Are whale sharks dangerous?
There’s no record of Whale Sharks or Mantas hurting any human being.
Whale sharks are very large and congregate in the waters around Isla Mujeres and Holbox to feed on tiny fish eggs and microscopic organisms. Also whale sharks are not fast swimmers and on average cruise through the water at just 3 mph. They also actively avoid swimming into objects and other creatures.
Do whale sharks have teeth?
Whale sharks do have teeth but they have incredibly tiny teeth evolved to aid in filter feeding, they really are gentle giants. Whale sharks have no need to bite anything, they simply filter-feed which involves a sucking process. So just to be clear whale sharks don’t eat humans, they have never harmed a human directly or indirectly.
Is the tour guided?
Our guides will make you feel safe, secure, comfortable and most importantly they’ll ensure you have the best view of the whale sharks! Even if you’re not an experienced snorkeler, or if you’re not so comfortable swimming, the guide will ensure your swim with the Whale Sharks is an unforgettable experience! Our guides make sure that practically anyone can do the Cancun whale shark tour regardless of their physical ability. Even if the guide has to literally hold your hand they will get you close up with the ocean’s largest fish.
Whale sharks in Isla Mujeres or whale sharks in Holbox - What’s the difference?
This is a popular question as when you look for “Cancun whale shark tour” you may not actually know where the sharks are exactly. Every year hundreds of whale sharks arrive in the waters of Cancun in fact it’s the largest aggregation of whale sharks in the world. Sometimes we find whale sharks in Isla Mujeres and sometimes we find the whale sharks in Holbox it all depends on where their preferred food source is drifting. The main difference is that the waters around Isla Mujeres are warm, clear, and blue and the waters around Holbox are green, and colder. Either way you will get to swim with 18+ foot whale sharks so wherever they are we will find them.
Where do I have to go?
The good news is that we pick you up from your accommodation at the beginning of the day and drop you off at the end of the day. The other bit of good news is that there is no bad news, you don’t have to do anything we will arrange all transportation for you.
Will I get sea sick?
Some people suffer from seasickness on boats, it’s a part of life and we totally understand. That is why we do everything we can to prevent this from happening to our guests. To ensure you’ll have the best Whale Shark watching & swimming experience, we offer three various prevention methods for free, such as: Dramamine, ginger tea, or a pressure point bracelet. If in the unlikely case you still get seasick on the boat, our guides are trained to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
How many times can I swim with whale sharks during the tour?
Our goal is is for you, our clients/new friends, to receive total satisfaction & success which is why we let you swim with the Whale Sharks as much as possible! We’ll stay in the Whale Shark watching area for approximately three hours.
Do I have to bring my own snorkeling gear?
You can if you want to, but we also provide all snorkeling gear includes mask, snorkel, fins, and life jacket. All our snorkels have a release valve that immediately expels any water that enters your snorkel. If you have a wet suit, please feel free to bring it along: this way, you won’t need a life jacket to swim with Whale Sharks. If you don’t have one we can provide them to be rented for 15 usd.
Do I have to bring food and drink?
At the pier, you will have a light breakfast ready upon your arrival. During the day, there will be plenty of bottled water & soft drinks, as well as sandwiches to snack on the boats. When we’ve finished snorkeling with whale sharks, we’ll have a classic Caribbean lunch in the beautiful waters of Isla Mujeres to complete your once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Can I bring my camera?
f you want to you can bring your underwater camera. For the entire excursion, your guide will shoot videos & pictures on a GoPro in high-definition during your Whale Shark experience. At the end of your trip, you’re able to purchase a 2GB USB loaded with moments & memories of your experience for just $40 USD.
Regardless of age, all people entering the Whale Shark area are required to pay a Natural Reserve Fee. This fee is not included in the tour price and is payable upon pick-up at your accommodation at the beginning of your tour ($13 USD/Person).
Are whale sharks whales, or sharks?
Although the name is confusing, whale sharks are sharks. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and can reach up to 12 meters or perhaps even bigger.
