Ultimate Whale Shark Expedition in the Sea of Cortez
La Paz
Description
Travel deep into the northern Sea of Cortez aboard a liveaboard and explore a region where the desert meets a sea filled with wildlife. This 8 day, 7 night expedition reaches Bahía de los Ángeles, where dozens of whale sharks gather seasonally inside a remote protected sanctuary.
The voyage combines approximately 15 dives with snorkeling, overnight passages between destinations and potential encounters with sea lions, swirling schools of fish, dolphins and cetaceans. Kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and landings on seldom visited islands may also be part of the experience.
The route is adjusted each day to make the most of weather, sea conditions and wildlife activity. Sightings and interactions can never be guaranteed, although Nautilus reports an excellent whale shark encounter record from June through October.
Reservation
Key Points
Guide language: Spanish, English
What's Included
- Seven nights of accommodation aboard the liveaboard.
- Meals during the voyage and scheduled onboard activities.
- Approximately 15 dives, subject to conditions, routing and daily operations.
- One whale shark snorkeling day in Bahía de los Ángeles, operated locally by panga.
- Opportunities to snorkel with marine wildlife when conditions allow.
- Use of onboard kayaks and paddleboards, subject to safety restrictions and advance coordination.
- Dive guides in the water during all dives.
- Complimentary loan of Nautilus LifeLine, SMB and Dive Alert safety equipment when needed.
- Towels, bed linen, soap, shampoo and reef safe sunscreen onboard.
- Scheduled complimentary transfer from SeeCreatures Cabo to La Paz and return transfer from La Paz to SeeCreatures Cabo or Los Cabos International Airport.
Itinerary
Day 1 Boarding in La Paz
Guests may meet the operator directly in La Paz or check in at SeeCreatures Cabo. For guests departing from Cabo San Lucas, the complimentary transfer leaves for La Paz at 4:30 PM, where the vessel will be waiting. After boarding and the crew welcome, the ship begins its voyage into the Sea of Cortez during dinner.
Day 2 Las Ánimas and first dives
The expedition will likely begin at Las Ánimas, a site known for sea lions, schooling fish and the possibility of hammerhead sharks. The captain and dive guides will adapt the day to weather and sea conditions. The vessel then continues north overnight.
Days 3 to 5 Remote islands of the Sea of Cortez
The route may include San Ildefonso Island and San Pedro Mártir Island, as well as other sites selected by the captain. Days combine diving with activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and shore landings. At San Pedro Mártir, there may be an opportunity to see large seabird colonies, including blue footed and brown boobies. The order and pace remain flexible to maximize wildlife encounters and minimize weather challenges.
Day 6 Bahía de los Ángeles
The day focuses on the whale shark sanctuary in the estuary at the southern end of Bahía de los Ángeles. The interaction is snorkeling only and is coordinated with a local panga operator. Depending on group interest and daily operations, there may be one morning session or two opportunities, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Wildlife conditions and local operator availability may lead to changes or delays.
Day 7 Southbound passage and cetacean search
The vessel begins its return toward La Paz and explores a site near Mulegé where pilot whales, dolphins and other marine life are often encountered. The crew keeps watch throughout the passage; fin whales, sperm whales or orcas may also appear, but no encounter can be guaranteed.
Day 8 Disembarkation in La Paz
After breakfast, disembarkation is expected at approximately 8:30 AM in La Paz. The operator provides a complimentary return transfer to SeeCreatures Cabo San Lucas or Los Cabos International Airport. Because of the transfer time, Nautilus recommends booking departing flights from SJD at 2:00 PM or later.
Boat Images
Where
What's Not Included
Recommendations
Requirements
-A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Mexico and any visa or immigration documents required for the traveler's nationality.
-Valid medical and evacuation insurance covering emergency care in Mexico, aerial evacuation and hospital treatment. Proof must be shown before boarding.
-Completed guest information submitted in advance, including the full name and passport details required by Mexican authorities.
-Acceptance and signature of the operator's waiver, release and indemnity before the trip.
-Scuba participants must present a valid certification unless enrolled in a training program arranged by the operator.
-There is no minimum experience level for this trip, but every diver must have buoyancy control and the skills associated with open water certification.
-Every diver must attend briefings, follow safe recreational diving practices and use an SMB, Dive Alert and Nautilus LifeLine during activities as instructed by the crew.
-Swimming activities require participants to be competent swimmers. Each guest may adjust distance to personal ability, with support skiffs nearby.
-All guests must follow crew instructions for safe and responsible wildlife interactions.
Cancellation Policy
Payments
A 25% deposit is required within 7 days of booking to confirm the reservation. An additional 25% payment is due 4 months prior to departure, with the remaining balance due 60 days before departure.
Cancellations
If a guest cancels their reservation, the following cancellation penalties apply to the total trip price.
More than 12 months prior to departure: an original booking may be refunded less a US$100 administrative fee per guest, or transferred once to a new booking without an administrative fee.
12 to 9 months prior to departure: 15% cancellation penalty.
9 to 4 months prior to departure: 25% cancellation penalty.
4 months to 60 days prior to departure: 50% cancellation penalty.
60 days or less prior to departure: 100% cancellation penalty.
Bookings that have previously been transferred to a later departure date are non-refundable.
I booked the whale shark tour with Gluup and it was an unforgettable experience. Everything was very well organized, and they provided a delicious breakfast and lunch. We were incredibly lucky to see around 50 whale sharks, which made the trip absolutely breathtaking. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area!
DiamondH Diego
August 2026
I booked the whale shark tour with Gluup and it was an unforgettable experience. Everything was very well organized, and they provided a delicious breakfast and lunch. We were incredibly lucky to see around 50 whale sharks, which made the trip absolutely breathtaking. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area!
DiamondH Diego
August 2026
It was a unique and incredible experience, I hope to have more like it. We swam with pilot whales and it was unparalleled, thank you ☺️✨
Andrea Cejudo
August 2026