Cancun Whale Shark Tours
Swimming with Whale sharks Mexico

• 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.

• Is the tour guided?

  The Whale Shark Tour in Cancun is 100% guided. We offer professional guides in multiple languages.

  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 Whale Sharks snorkeling in Cancun 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.

• Do Cancun 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.

• 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 tours" 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 on any particular day. The main difference is that the waters around Isla Mujeres are warm, clear, and blue, while 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?

  We will pick you up at your hotel or accommodation at the beginning of the day and drop you off at the end of the day. Round-trip transportation is included in the cost of the tour.

• 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 different prevention methods for free: Dramamine, ginger tea, and pressure point bracelets. In the unlikely case that 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 that the client ends the day completely satisfied, that's why we allow you to swim with the Whale Sharks for as long as possible.

  Our idea is that you enter the water at least 2 times, however, it all depends on the sea conditions, how many sharks there are and your own swimming skills.

  It is important to consider that we will remain in the area between 2 to 3 hours approximately.

• Do I have to bring my own snorkeling gear?

  We have professional snorkel equipment, sanitized after each use.

• Do I have to bring food and drinks?

  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 which also includes drinks to complete your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  We have vegetarian and gluten-free food. It is important to request it when making the reservation.

• Can I bring my camera?

  You are welcome to bring your own camera. For the entire whale shark tour, 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 digital copy.

  Regardless of age, all people entering the Whale Shark watching 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?

  For your safety, pregnant women will not be allowed on the whale shark tour.

• Can children swim with whale sharks?

  Children are the most adventurous and they are welcome on the tour.

  All children above the age of 3 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.

  Children 3-11 years old pay child price.

  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?

  Our whale shark tour starts with an early pick up.

  At this moment there is no early ferry to get you on time for our shared service. You can consider a one night stay in Playa del Carmen before the tour or you can get a private tour.

• 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.

• Whale Shark Season begins on June 1 and ends on September 17 each year. Can I do the tour at a different time of the year?

  Unfortunately it is not possible since this tour is regulated by the Mexican authorities who grant licenses for short periods starting June 1 to September 17 only for the conservation of the species.

• About Covid:

  We continue with all COVID FREE measures, according to the authorities tell us.

  We have prescription masks (-1 to -5). It is important to request it when making the reservation.

Our first concern is the total satisfaction of our clients!

We’ve developed the most complete Whale Shark tour, covering every need of our clients.

• We are the Tour Operator

  Every service and every part of the tour is directly operated by Ocean Tours. This is why we’re able to guarantee an excellent and high quality service. Most of the web pages you see are simply selling tours as a middle-man, providing little to no guarantee of quality, safety or assurance. Here, you buy directly from the tour operator.

• We make it happen!

  We’ll give you all opportunities necessary to make sure you see the Whale Shark. We understand that this is not an inexpensive tour and that you even have to wake up very early to be on time, so with that in mind, we do as much as possible to make this an experience of a lifetime. Even if some days are difficult and the Whale Sharks aren’t as abundant in numbers, we’ll continue to do our best to swim enough times.

• Top-rated Whale Shark Tour Operator

  Ocean Tours is the No. 1 Whale Shark tour operator & supplier in TripAdvisor in the entire Mayan Riviera, and we’re the only tour operator with a full 5-Star Rating and Certificate of Excellence with TripAdvisor.

• Small Groups

  We only take small groups of clients with a maximum boat capacity of 10 people, so that we can create an environment that’s personalized & comfortable, giving you that “private tour feeling” without the “private tour price”.

• We guarantee that you swim with the Whale Sharks!

  We provide a no-hassle 100% Guarantee to watch & swim with the Whale Sharks in Mexico. If you don’t see a single Shark on your tour, you can reschedule, or receive a certificate to do the tour again. We are flexible so the situation can be evaluated if necessary.

• Seasickness Prevention

  We do everything possible to prevent seasickness from happening to our guests, which is why we offer three prevention methods FOR FREE, such as dramamine, ginger tea, and pressure point bracelets. Again, all prevention methods are free of any charge!

• Prescription Snorkeling Mask

  If you wear glasses, we can provide you with a prescription snorkeling mask, at no extra cost, so you can properly see the Whale Sharks underwater. All you need to do is give us advance notice during the time of booking your tour with us!

• Vegetarian Lunch

  Upon request, we’re able to provide vegetarian options to our guests. You’ll be simply delighted! Featuring a delicious pasta salad with olive oil, fresh tomatoes and olives, served with guacamole, tortilla chips, and fruit. Our breakfast is also vegetarian.

• Get your Pictures with the Whale Sharks

  We make sure there’s a photographer in each boat, and you can purchase all pictures and HD videos taken with a GoPro camera during your tour. You also can take your own aquatic camera.

• Professional Guides

  Our guides are enthusiastic, experienced, knowledgeable, safe, and most importantly, they love what they do! The whole team will make your tour an unforgettable experience.

• We Care

  We take three crew members on each boat to ensure all your needs are taken care of and to also ensure that you swim as much as you like: captain, sailor/guide, bilingual guide/photographer.

• 17 Years of Experience operating Whale Shark Tour

  We have over 17 years of experience in operating Whale Shark tours as Ocean Tours, starting way back in 2005. Because of this experience, we’ve developed the expertise, knowledge, and truly honed our craft of finding Whale Sharks when no one else can.

• Best Snorkeling Gear

  We provide only the highest quality snorkeling equipment, with a water-release valve in the snorkel that makes it much easier to expel any water that may enter. It also improves breathing, allowing you to jump in right away with the Whale Sharks, without being hindered by your equipment.

• We go the Extra Mile

  On every tour, our captain and guide are experienced in locating and spotting Turtles, Sailfish, Dolphins and Manta Rays to make your experience even more amazing!