Gray whale
- Gray Whale · Puerto Chale · From the boat · January – March
Things to do in La Paz and La Ventana: which tour to choose for your month
Choosing well depends on three things: the month you're coming, how you want to experience the sea (from the boat, snorkeling or diving) and which animal you'd love to see. Here it all is, month by month, with real prices and no promises the sea can't keep.
Quick answer
- October – April: swim with whale sharks in La Paz, snorkeling, 2 to 3 h ($2,300 MXN).
- January – March: gray whale mothers and calves in Puerto Chale, all from the boat (Gray Whale · Puerto Chale, from $2,800 MXN).
- April – June: peak mobula ray season in La Ventana (Ocean Safari La Ventana, $3,000 MXN).
- November – December: the Sardine Run in Magdalena Bay, open-water snorkeling with marlin and sardines ($3,500 MXN).
- All year: Snorkel Tour Espiritu Santo Island, Ocean Safari La Ventana, Scuba Discovery from the Beach, Diving Espiritu Santo Island, Diving in Cabo Pulmo, PADI Open Water Certification.
Take the quiz (30 seconds)
With photos: your month, how you want to experience the sea, who's coming and which animal you'd love to see. We only show what you can really do on your dates.
Not sure what to pick?Find your expedition
In La Paz and not sure which tour to take?
Pick with photos: your month, how you want to experience the sea and which animal you'd love to see. We only show what you can really do on your dates.
Takes 30 seconds. Zero commitment.
Which month are you coming?
Each season brings different animals. Tap your month.
WinterWhales and whale sharks
SpringJumping mobulas and the last whales
SummerSperm whales, mobulas and sea lion pups
AutumnWhale sharks return and the Sardine Run arrives
What to see in La Paz month by month
Only what changes with the season. Year-round options are in the last row.
| Month | What you can see | Seasonal tours |
|---|---|---|
| January | Whale shark (peak season), Humpback and blue whales (peak season), Gray whale, Mobula rays | Whale Shark, Gray Whale · Puerto Chale |
| February | Whale shark (peak season), Humpback and blue whales (peak season), Gray whale | Whale Shark, Gray Whale · Puerto Chale |
| March | Whale shark (peak season), Humpback and blue whales (peak season), Gray whale, Mobula rays | Whale Shark, Gray Whale · Puerto Chale |
| April | Humpback and blue whales (peak season), Mobula rays (peak season), Whale shark | Whale Shark |
| May | Mobula rays (peak season), Sperm whales (occasional) | |
| June | Mobula rays (peak season), Sperm whales (occasional) Sea lions from the boat only (breeding season). | |
| July | Mobula rays, Sperm whales (occasional) Sea lions from the boat only (breeding season). | |
| August | Mobula rays, Sperm whales (occasional), Giant mantas (occasional) Sea lions from the boat only (breeding season). | |
| September | Sperm whales (occasional), Giant mantas (occasional) | |
| October | Whale shark, Sperm whales (occasional), Giant mantas (occasional) | Whale Shark |
| November | Whale shark (peak season), Sea lions, Humpback and blue whales, Marlin and sardines, Dolphins, Sperm whales (occasional) | Whale Shark, Magdalena Bay Safari |
| December | Whale shark (peak season), Sea lions, Humpback and blue whales, Mobula rays, Marlin and sardines, Dolphins | Whale Shark, Magdalena Bay Safari |
| All year: Snorkel Tour Espiritu Santo Island, Ocean Safari La Ventana, Scuba Discovery from the Beach, Diving Espiritu Santo Island, Diving in Cabo Pulmo, PADI Open Water Certification | ||
By how you want to experience the sea
Watching from the boat is not the same as snorkeling or diving. Each tour is listed under what it really offers.
