4.8 (1.2 k) · Isla Mujeres · By Isla Fun Tours Free cancellation Likely to sell out
Embark on an incredible adventure to swim with whale sharks, an experience only available from May to September. This is a truly unforgettable journey!
Our 32 ft. boat ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, even in rough seas.
Your adventure includes transportation, a guide fluent in English, snorkeling equipment, a light lunch, and beverages.
Swimming with whale sharks is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Our primary objective is to locate and swim with whale sharks. Our crew is dedicated to this goal, but please remember that this is their natural habitat, not a controlled environment. They are not trained or confined, and you are visiting their home. As we do not feed them, we cannot guarantee a sighting, although our success rate is high.
✓ Soft drinks✓ Bottled water✓ Lunch✓ Snacks✓ Snorkeling gear✕ Alcoholic drinks✕ GoPro footage (available for purchase)✕ Transport on Isla Mujeres✕ Environmental tax and dock fee: $10.00 USD in cash per person, payable on the day of your tourActivity Schedule
6 h
Experience the thrill of swimming alongside the planet's largest fish on a whale shark snorkeling adventure. Explore the Caribbean Sea in search of whale sharks in their natural habitat, and keep an eye out for dolphins, manta rays, and flying fish as they leap and thrive.
From June to September, hundreds of whale sharks gather north of Isla Mujeres, creating the world's largest whale shark congregation! This trip offers you the chance to swim alongside these magnificent creatures. The excitement of snorkeling so close to the ocean's biggest fish is an unforgettable feeling!
After approximately a 50-minute boat ride, we will reach the designated area. Once there, you will snorkel and swim with the whale sharks. Participants will enter the water in pairs, accompanied by a certified guide at all times. We aim for two entries per person, but this depends on sea conditions, the number of sharks present, and your swimming abilities. Remember, they are in their natural habitat, and sightings are not guaranteed, though our success rate is high.
Join us!
Your ticket can be presented as a mobile or paper copy. One ticket is required per booking.
From Isla Mujeres: Black Pearl dock in the town center, located behind the Perla Negra Store.
From Cancun: Punta Sam Ferry terminal.
From Isla Mujeres: Black Pearl dock in the town center, located behind the Perla Negra Store.
From Cancun: Punta Sam Ferry terminal.
Pick-up service is available from your hotel in Cancun, the Mayan Riviera, or Playa del Carmen.
If you are staying on Isla Mujeres, please make your way to the designated meeting point: the Black Pearl dock in the town center, behind the Perla Negra Store.
While the likelihood of encountering whale sharks is very high, we cannot guarantee sightings.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. This activity is not recommended for individuals with spinal injuries. This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers. This activity is not recommended for individuals with cardiovascular health concerns. Participants should possess at least a moderate level of physical fitness. This activity is not recommended for those prone to seasickness. Sunscreen is prohibited in the whale shark interaction area; wearing a long-sleeved shirt is advised. From Playa and Mayan Riviera Round-trip transportation is included. We will contact you the day before to confirm your pick-up time, which may vary based on your hotel's location. Pick-up included. From Isla Mujeres From Cancun and Costa Mujeres Round-trip transportation is included. We will contact you the day before to confirm your pick-up time, which may vary based on your hotel's location. Pick-up included. Book in advance, especially during peak season (May-September). Bring cash for the environmental tax and dock fee. Wear a long-sleeved rash guard instead of sunscreen to protect the whale sharks. Be prepared for a boat ride; consider medication if you are prone to seasickness. Listen carefully to your guide's instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience. Respect the marine life and their environment. A full refund will be issued if you cancel at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 296927P4
Activity offered by Isla Fun Tours via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adventure seekers Nature lovers Snorkelers Wildlife enthusiasts Swim with majestic whale sharks in their natural habitat. Experience the largest whale shark gathering in the world. Guided tour with expert crew. Snorkeling equipment provided. Light lunch and drinks included. Comfortable boat ride.
Population 13,174 (2020)
Elevation 1 m
Currency peso
Official languages Spanish, Nahuatl, Yucatec Maya
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 127 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Mexico City Average temperatures 24° Jan 25° Feb 25° Mar 27° Apr 28° May 28° Jun 28° Jul 28° Aug 28° Sept 27° Oct 25° Nov 25° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
When is the best time to see whale sharks? + The whale shark season typically runs from June to September, when hundreds congregate north of Isla Mujeres.
Can I guarantee a sighting of whale sharks? + While we have a high success rate, whale sharks are wild animals in their natural habitat, and sightings cannot be guaranteed as they are not trained or confined.
What should I wear to protect myself from the sun? + Sunscreen is not allowed in the whale shark area. We recommend wearing a long-sleeved shirt.
What is included in the tour? + The tour includes transportation (from Cancun/Mayan Riviera/Playa del Carmen), a guide, snorkeling gear, a light lunch, and drinks.
Is there an extra fee? + Yes, there is an environmental tax and dock use fee of $10.00 USD in cash per person, payable on the day of your tour.
★★★★★ Viator review
Best bucket list
shannon_b, September 2026
Went as a buck list. They were amazing. You do have to boat about 1 hrs to 1.5 hrs out to find the whale sharks. If you get seasick, take something!!! Then they take you to a island . They made us homemade guacamole on the boat and something else like salsa and white fish. That was to die for!!!!!!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Super Excursion!!
Paradise48015904958, September 2026
Captain Juan and Bernie made this trip on the nanoshark an excellent adventure. We saw dolphins jumping out of the water and we saw two whale sharks. We also snorkeled a beautiful reef and had a nice lunch. It was a great time and a great memory. You gotta try it!
★★★★★ Viator review
The absolute best...
Courtney_S, September 2026
The absolute best experience and crew. Our captain/diver were absolutely amazing! It couldn’t have been more special
★★★★★ Viator review
We loved!
Reginaldo_B, September 2026
We loved. All worked as we desired. The boat, crew and all was great.
We recommend this trip, but watch the ocean conditions since is far away.
We were very lucky with the weather.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
I loved the experience.
abisisarap, September 2026
An excellent experience, the guide Felipe and the captain Lolo do an excellent job, they were attentive to us the whole time and took great care of us, they provided very good service and were very kind to the whole group.
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