Experience the Wonder of Whale Sharks Up Close
As big as a whale and officially the largest fish in the world, whale sharks are prevalent in Los Cabos through the winter months, peaking between October and April. Despite being the size of a school bus, white spotted whale sharks are some of the most gentle creatures in the sea and feed only on plankton and other tiny organisms. Whale sharks are filter feeders, meaning they gulp water through their large, wide mouths and expel it through their gills, keeping the food collected in this manner- an estimated fifty pounds of tiny organisms per day. Whale sharks have 3,000 teeth yet they’re not used for feeding. Being plankton eaters, whale sharks are attracted to the warm, nutrient rich waters of the Sea of Cortez, often living to more than a hundred years of age. Whale sharks move very slowly, averaging a swimming speed of 3 miles per hour and grow to thirty feet long, weighing up to 20,000 pounds. Despite their slow speeds, whale sharks migrate 8,000-12,000 miles.
While tours operate out of Los Cabos, they usually will involve a two hour road journey to La Paz, as roughly a hundred whale sharks are regularly observed in that area. This will be an early start in order to fit it all in- typically pickup is at 6am- and a light breakfast will be provided. You’ll spend roughly five hours on a spacious sailing catamaran, using smaller snorkel boats that allow closer access to the whale sharks. Guides throughout your day are trained marine biologists who can share valuable information about the many inhabitants of the Sea of Cortez. The catamaran will have everything you need for the day- snorkel gear, snorkel vests, wetsuits (recommended because winter waters are cooler), towels, and reef-friendly sunscreen. Bathrooms and freshwater showers are also available on the boat as are life vests.
Boat operators in Baja must follow restrictions that limit your time out on the water as well as how many people may be swimming at any time when a shark is present, as this area was declared an underwater national park in 2019. Five people may enter the water at once with a certified guide and every guest will have their own opportunity with the whale shark. Swimming and snorkeling alongside the sharks are encouraged (though not required) and guides can certainly capture your moment in a photo. Much of the time, a whale shark is quickly located and free time is possible onboard the catamaran to simply enjoy the day.
Your tour will come with a chef onboard who will prepare a full lunch; snacks and beverages are readily available as well throughout the day. As you return to Los Cabos, a brief stop is made at the colorful Hotel California in Todos Santos, inspired by the legendary Eagles song. When time permits, the tour can also include a visit to the sea lion colony located at San Rafaelito on La Paz Bay, affording another opportunity to swim and/or snorkel with friendly marine animals. Swimming with whale sharks and/or sea lions is an iconic Los Cabos experience and one that should be arranged well in advance to ensure your spot.
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