From the boat · No getting in the water: you watch the wildlife from the boat.
| Tour | Price per person | Duration | Season | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Safari La Ventana | $3,000 MXN | 6 h | all year | 14+ (younger, private only) |
| Gray Whale · Puerto Chale | from $2,800 MXN | ~9 h including transfer from La Paz | January – March | Family friendly |
Snorkeling · Swimming at the surface with mask and fins. Not diving.
| Tour | Price per person | Duration | Season | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whale Shark | $2,300 MXN | 2 to 3 h | October – April | 12+ |
| Snorkel Tour Espiritu Santo Island | $1,800 MXN | 6 h | all year | Family friendly |
| Ocean Safari La Ventana | $3,000 MXN | 6 h | all year | 14+ (younger, private only) |
| Magdalena Bay Safari | $3,500 MXN | ~10 h including transfer from La Paz | November – December | 12+ |
| Diving in Cabo Pulmo | $1,500 MXN | ~5 h, plus the drive from La Paz | all year | 12+ |
Try diving for the first time · No certification, with an instructor by your side.
| Tour | Price per person | Duration | Season | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scuba Discovery from the Beach | $1,500 MXN | ~4 h | all year | 12+ |
| Diving Espiritu Santo Island | $4,200 MXN | ~7 h | all year | 12+ |
| Diving in Cabo Pulmo | $3,800 MXN | ~5 h, plus the drive from La Paz | all year | 12+ |
| PADI Open Water Certification | $8,000 MXN | Usually a couple of days | all year | 12+ |
I already dive · I'm certified (Open Water or higher).
| Tour | Price per person | Duration | Season | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diving Espiritu Santo Island | $3,800 MXN | ~7 h | all year | 12+ |
| Diving in Cabo Pulmo | $3,200 MXN | ~5 h, plus the drive from La Paz | all year | 12+ |
By the animal you want to see
Where, how and when. No wildlife sighting can ever be guaranteed.
Whale shark
- Whale Shark · Snorkeling · October – April (best chances: November – March)
- Ocean Safari La Ventana · From the boat · October – April — may appear, not the goal of the tour
Sea lions
- Snorkel Tour Espiritu Santo Island · Snorkeling · all year
- Diving Espiritu Santo Island · Diving · first time / Certified diving · all year
- Magdalena Bay Safari · Snorkeling · November – December
- Ocean Safari La Ventana · From the boat / Snorkeling · all year — may appear, not the goal of the tour
From June to August sea lions are watched from the boat: it's their breeding season and swimming with them isn't allowed.
Humpback and blue whales
- Ocean Safari La Ventana · From the boat / Snorkeling · November – April (best chances: January – April)
Mobula rays
- Ocean Safari La Ventana · From the boat / Snorkeling · March – August, December – January (best chances: April – June)
Marlin and sardines
- Magdalena Bay Safari · Snorkeling · November – December
Reef and fish schools
- Diving in Cabo Pulmo · Snorkeling / Diving · first time / Certified diving · all year
- Diving Espiritu Santo Island · Diving · first time / Certified diving · all year
- Snorkel Tour Espiritu Santo Island · Snorkeling · all year
- Scuba Discovery from the Beach · Diving · first time · all year
Orcas
- Ocean Safari La Ventana · From the boat / Snorkeling · all year — may appear, not the goal of the tour
Yes, we know: you saw the videos online. Orcas do pass through here, but they're just passing by and nobody can promise you'll see them, so we're not going to sell you an "orca tour". Relax: what you see on social media isn't always everyday reality. If they show up, it's a huge gift; if not, the safari is worth it for everything else.
Sperm whales
- Ocean Safari La Ventana · From the boat / Snorkeling · May – November — may appear, not the goal of the tour
Giant mantas
- Ocean Safari La Ventana · From the boat / Snorkeling · August – October — may appear, not the goal of the tour
Dolphins
- Ocean Safari La Ventana · From the boat / Snorkeling · all year
- Magdalena Bay Safari · Snorkeling · November – December
Common situations
With kids
Under 12: Snorkel Tour Espiritu Santo Island (ages 0 to 3 free) and Gray Whale · Puerto Chale (January – March). From age 12: Whale Shark, Scuba Discovery from the Beach and diving. Ocean Safari La Ventana: 14+ on shared trips; with kids under 14, private only.
If you only have a few hours
Whale Shark takes 2 to 3 h (October – April) and Scuba Discovery from the Beach about 4 h, all year.
