there is a slight possibility you won’t see these animals.

However, considering that you will be accompanied by an expert guide who has been doing this job for years, your chances are quite high.