Seasonal· La Paz (city and bay)· Mexico
Whale Shark Season (Bahía de La Paz)
24° 12.9′ N · 110° 24.0′ W · approximate
Each winter dozens of juvenile whale sharks feed in the shallow southern Bay of La Paz, and a government-run season opens the refuge zone to licensed tour boats.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: a point in the bay north-west of El Mogote. 2025-26 season ran November 12, 2025 to April 30, 2026, with 56 individuals identified (94% male) and 45,350 visitors; February was the busiest month. The 2024-25 season ended early because of cold water and low food. Operators open at half capacity after six or more sharks are seen for three consecutive days and suspend if counts drop. Private boats may not enter the zone. Watch for sharks at the surface when transiting the outer bay and channel entrance.
Best for
Timing a whale shark swim
Season
Mid-Nov to Apr; peak Dec-Mar
Nearby
- La Paz Whale Shark Encounters (El Mogote)1.4 NM away
- Manglar Zacatecas Mangrove Paddle (Ensenada de La Paz)3 NM away
- Coromuel Wind4.4 NM away
- El Mogote Peninsula4.7 NM away
- El Mogote Anchorage (Inside the Mogote)4.9 NM away
- Isla Gaviota Wrecks5.2 NM away
- Marina CostaBaja5.2 NM away
- Playa El Tesoro5.2 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).