How to Swim with Whale Sharks in Cabo

Want to check off a bucket list experience during your trip to Cabo San Lucas? If so, be sure to book a whale shark snorkeling tour to swim with these gentle giants while visiting Los Cabos!

Whale sharks are slow-moving, filter-feeding fish found in tropical, warm waters worldwide, including Australia, the Maldives, the Philippines, and, of course, Baja California Sur. They are the largest fish in the world, which makes swimming with them a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an unforgettable adventure!

Keep reading to discover all you need to know about swimming with whale sharks in Los Cabos.

Where Can You Swim with Whale Sharks in Cabo San Lucas?

Though swimming with whale sharks is considered one of the best Cabo adventures, technically, whale sharks aren’t found in Cabo, but a two-hour drive north in La Paz. Whale sharks are attracted to the nutrient-rich waters of La Paz Bay to feed on plankton, making it one of the few places in the world where a whale shark sighting is pretty much guaranteed!

Several whale shark tours in La Paz have round-trip transportation from Cabo San Lucas. This makes it easy to enjoy this unique experience during a trip to Baja California Sur, even if you’ll be staying elsewhere, like in Todos Santos or a resort in Cabo San Lucas, like the Villa La Estancia Resort & Spa.

Is It Safe to Swim with Whale Sharks?

Despite their name and size, whale sharks are filter-feeding fish (not sharks) with small teeth, making them completely harmless to humans. They are also gentle and slow swimmers, earning them a reputation as the “gentle giants of the sea.”

When Is Whale Shark Season in Cabo San Lucas?

Whale shark season in Los Cabos and La Paz starts in October and ends in April, though you’ll have the highest likelihood of spotting whale sharks in the winter months (December, January, and February).

Whale sharks are most active in the morning, so for the best chance of spotting one of these gentle giants, choose a whale shark tour that departs early in the morning — some tours depart as early as 7 AM.

What Can You Expect on a Whale Shark Tour?

Most whale shark tours depart from the Cabo San Lucas Marina around 7 AM in an air-conditioned van and arrive at La Paz between 9 AM and 9:30 AM.

Once you arrive in La Paz, you’ll board a small boat with a captain who will navigate you into the whale shark observation zone. Then, you and the other tour participants can put on snorkel gear (usually fins, a mask, and a snorkel are provided by the tour company) to take turns swimming with the whale sharks for between 1–2 hours. Times are closely monitored to make sure you have a safe and ethical experience, and the number of boats allowed in the observation zone is also restricted and closely monitored. This is why whale shark tours in Cabo San Lucas can be expensive and book up quickly!

The boat ride generally lasts about two hours, followed by a two-hour drive back to Cabo San Lucas. From start to finish, this entire full-day experience lasts anywhere from 7 to 8 hours.

What Should You Bring on a Tour to Swim with Whale Sharks?

Most whale shark tours include snorkel gear and bottled water, and some also provide breakfast or lunch and wetsuits. However, here are some things you’ll need to pack on a tour to swim with whale sharks for a smooth and comfortable experience!

• Swimsuit & Towel — It might seem obvious, but remember to wear a swimsuit so you can swim with the whale sharks (and bring a towel so you can dry off after swimming, too!).
• Beach Coverup — Wear a light beach coverup or a change of clothes that is easy to pull on and off before and after swimming with the whale sharks.
• Sun Protection — Bring a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun on the boat and in the ocean during your whale shark tour.
• Camera — Swimming with whale sharks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so consider bringing an underwater camera (like a GoPro) to capture photos of these magnificent animals.
• Water Bottle — Though snacks and water bottles are often provided on the boat, it’s always smart to bring your own water bottle to help you stay cool and hydrated.

Tips for Swimming with Whale Sharks in Cabo San Lucas

Here are a couple of tips to guarantee a successful experience swimming with whale sharks during a trip to Cabo San Lucas:

• Book with a Reputable Company — Always book with a top-rated company like Cabo Adventures or CaboTrek to swim with whale sharks. There are strict regulations on how many boats are allowed in the whale shark conservation area at one time, so choosing a company that prioritizes safe, ethical interactions with these creatures and follows the rules and entrance times assigned by the authorities is imperative for a smooth, successful experience.
• Respect the Whale Sharks — Whale sharks are an endangered species protected by the Mexican government. Remember that it is a privilege to swim with these incredible creatures and that you are entering their home… not the other way around. Never touch the whale sharks, keep a safe distance from them to minimize their stress levels, and always choose a tour operator that uses an eco-friendly boat and abides by local conservation rules and regulations.
• Bring Anti-Nausea Medication — Depending on the sea conditions on the day of your whale shark tour in La Paz, you may experience sea sickness due to being in a small boat on choppy waters. If you are prone to seasickness, consider bringing anti-nausea medication on board with you. Better safe than sorry, right?

Relax in Luxury in Cabo San Lucas with Cabo Rentals by Jane

If you’re planning a trip to Cabo to swim with whale sharks and are looking for somewhere to stay, look no further than our vacation rentals at the Villa La Estancia Resort with Cabo Rentals by Jane!

Our luxurious beachfront rentals, oceanfront villas, and spacious condos are located right on Medano Beach in the heart of Cabo San Lucas to guarantee an unforgettable vacation in Los Cabos. Contact us with questions — we look forward to hosting you!