Imagine swimming next to a massive creature the size of a school bus. That is what it is like swimming next to the gentle giant of the sea, a whale shark! These solitary creatures are HUGE! When swimming next to one, you realize how small you are in this world we live in. The ocean is full of amazing creatures with the whale sharks being one of them. If you are ever in Los Cabos, Mexico be sure to take a tour with Cabo Adventures. This company has a variety of tours you can choose from. We took Cabo Adventure’s Whale Shark Encounter Tour and it did not disappoint. If swimming with whale sharks is at the top of your bucket list, then be sure to travel to Mexico from September to April.
What is included:
- Snorkel equipment and life vest
- wetsuit (if needed)
- towels
- breakfast
- lunch
- juice and water
- bilingual guides
- transportation to and from Los Cabos to La Paz (~2 hours each way)
Restrictions:
- you must be 8 years old or older
- swimming is required – and let me tell ya, those whale sharks can swim fast! I definitely got a workout!
- a life vest is required when swimming with the whale sharks
- you are not allowed to participate if you are pregnant, have respiratory problems, limited mobility, or neck/back problems
- the tour can be cancelled due to poor weather conditions, your safety is important to them!
What to Bring:
- bathing suit
- extra clothes
- towel (if you want your own)
- sunglasses
- biodegradable sunscreen (they take this seriously and have their own eco-friendly sunscreen you can use!)
- camera/go pro (they do offer a photo package if you do not want to bring yours)
- money to buy souvenirs or photo packages
What to Expect:
Your day starts out early as you get picked up from your accommodation and head to Cabo Adventure’s main headquarters at the harbor in Cabo. You will check in and then you get on your tour bus! As you get on the bus, they hand you a light breakfast that you can eat while you head out on your scenic bus ride to La Paz. Be sure to use the bathroom before getting on the bus, they don’t typically stop until you arrive at La Paz! Once you arrive in La Paz, you put your sunscreen on, collect your snorkeling gear, and head to the harbor to the boat!
Once on the boat, your guide will explain how your day will go including facts about the whale sharks and safety instructions. To keep yourselves and the whales safe, only a certain number of boats are allowed in the “zone” at a time so you may pull off on to a sandy bank and wait your turn. To help pass the time you can look for seashells and other marine life along the shore.
Once your boat is in the zone, you then begin the search for the whale sharks! Be sure to get your gear on and be prepared because the second a shark is spotted your guide jumps in and you get to jump in right after!
I know some people are thinking, why would you swim with a shark?! Don’t worry, the whale sharks are harmless! Yes they have tons of teeth, BUT they are filter feeders. These creatures are peaceful and magnificent to swim next to with their huge mouths and beautiful spots. If you are lucky, you will get to watch one feed.
After your amazing encounter with the whale sharks you head back to land, change, and get ready for lunch! The lunch is delicious! You get several choices for what you want in your tacos and then they have a “taco bar” where you add all the toppings and sauces you can think of!
After a delicious lunch, you hop back on the bus and make your journey back to Cabo. I personally took a glorious nap after a long day in the water with the sharks!
I promise you won’t regret swimming with the whale sharks! It is a once in a lifetime experience. Plus, then you can go home and tell everyone you know that you swam with a shark!
