What to bring on a boat tour in La Paz: the list our guides use
For a boat tour in La Paz bring a swimsuit, towel, sandals, a dry change of clothes, cap, sunglasses with a strap, biodegradable sunscreen and a dry bag or waterproof case for your phone. From December to April add a hoodie and windbreaker: the water is around 20–23 °C (69–74 °F) [2] and it's breezy on the boat. For whale shark swimming, sunscreen must be biodegradable [1].
After hundreds of trips, our guides know exactly what makes the difference between an amazing day and an uncomfortable one. This is the list we recommend.
The essentials
- Swimsuit (wear it from the hotel).
- Towel.
- Sandals or shoes that can get wet.
- Light, comfortable clothes.
- A dry change of clothes for the ride back.
Sun protection
- Biodegradable sunscreen. For whale shark swimming it's required by law: non-biodegradable sunscreens aren't allowed before entering the water [1]. Read why.
- Cap or hat.
- Sunglasses with a strap (the wind will take them).
- A light long-sleeve layer or rash guard.
If you're traveling in the cooler months
From December to April the water in the bay of La Paz averages between 20.5 and 23.4 °C (69–74 °F) [2]. It's not freezing, but getting out into the wind you'll feel it. Add:
- Hoodie.
- Windbreaker.
- Extra dry clothes.
For your stuff
- Waterproof phone case.
- Small dry bag.
- Underwater camera, if you have one (no flash with whale sharks [1]).
Highly recommended
- Eat a light breakfast.
- Arrive well hydrated.
- Motion sickness medication if you're prone to it (check beforehand what suits you).
- Tell us about allergies, diets or medical conditions.
- Plenty of adventurous spirit.
What you don't need to bring
Keabelmet tours already include snorkel gear (mask, snorkel and fins) and a wetsuit for the season. Full-day tours also include food or snacks and drinks. Check each expedition's details before you go.
Experience it with Keabelmet
Frequently asked questions
What clothes should I bring on a boat tour in La Paz?
Swimsuit, light clothes, cap, sunglasses with a strap and a long-sleeve layer. From December to April add a hoodie and windbreaker [2].
Can I use any sunscreen?
For whale shark swimming, no: the standard requires biodegradable sunscreen [1]. We recommend it on every trip.
Do I need my own snorkel gear?
No. Keabelmet tours include mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit for the season.
Scientific sources
The wildlife, season and geography facts in this article come from these publications. The [n] citations in the text link here.
- Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Semarnat) (2019). NOM-171-SEMARNAT-2018, observación y nado con Tiburón Ballena (Rhincodon typus). Diario Oficial de la Federación, 19 de noviembre de 2019. sidof.segob.gob.mx/notas/docFuente/5579132
- Huang, B., Liu, C., Banzon, V., Freeman, E., Graham, G., Hankins, B., Smith, T. & Zhang, H.-M. (2021). Improvements of the Daily Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (DOISST) Version 2.1. Journal of Climate 34(8): 2923–2939. Promedios mensuales 1991–2020 calculados por Keabelmet para la Bahía de La Paz con datos NOAA OISST v2.1. doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-20-0166.1
