General Whale Shark Questions

What is a whale shark?
A whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish in the ocean. Despite their name, they are not whales but gentle filter-feeding sharks.

Why are whale sharks called whale sharks if they are not whales?
They are called “whale” sharks because of their massive size (like a whale) but biologically they are sharks (fish, not mammals).

Are whale sharks dangerous to swim with in Cabo or La Paz?
No. Whale sharks are harmless filter feeders that eat plankton and small fish. Swimming with them is considered safe, provided you follow tour guidelines and don’t touch them.

Size

How big can whale sharks get near Cabo?
In Cabo waters, most whale sharks range from 15–25 feet (4–8 meters), though larger individuals can occasionally appear.

How big are whale sharks in La Paz?
La Paz is known for juvenile whale sharks, typically between 15–30 feet (5–9 meters). Some adults can reach over 30 feet.

Diet

What do whale sharks eat in Cabo waters?
They feed mostly on plankton, krill, and small schooling fish found in nutrient-rich waters.

What do whale sharks eat in La Paz waters?
Similar to Cabo—plankton and tiny fish, especially abundant in the bay’s shallow, protected waters.

Conservation

Are whale sharks endangered in Baja California Sur?
Yes. Whale sharks are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Strict regulations protect them in La Paz and other parts of Baja.

Seasonality

When is the best time to see whale sharks in Cabo?
They appear off Cabo San Lucas occasionally, usually in cooler months (December–April), but sightings are less reliable than in La Paz.

When is the best time to see whale sharks in La Paz?
La Paz is one of the best spots in the world. The prime season is October through April.

What months do whale sharks appear in Cabo?
Mostly winter to early spring—December through April.

What months do whale sharks appear in La Paz?
October through April, with peak encounters in November through March

Safety & Guidelines

Is swimming with whale sharks safe in Cabo?
Yes, but sightings are less predictable, so most organized tours are in La Paz.

Is swimming with whale sharks safe in La Paz?
Yes. Tours are regulated with strict rules: limited boats, time slots, and safe distances.

Can children swim with whale sharks in Cabo?
Yes, children can join, but usually there are age or swimming ability requirements set by tour operators.

Can children swim with whale sharks in La Paz?
Yes, children are allowed, often with a minimum age (commonly 7–10 years old) and must be accompanied by adults.

Are life jackets required on whale shark tours?
Yes. Life jackets or wetsuits are mandatory for safety.

Are life jackets required on La Paz whale shark tours?
Yes. Regulations require participants to a wetsuit or life jacket at all times in the water with a whale shark.

Migration & Behavior

How long do whale sharks stay in Cabo?
They pass through seasonally, usually only a few months at a time.

How long do whale sharks stay in La Paz?
They remain in the Bay of La Paz for several months—October to April. They are following plankton blooms.

Why do whale sharks migrate to Cabo?
They follow seasonal plankton blooms and cooler water currents. Cabo is more of a passing route than a long-term feeding ground.

Why do whale sharks migrate to La Paz?
La Paz Bay offers warm, shallow, nutrient-rich waters filled with plankton, making it an ideal feeding ground, especially for juveniles.

Cost

How much do Cabo whale shark tours cost?
Since Cabo sightings are rare, Baja Charters offers tours typically transport guests to La Paz. Prices range from $200 to $500 per person, depending on the platform. Yacht or small water taxi, chef, meals, open bar, or nothing. Ground transportation or not. Additional activities that are included.

Email

chartersbaja@gmail.com

Phones

(52) 624-128-5666 (Spanish, English, German)
(52) 612-152-9940 (English Only)

Location

The Baja Charters office is at our very own Captains Sunset Bar and Restaurant a part of the Marine Waterfront Hotel, located in Marina Palmira, directly on the water - Dock 5