Snorkel with Whale Sharks in Cancun: A Bucket-List Adventure

Swimming with whale sharks in Cancun is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines adventure, nature, and the beauty of the ocean. Known as "gentle giants," whale sharks migrate to the waters near Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Holbox Island during the annual whale shark season. This makes Cancun the ideal destination for anyone looking to snorkel or swim with these magnificent creatures.


Why Choose Cancun for Swimming with Whale Sharks?


Cancun offers some of the best conditions for swimming with whale sharks, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and proximity to their feeding grounds. The region’s unique ecosystem attracts these incredible animals, making the area a global hotspot for whale shark encounters. Unlike crowded tours, private whale shark tours ensure an intimate experience, giving you more time to enjoy snorkeling with whale sharks without distractions.


What to Expect on Your Whale Shark Adventure


Swimming with whale sharks in Cancun is more than just an excursion; it's an adventure. Here's what you can expect:


  • Private Boats: Enjoy the freedom of a private tour where the boat is reserved solely for your group.
  • Expert Guides: Learn about whale sharks and the local marine ecosystem from our knowledgeable guides.
  • Snorkeling with Whale Sharks: Jump into the water and get up close with the largest fish in the ocean.
  • Sea Turtles and Marine Life: Spot sea turtles and other marine creatures on your way to the whale shark feeding grounds.
  • Safety and Comfort: Top-notch snorkeling gear and safety measures ensure a comfortable experience.

Private Whale Shark Tour Options


To cater to different group sizes, we offer two private tour options:


  • Small Boat: Accommodates up to 5 passengers, ideal for intimate groups.
  • Regular Boat: Suitable for larger groups, accommodating up to 10 passengers.

Both options guarantee a personalized and unforgettable experience swimming with whale sharks. Book your adventure today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and the Riviera Maya during the whale shark season!


BOOK NOW – 2025 WHALE SHARK SEASON!

Why Book Your Cancun Private Whale Shark Tour With Us?


  • Exclusive Experience: Avoid the crowds! Enjoy a private boat with an early departure, where it’s just you, your group, and the ocean.
  • Expert Guides: Our certified guides have over 20 years of experience, ensuring a safe and educational adventure.
  • Eco-Friendly Practices: We prioritize whale shark conservation and follow all safety guidelines to protect the species.
  • Flexible Schedules: Choose the time that suits your group best and spend as much time as you want in the water.
  • Top-notch Equipment: Snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, and safety gear are all included to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

What to Expect on Your Whale Shark Tour?


  • Check-In at 7:00 AM: Start your day early to maximize your time in the water. Meet us at our dock for a safety briefing and equipment fitting.
  • Boat Ride to the Whale Shark Area: Enjoy a scenic 30-minute boat ride to the whale shark feeding grounds, north of Isla Mujeres.
  • Swimming with Whale Sharks: Once we locate the whale sharks, it’s your turn to jump into the water! Our guide will assist two swimmers at a time to ensure a safe and personalized experience. You’ll have multiple chances to swim with the whale sharks throughout the tour.
  • Relax & Enjoy the Ride Back: After your whale shark adventure, relax on the boat with snacks and drinks as we head back to Cancun.
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Cancun Whale Shark Tours FAQs


  • Is it safe to swim with whale sharks? Yes! Whale sharks are harmless to humans. Our guides will ensure your safety at all times.
  • Do I need snorkeling experience? No prior experience is necessary! Our guides will provide instructions and help you throughout the tour.
  • Can I bring my children? Yes! Children aged 6 and above are welcome on our tours.
  • How long does the tour last? The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including the boat ride, snorkeling time, and return to the dock.
  • What should I bring? We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (reef-safe), and a waterproof camera.

When is the whale shark season in cancun?


The official season runs from June to September, being July and August best time for snorkeling with whale sharks in Cancun, experience one of the biggest whale shark migrations in the world & swim with the Gentle Giants!


Where Is the Whale Shark Area?


The Whale Shark snorkel tour that we offer is inside the Federal Protected Area Known as Reserva De La Biosfera Del Tiburon Ballena, north from Isla Mujeres, to get the permits to work in this area all of our crew have to take several courses and exams and all of our boats have to have double off-board engines and be in perfect conditions to get the certification for this activity in order to keep up the standards for you.


Why are the Whale Sharks in Cancun in this season?


Whale Sharks visit the Caribbean every year following the black tuna migration, once you get to the Whale Shark Snorkeling Area you will be able to see some kind of oil on the surface, this is the best sign to know that we are entering the Whale Shark Area. Caribbean waters have the perfect conditions during summer to gather one of the biggest whale shark migrations in the world, in a regular day you will be able to see more than 100 Whale sharks in the area.


Whale Shark Tour from Cancun or from Holbox?


Exploring the breathtaking world of whale sharks is an exhilarating experience, and both Cancun/Isla Mujeres and Holbox offer incredible opportunities to witness these majestic creatures. However, when considering the best location for encountering whale sharks, the Cancun/Isla Mujeres area stands out for several reasons, particularly due to its Caribbean waters, which offer a distinct advantage over the Gulf of Mexico waters in Holbox Island


Cancun Private Whale Shark Tours Reviews

What Our Clients Say About Us:

Magguie

Traveller

These guys whale shark tour are THE BEST! We travel to Mexico every July to swim with the whale sharks and this crew never disappoints. The captain and crew go above and beyond to make sure we are having a great time, while also respecting the wildlife.

Jahid Hassan

Traveller

Solo Buceo is the BEST! From the initial organization of setting up the trip, manager David has always been incredible to work with. They are very thorough and make it easy to set up charters. This was our fifth year bringing a group to snorkel with whale sharks with them

Tony

Traveller

On top of being a top notch operation, the whale shark snorkel trip is mind blowing. The animal encounters are out of this world, and when I think it can't possibly get any better IT DOES. This is a DO NOT MISS trip when in the Cancun area.

Adam

Traveller

We did both the underwater museum dive and whale shark excursion with this company and they were both amazing. We saw two whales sharks and a lot of dolphins on that excursion and the dive was amazing. We had never suba dived before so we had the instructional lesson and our guide Raul was fantastic.

Get In Touch & book your Whale Shark Private Tour

Contact us now if you have any questions about our private whale shark tour in Cancun

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    7:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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    Inside the Real Inn Hotel. See you in the pool area.

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