Swim With Whale Sharks In Cancun Or Isla Mujeres

Every year from the month of May whale sharks migrate to Mexican waters due to the large amount of nutrients that is found in the Caribbean Sea and this is the higlight of the year because allows all lovers of nature and marine life to live a bucket list experience and swim with whale sharks in Cancun.

There are three areas in the mexican east coast where whale shark tours leave from:

  • Cancun
  • Isla Mujeres
  • Isla Holbox

So which is the best tour option to swim with whale sharks?

Before you book this experience, here are some tips that will help you decide.

These three locations usually go to the same area that is near Isla Contoy. Isla Contoy is closer to Isla Mujeres and Cancun.

So our professional recommendation will be:

  • If you’re staying in Isla Mujeres, choose to depart form there and it is often the closest starting location to the whale shark area (about 40 minutes boat ride).
  • If you’re staying in Cancun and Riviera Maya, choose to leave from Cancun, confirming that the tour operator offers roundtrip transportation from your hotel or AirBnb to drop you off at the dock in Cancun where the boats start their journey (about 50 minutes boat ride).
  • Consider that Holbox is a little further (an estimated two hours), and usually on the boat ride from Holbox before reaching Isla Contoy the captain and guides spot some whale sharks and decide to do the activitiy there in greenish waters and not with more clear water.

To swim close to the biggest fish in the world may be done in a few places of the world, nevertheless the area between Cancun, Isla Holbox, isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy is the most privileged one as it gathers the major population of this animal in the world.

The best months to observe and snorkel with these fantastic animals are June, July, August and the first days of September.

This wonderful animal can reach a length of 12m and the average is around 8m. It is an animal revered by cultures around the world due to its incomparable beauty and gentleness, despite its enormous size.

This activity is really amazing and does not represent any danger as the whale sharks feed on small shrimp, fish and plankton.

What to Expect for an Isla Mujeres Or Cancun Whale Sharks Swim tour with Gluup?

You will be picked up at your hotel lobby or place of accommodation in Cancun or Riviera Maya to arrive in Punta Sam where you’ll register and enjoy a continental breakfast before taking the boat.

After breakfast, the expedition will begin by a boat ride of 40-50 minutes from Isla Mujeres or Cancun to the north, where you can enjoy these majestic animals without all other boats that are normally in the area, since at 7 am you will start your journey, so you will be one of the firsts to arrive to the whale shark area to probably have a unique and exclusive experience with the largest fish in the ocean.

Once you reach the whale shark area you will spend around 3 hours snorkeling and swimming with the whale sharks; 2 people per shark accompanied by a certified guide at all times, and if you are lucky you will also be able to see huge Mantas!

After snorkeling, and once everyone is on board, the crew will give you some sandwiches as you return to the North Beach of Isla Mujeres (listed as one of the most beautiful in the world) to have a delicious shrimp ceviche, guacamole, fruit and French fries. All this within the Caribbean Sea with the water to the waist.

After the tour “Swim with the Whale Shark from Isla Mujeres or Cancun” we will take you back to Punta Sam around 1-2 pm and the vans will drop you off at your hotel.

THE SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS TOUR IN ISLA MUJERES OR CANCUN IS AVAILABLE ONLY FROM MAY 15TH TO SEPTEMBER 17TH OF EACH YEAR.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to meet the largest fish in the ocean and immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean! Let's go SEA THE PLANET!