Can I swim with whale sharks if I am Pregnant?
Pregnant women are welcome on this tour only between the 11th and 28th week of pregnancy. Pregnant woman will go on the back side of the speedboat where there’s less movement inside the boat.
If you’re pregnant, please let us know at the time of booking your Whale Shark tour so we can recommend the best day with the best sea conditions.
We understand you may need more assistance and we’re more than happy to assist you!
When onboard and in the water, remember to take your time, keep calm and enjoy, we will always be assisting you.
The boat’s edge is 2.5 feet (0.7 mts) above the surface of the water, With the help of your guide and sailor it’s easy and safe to accompany anyone into the water.
The seasickness could be an issue, but we have an effective method to prevent it, such as a pressure point bracelet (acupuncture).
Please remember to ask for help whenever needed during your tour.
As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns prior to your tour, either through email or a quick chat on the phone! We’re here to help!
Can children swim with whale sharks?
Children are the most adventurous and they are welcome on the tour.
All children above the age of two can swim with the Whale Sharks. Children can go swimming with a parent, guide or any adult. As well, we supply all gear suitable for children.
We don’t recommend infants and toddlers younger than two years of age, however if it’s necessary you’re more than welcome to bring your child if there are good sea conditions. Please contact us to let us know, and we will advise you on the best day to bring your infant. Additionally, please keep in mind that we will be boating for approx. six hours in total.
Children under the age of 4 join the tour for free, however they must pay the Natural Reserve Fee of just $13 USD.
Children between 4 and 11 years old pay a reduced price. Reduced prices for children between 4-11 years of age appear in the form upon booking your tour.
Please let us know if you have additional questions relating to young children and infants.
Can people with disabilities swim with whale sharks?
We know how important this experience is for you. We also understand that you may need more assistance and we are happy to assist you!
When onboard and in the water, remember to take your time, keep calm and enjoy, we will always be assisting you.
We’ll set you up at in the most comfortable and calm location of the speedboat.
The boat’s edge is 2.5 feet (0.7 mts) above the surface of the water. With the help of your guide and sailor, it’s easy and safe to accompany anyone into the water.
Lastly, we also have snorkeling masks with prescription if you wear glasses. Please let us know in your reservation if you need us to provide you with a prescription mask.
Need more information? Please feel free to contact us through email or phone!
Can I swim with whale sharks if I'm staying in Cozumel?
If you’re staying in Cozumel and you want to swim with the Whale Sharks, then you have to take the ferry to Playa del Carmen. The cost of the ferry is not included in the tour’s price, however your ground transportation to and from Playa del Carmen is included.
The tour begins with your guide picking you up at Playa del Carmen’s ferry terminal.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any Whale Sharks in Cozumel and at this time, it isn’t possible to go to the Whale Shark area with a speed boat from Cozumel!
All Whale Shark speed boats depart from piers in Cancun or Isla Mujeres.
Therefore, we recommend that clients staying in Cozumel should take the 05:45 AM ferry which arrives in the Playa del Carmen pier at 06:30. One of our Ocean Tours’ guides will be waiting for you at “Señor Frog’s” front door, just 60 feet from the ferry exit. From there, the guide will accompany you to your van with A/C, bottled water and an experienced driver ready to go. Your guide will be with you during the entire tour.
When we return from the tour, your guide will take you to the ferry pier in Playa del Carmen so you can take the 4:00 PM ferry back to Cozumel.
If the 05:45 AM Ferry is too early for you, then you can take a later ferry only if you do a Private Whale Shark Tour with us.
Curious about our Private Whale Shark Tour? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to see if this tour is the right fit for you!
For more information on the ferry schedule visit this link.
Are whale sharks endangered?
Whale Sharks are considered "vulnerable to extinction" and are in the Red List of Threatened Species.
They are in danger due to threats resulting from human activities, including non-biodegradable sunscreen, plastic/waste/toxins/oil spills in the ocean, cutting the fins off sharks, being caught in fishing nets, and even for sport.
