Whale Sharks Swimming Season Officially Begins In This Gorgeous City Near Los Cabos

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If you are in Cabo right now, you need to clear your schedule for a day trip.

Our team in La Paz just confirmed the news we’ve been waiting for: The 2025-2026 Whale Shark season is officially open.

For those of us who live and breathe Baja, this is a huge deal. Last year was tough—the season had some hiccups due to weird water temperatures and a lack of plankton (shark food), which forced early closures.

But the bay is waking up again, and the “gentle giants” are back.

If you have never done this, it is hands down the best wildlife experience in Baja California Sur. Here is the deal on what is happening right now in La Paz.

The Situation on the Ground

According to the latest reports from the docks in La Paz, the sharks have returned to the bay, specifically around the El Mogote sandspit.

Right now, authorities have counted between 30 and 40 whale sharks in the swimming zone. While that might sound like a small number compared to peak years, it is more than enough for a guaranteed encounter.

These things are massive—often the size of a school bus—so spotting 40 of them in a concentrated area is plenty.

Strict Rules = Better Experience

We always tell our readers: don’t expect a “Wild West” free-for-all. La Paz takes conservation seriously, and that is a good thing.

The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) is running a tight ship this year.

• The Cap: Only 56 boats are allowed in the area per day.
• The Shifts: These boats are split into four shifts to keep the crowds down.
• The Wait: Because of these limits, demand is already spiking. There are waiting lists, so book the experience quickly if you are interested.

Our Advice: Do not just drive up to La Paz hoping to hop on a boat. You will likely get turned away. You need to book with a certified operator in advance.

Why La Paz?

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, and it is about a 2-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas.

I love Cabo, but La Paz has a completely different vibe. It’s quieter, more authentic, and the water in the bay is calm and flat.

The whale sharks love it here because the nutrient-rich water gets trapped in the bay, creating a buffet of plankton.

The swimming zone is super close to the city—usually just 3 to 5 kilometers off the coast. You aren’t on a boat for hours getting seasick; you are in the water within 15 to 20 minutes of leaving the dock.

The Cost Breakdown

You can spend a little or a lot on this, depending on if you want a private driver or are willing to drive yourself.

Generally, prices range from $100 to over $200 per person.

• Lower End ($100-$130): Basic boat ticket if you drive yourself to the La Paz dock, like this tour.
• Higher End ($200+): Full-service tour with round-trip transport from your Cabo hotel and breakfast or lunch included, like this tour.

The average “sweet spot” for a solid experience is usually around $150. We built the calculators below so you can see if it is worth spending a night or two in La Paz for your group.

How To Do It

If you are coming from Cabo, you have two options. Most people drive up and back in one day, but honestly? That’s the amateur move.

Option 1: The Day Trip (Can Be Exhausting) You can book a tour from Cabo that handles the transport. It’s a long day—usually 10 to 12 hours door-to-door—but it gets the job done.

Option 2: The “Pro Move” (Stay in La Paz) Skip the 4-hour round-trip drive and stay the night. La Paz has leveled up its hotel game significantly in the last few years.

• For Luxury: Check out Puerta Cortés. It’s a massive resort complex with a marina, golf course, and the Hotel Indigo. You are literally minutes from the boats.
• For Vibe: If you want something cooler, stay at the Baja Club Hotel on the Malecon. It’s a restored colonial mansion turned into a chic Design Hotel.

Staying overnight means you can take the early morning boat shift (the water is glass at 8 AM) before the day-trippers from Cabo even arrive.

Enjoy With Respect

These animals are harmless filter feeders. It’s not scary; it’s peaceful. Floating next to a 30-foot spotted shark while it casually cruises through the water is a core memory you won’t forget.

The season runs through April, but with the strict daily boat limits, dates fill up fast. If you are here this winter, get this on your itinerary immediately.