Category Whale Shark Swims

Mexico · WHALE SHARK SWIMS

Swimming with Whale Sharks in Mexico: The 9 Best Trips

9 tours

Whale sharks gather off Isla Mujeres and Holbox from roughly June to September, and off La Paz from October to April. They are filter feeders and harmless, and the rules are strict: two swimmers at a time, no touching, no sunscreen. Season, boat size, how long the crossing takes and what happens if the sharks do not show, across 9 operators.

La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos - Malecon meeting point in La Paz: gear up, board a panga, then go find the animals

1.La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,066 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $259Our number one

Swim with gentle whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez from Los Cabos, with wetsuit gear and Baja fish taco lunch included.

“Great excursion! Mario our host was excellent. Very knowledgeable about whale sharks and La Paz (his home town). David our guide was great. Also very knowledgeable and just an all around good guy. Trip was well organized and the stop at the organic farm/shop was a really nice bonus. Would definitely do this again. Just be prepared for a long day but it’s worth it!”

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Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun

Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun - Price and What Makes It Feel Worth It

2.Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 951 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $155Best price here

Small-group whale shark snorkeling from Isla Mujeres and Cancun. Boat, gear, guide-led water time, plus lunch and a calm, regulated approach.

“Our pickup was on time and the tour was great. Our tour guide did a great job making sure everyone had ample time to swim with the whale sharks. There were many whale sharks to swim with and even stopped by a reef on the way back for extra snorkeling time. Lunch was delicious as well. Would recommend.”

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Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya

Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya - Isla Contoy National Park and the whale shark swim routine

3.Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 929 reviews · 6 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $199

Swim with whale sharks on a small-group Cancun tour with Isla Contoy snorkeling, Playa Norte lunch, and hotel pickup.

“We got so lucky! Nature CANNOT be controlled, but wow, Mother Nature showed up for us. According to the captain there were 20-30 whales that day. And we had an incredible experience. We had 2 dives of over 2 minutes each, and that was perfect. We rented wet suits that allowed us to swim better (highly recommend, since the whales can move quick). Diego (tour guide), Pepe (captain) and Pablo (sailor) were amazing. The ride can be a bit uncomfortable, but it has to be done. On our way there we saw dolphins, flying fish, turtles and rays. To anyone booking, please know that the team CANNOT control nature, you…”

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Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya

Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya - Puerto Xtabay Marina Briefing: The Part That Makes the Swim Make Sense

4.Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 916 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Small-group whale shark snorkel from Cancun with hotel pickup, biologist-style guidance, Isla Mujeres lunch, and mineral-sunscreen rules.

“We are a family of 5 and have done a lot of excursions and this one is at the top of the list! We had an amazing time and swam with so many breathtaking whale sharks. It was something I have always wanted to do and it did not disappoint! We were lucky to be able to swim twice with these beautiful sharks. Yes, you are only in the water for a few minutes but take in the beauty and try to enjoy each second. It is something out of a dream and I was lucky enough to swim right beside them in their natural habitat which is so incredible.…”

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Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist - Gear You Don’t Have to Hunt Down: Wetsuits, Mask, Snorkel, Fins

5.Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 594 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $190

Reduced-group whale shark snorkeling in La Paz with a local marine biologist, included gear, and GoPro photos and videos.

“We are giving this tour three stars, and we would like to clearly explain why. First of all, the tour itself was beautifully organized. We did see whales, the explanations were very informative, and the focus on animal protection was excellent. Our guide Angel, the marine biologist, was very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. From an educational and environmental perspective, the tour was very well done. The only reason for the three-star rating is the unfair distribution of water time between the groups, which left a very disappointing impression. There were nine guests on the boat, divided into three groups of three people. For animal welfare reasons, only one group at…”

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Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya - Whale-shark swims in 15-minute rounds, and how to prep

6.Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 519 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $170

Swim with whale sharks near Punta Sam, then snorkel Isla Mujeres with breakfast, lunch, and Riviera Maya pickup on a 7-hour tour.

“Overall the trip was great. Our guide Jane was very friendly, funny and very knowledgeable and passionate about the animals. We seen a whale shark which was amazing then were took snorkelling to a reef and then onto Isla Mujeres for a light lunch. It is a long trip and very tiring, especially waking up sp early. Regarding sea sickness, we were given tablets by Jane and it really wasn’t bad when the boat is going full speed. You can’t wear sunscreen so will have to make plans not to be burnt but it is an amazing experience. They will also film and photograph the trip which you can buy…”

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Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour

Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour - Getting from pickup to marina without losing your morning

7.Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 399 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $210

Early pickup whale shark swim near Cancun plus Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres, with included gear, guide, breakfast, and ceviche.

“The staff was amazing. Our boat captain and tour guide worked very hard to find the whale sharks and we all ended up getting to swim with them. We also saw dolphins, flying fish, a starfish, sea turtles, and a sting ray on our journey. The ceviche was delicious and it was nice to spend time at isla mujeres. Cons were that it was lots of driving in the boat and that your whale shark time is 5 minutes max so they don’t leave before your whole group gets a turn. But still enjoyed our day!”

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Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter – Premium Service

Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter - Premium Service - Meeting point at The Dock Cafe, and why the start matters

Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks

Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks - The safety briefing, snorkel gear, and how the swim turns work

9.Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 380 reviews · 7 - 7.5 hours · from $160

Snorkel with whale sharks near Isla Contoy on a small-group day trip from Cancun. Expert guides, lunch, dolphins, 7 hours.

“We had a once in a lifetime experience today with Omar. You can tell his passion for animals and his experience. We had a fantastic day with so many whale sharks it was hard to count, maybe more than 6!! The most beautiful ceviche served up on the boat anchored at Playa Norte. Couldn’t fault a single aspect. Thank you so much”

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