If you don't want to get in the water
Gray Whale · Puerto Chale is all from the boat (January – March). On Ocean Safari La Ventana you can stay on the boat during encounters.
If you've never dived
Scuba Discovery from the Beach ($1,500 MXN, 6 m max, no certification). There's also Discovery at Espiritu Santo ($4,200 MXN) and Cabo Pulmo ($3,800 MXN). To get certified: PADI Open Water Certification ($8,000 MXN).
La Paz or La Ventana
Espiritu Santo (snorkeling and diving) and the whale shark tour leave from La Paz. Ocean Safari La Ventana leaves from La Ventana; we can arrange round-trip transport from La Paz for an extra $1,000 MXN (up to 4 people, subject to availability). Cabo Pulmo doesn't include transport from La Paz.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in La Paz, Baja California Sur?
The best of La Paz is in the sea, and it depends on the month: swimming with whale sharks (October – April), gray whales in Puerto Chale (January – March), the Sardine Run in Magdalena Bay (November – December) and, all year, snorkeling with sea lions at Espiritu Santo Island, diving and the La Ventana safari.
What is there to do in La Ventana?
Ocean Safari La Ventana: 6 h on a boat through the Cerralvo channel looking for mobula rays (best chances April – June), dolphins, sea lions and whales (November – April). There are snorkel entries when it's safe, but you can stay on the boat. $3,000 MXN per person; 14+ on shared trips.
What is the best month to visit La Paz?
It depends on what you want to see. January – March: gray whales. October – April: whale sharks. April – June: mobula rays in La Ventana. November – December: the Sardine Run. Espiritu Santo Island and diving, all year (from June to August sea lions are watched from the boat).
When is whale shark season in La Paz?
October – April. It's a 2 to 3 h snorkel swim from the malecón, $2,300 MXN per person, minimum age 12.
When can you see gray whales?
January – March in Puerto Chale. It's all from the boat, about 9 h including transfer from La Paz, from $2,800 MXN per person. Family friendly.
Can you swim with sea lions at Espiritu Santo Island?
Yes, all year except June to August: it's their breeding season and during those months they're watched from the boat.
Can you see orcas in La Paz or La Ventana?
Yes, we know: you saw the videos online. Orcas do pass through here, but they're just passing by and nobody can promise you'll see them, so we're not going to sell you an "orca tour". Relax: what you see on social media isn't always everyday reality. If they show up, it's a huge gift; if not, the safari is worth it for everything else.
Which tour if I can't swim or don't want to get in the water?
Gray Whale · Puerto Chale (January – March) is all from the boat. On Ocean Safari La Ventana you can stay on the boat. Let us know before booking if someone can't swim.
What to do in La Paz with kids?
Under 12: Snorkel Tour Espiritu Santo Island (ages 0 to 3 free) or the gray whales (January – March). From 12: whale sharks, Scuba Discovery and diving. La Ventana: 14+ on shared trips; younger kids, private only.
Can I dive without certification?
Yes. Scuba Discovery from the Beach ($1,500 MXN, 6 m max, instructor with you), Discovery at Espiritu Santo ($4,200 MXN) or Cabo Pulmo ($3,800 MXN). Minimum age 12.
What can I do if I only have a few hours in La Paz?
Whale Shark (2 to 3 h, October – April) or Scuba Discovery from the Beach (about 4 h, all year).
How much do tours in La Paz cost?
Whale Shark: $2,300 MXN; Snorkel Tour Espiritu Santo Island: $1,800 MXN; Ocean Safari La Ventana: $3,000 MXN; Magdalena Bay Safari: $3,500 MXN; Gray Whale · Puerto Chale: from $2,800 MXN; Scuba Discovery from the Beach: $1,500 MXN; Diving Espiritu Santo Island: $3,800 MXN; Diving in Cabo Pulmo: $1,500 MXN; PADI Open Water Certification: $8,000 MXN. Prices per person.
Still unsure? We'll help you choose
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and who's coming, and we'll honestly tell you what's worth it.
Message us on WhatsAppPrices and seasons taken from each Keabelmet expedition.