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Swimming with whale sharks is a highlight for many tourists that visit Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean. Although solitary creatures, hundreds of whale sharks congregate in the warm waters of the Caribbean sea area each year to feed on plankton. Swimming alongside these gentle giants is a bucket-list experience for many tourists. We’ve chosen a few of the top tours to see whale sharks on your next Cancun vacation.
Whale sharks are gentle ocean giants. Measuring up to 10 meters in length and weighing around 19 tons, whale sharks are the largest fish species on earth. Despite their intimidating size, whale sharks are known for their docile and curious behavior, which makes them ideal for snorkelers and divers. Hundreds of whale sharks migrate to the Mexican Caribbean’s warm waters during summer, giving visitors a unique opportunity to interact with them.
The Mexican Caribbean has earned a reputation as one of the best places in the world to spot whale sharks. These gentle giants usually appear starting in mid-May, but July and August are some of the best months to spot whale sharks in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean. Last but not least, the whale sharks feed exclusively on small shrimp, plankton, and fish, and are entirely harmless to humans.
Viator: Whale Shark Tour
This action-packed, 8-hour tour has received more than 400 excellent reviews on Viator. In addition to swimming alongside massive whale sharks, this tour allows tourists to spot colorful coral reefs and marine life. The tour departs from Cancun but includes pick-up from many resorts around Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya. Afterward, travelers are taken to a remote location where professional guides help make the most of the thrilling experience.
Priced at $210 per person, the tour comes with several amenities including a hearty pre-departure breakfast and fresh ceviche for lunch, as well as drinks & snacks if you go hungry. To top off the unique experience, visitors are taken to one of Isla Mujeres top beaches, Playa Norte, where they can enjoy the Caribbean sunshine and seaside hospitality.
Viator: Whale Shark Swimming & Isla Mujeres Beach Visit
Viator’s whale shark swimming & Isla Mujeres combo tour takes tourists on a 5-hour journey to some of the area’s top natural sites. The top-rated tour starts at $170 per person and comes with several services including hotel-pick up in Cancun as well as top-notch diving gear.
Visitors are accompanied by a professional guide throughout the experience, meaning you won’t be swimming alone with these gentle giants. After taking a dip in the deep waters of the open ocean, visitors are taken to Isla Mujeres aboard a private boat, where tourists can kick back at some of the cleanest beaches in the state. The tour concludes with fresh ceviche prepared by the boat’s very own captain.
Isla Fun Tour: Full-Day Whale Shark Snorkelling Adventure in Isla Mujeres
Recommended by 94% of travelers, Isla Fun Tours Full-Day Whale Shark Snorkelling Adventure in Isla Mujeres starts at $129 per person for bookings in advance. The 6-hour tour is perfect for visitors that want to spend an entire afternoon surrounded by crystal-clear Caribbean water. Hotel pick-up from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen is included in the tour, which departs from Isla Mujeres.
Of course, tourists booking the tour also get to swim alongside majestic whale sharks, which is why the tour can only be booked between May and September. Isla Fun Tours promises each traveler an unforgettable time on the tour, during which they may also spot manta rays, sea turtles, and dolphins.
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