Swim with Whale Sharks

Whale sharks – the largest fish in the ocean return every winter to the waters of the Bay of La Paz. Swimming with these gentle giants can be the perfect snorkeling trip or part of an island outing.

From early winter until late spring the whale sharks can be found feeding in the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez and in the Bay of La Paz in BCS. The gentle giants of the sea are the largest fish in the world and each season return to the waters close to the city of La Paz. Seeing these ocean behemoths in their natural environment or swimming close to these fish can be an exciting outing for young and old.

Whale sharks are the largest known species of fish, growing to 12.5 meters and can weigh as much as 79,000 pounds. The whale sharks here in La Paz are often 7-10 meters in length. The fish can live as much as 70 years. The species originated about 60 million years ago. Whale sharks have very large mouths, they feed mainly, though not exclusively, on plankton, microscopic plants and animals, and occasionally on small fish.

Once plentiful in the waters of the worlds oceans, the whale sharks are an endangered species and protected under international and Mexican law.

Sea Watch is a supporter of scientific (Dra. Deni Ramirez) work with the local whale sharks and a strong advocate for more protection of whale sharks. Our work with ROC a vigilance program we helped start and fund and Mexican television publicizing the plight of Whale Sharks damaged by boat propellers has resulted in a 40% reduction in permits and a regulation that keeps private boats away from the whale sharks.

We would like to help make your trip with the Whale Sharks enjoyable. We have asked Christine Tremblay a Sea Watch supporter who lives in La Paz to be the concierge for your trip. Please contact her via phone: +52-1-612-152-3435 or email: casavaquita@gmail.com. She will check your dates and suggest the best days for wind, water color and availability of the boat. She will confirm everything and send you a map of how to get to the Marina and meet you there to help you get on the boat. The marina is about one hour away from Cerritos. The Mexican panga usually goes out at around 10 am.

It is an open 24 foot boat with sun shade roof. Only small boats like this have permits to be near the Whale Sharks. With this boat we get there quickly, easily maneuver around the Whale Sharks and get in the water with them if you wish. It is about a 10 minutes ride from the dock. Super easy! The boat has snorkeling equipment, water, drinks and fruit and snacks. The trip is about 2 hours unless you are having so much fun and want to stay longer, it is very relaxed. We recommend you bring hat and sunscreen, towel and a light jacket in case it gets a little splashy on the ride out or back. For lunch, Christine will confirm that Sherry and I are in town. If we are we look forward to inviting you to lunch, either on our boat or at a nearby restaurant.

Mike McGettigan
Founder Sea Watch
March 22, 2016

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