Swim with Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres
Snorkel alongside the world's largest fish in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. Small groups of up to 10, a local family crew and 20+ years of experience.
Season
May 15 – Sep 17
Duration
About 6 hours
Group size
Max 10 guests
Ages
4 years and up
Choose your departure
Whale Shark Tour Prices & Options
Dock fees and Marine Park taxes are always included. Staying on Isla Mujeres? Choose the Isla Mujeres departure for the best price.
Shared · Most popular
From Isla Mujeres
$149
USD per person · all included
- Isla Mujeres departure
- Snorkeling gear and life jacket
- Lunch, snacks and drinks
- Marine Park fees included
Shared
From Cancun
$185
USD per person · all included
- Punta Sam (Cancun) departure
- Same all-included experience
- Hotel pickup available for an extra fee
- Marine Park fees included
Private · Customizable
Private Whale Shark Tour
$1,399
USD for 1–6 people · $100 per extra guest
- Private boat and crew
- More time in the water
- Flexible schedule and stops
- For all levels
Your day on the water
A real ocean safari with the gentle giants
From May to September, whale sharks gather off the coast of Isla Mujeres to feed. They swim near the surface and, as gentle filter feeders, pose no threat, which lets us snorkel next to them safely.
Along the way you may also meet manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish and seabirds in the clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean.
Our local guides have more than 20 years of experience and always put your safety and the wildlife first.
Photo gallery
Moments with the gentle giants
What to expect
How your whale shark day works
1
Meet and board
We confirm the exact meeting point and time after you book. Step aboard our 32-ft boat, meet the crew and get your snorkeling gear and life jacket.
2
Ride to the feeding grounds
About one hour northeast, with a light breakfast, snacks and drinks on board.
3
Swim with the whale sharks
Swimmers enter the water in pairs with a certified guide. Each guest can enter up to twice, depending on conditions and ability.
4
Optional reef stop
Weather permitting, we snorkel a shallow coral reef for 20 to 30 minutes.
5
Lunch at Playa Norte
Back at Isla Mujeres, relax at North Beach with fresh ceviche, guacamole, chips and seasonal fruit.
Tour length varies with whale shark activity and sea conditions. If we find them early, the tour can be 1 to 2 hours shorter.
What is included
- Dock and federal fees for whale shark conservation
- Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) and life jackets
- Bilingual, experienced and certified crew
- Safe boat with two engines and full safety electronics
- Drinks during the whole tour
- Lunch and snacks on board (vegetarian and vegan options)
- Shallow reef activity
- Maximum 10 guests on board
What is not included
- Wetsuit (bring your own; we do not provide or rent them)
- Tips for the crew
- Hotel ground transportation (available on request for an extra fee)
- Optional GoPro photo and video package
Very important
A true ocean adventure
Whale sharks are wild animals living freely in the open ocean, so every tour is unique. Some days we meet one, dozens or even over a hundred, and on rare occasions none at all. We do not offer refunds or guarantees for sightings because that pressure leads to rule-breaking and stressed animals. We choose to operate responsibly.
Never touch them
Touching whale sharks is not allowed. It is one of the most important rules of this activity.
No sunscreen before swimming
Even reef-friendly sunscreen is not allowed before the swim. Apply it afterwards and bring a long-sleeve UV shirt.
Prone to seasickness?
Take your own medication one or two hours before the tour. We do not provide it on board.
★★★★★ 4.9 rating on Google
What our guests say
★★★★★
Amazing once in a lifetime experience. Ricky and Leandro took great care of us and ensured we were able to get up close and personal with the whale sharks. I highly recommend these gentlemen to take you out!
J Y M · Google review · Whale shark tour
★★★★★
100000% recommend! The Best tour guides you can ask for. The boat was exceptionally clean and fast! Art was so patient on helping us with the whales and snorkeling.
Ashleigh Danielle · Google review · Whale shark tour
★★★★★
A dream come true! Our guides Nano & Aurturo were fantastic. We were able to swim with the whale sharks, had a separate snorkeling spot that was full of fish, and a stop at Playa Norte with delicious fresh ceviche.
Melissa Mifsud · Google review
Good to know
Whale Shark Tour FAQ
Are whale sharks dangerous?
No. They are gentle filter feeders, which is why we call them gentle giants. If you respect their space you can feel safe. In almost 20 years of doing this tour we have never had an accident.
When is whale shark season in Isla Mujeres?
The season runs from May 15 to September 17. The best time is usually between mid-June and mid-August. We recommend booking with a few days of flexibility so we can pick the best day for weather and sea conditions.
How many whale sharks will we see?
On a very good day we see between 10 and 100. When we are very lucky we find 200 to 300 in the same area, and the record is about 700 in a single day. Very rarely we do not spot any.
Can I touch the whale sharks?
No. Touching them is not allowed. It is one of the most important regulations of this activity and keeps our impact on the animals as low as possible.
Is seeing a whale shark guaranteed?
No. They are wild animals in the open ocean. We find and swim with them about 98% of the time, but there is no guarantee and no refund if we do not find them. If the port closes because of weather, you get a full refund or can reschedule.
Can I get seasick?
Yes, if you are not used to the motion of the sea. We recommend taking medication one or two hours before the tour. Make sure you are not allergic to it. We do not provide medication on board.
Is sunscreen allowed?
Not before swimming with the whale sharks, even if it is reef-friendly or biodegradable. This rule is regulated by Mexican law. Apply it once the swim is over, and bring a long-sleeve shirt and UV-protective clothing.
Do you offer pickup from Cancun and Riviera Maya?
We can arrange round-trip ground transportation from Cancun, Playa Mujeres, Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen for an extra fee. Tell us your hotel when you book and we will give you the best option.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel or change the date of your tour up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund or a date change. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour, and no-shows, are not eligible for a refund. If the port authority does not allow tours because of weather, you can change your date or receive a full refund.
Ready to swim with the gentle giants?
Spots are limited every day of the season. Reserve yours and we will confirm your meeting point right after booking.
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