WHALE SHARKS

ABOUT

Experience the breathtaking beauty of these gentle giants in person by participating in our half-day snorkeling tour with the Whale Shark. Get up close and personal with them as you swim alongside them as they gather to feed off the coast of Isla Mujeres and Cancun. While swimming with Whale Sharks can be an incredible experience, it's important to remember that they are still wild animals and should be treated respectfully and cautiously. Please read the guidelines below before booking. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that these amazing creatures continue to thrive for generations.

The Whale Shark tour leaves daily in the morning during the season and is, of course, reliant upon the weather.

Scuba diving with whale sharks is prohibited by the Mexican government. All tours are snorkeling only!

You will head north of Isla Mujeres to the deeper waters of the Caribbean Sea. The travel time to the Whale Shark area is around 1.5 hours, but remember you will be in the sea. We never know where they are or what we can see on the way! Always have your eyes wide open!

Once on the boat, you will get a life vest, mask, snorkel, and fins. The life vest is mandatory while the boat moves and during water activities.

As soon as they are found, the group needs to get ready. There will always be two people and one guide per jump into the water and swim with the whale shark. It is NEVER allowed to touch a whale shark! When you touch a whale shark, you disturb its natural protection and transmit bacteria from the land to a sea animal. They don’t have any natural defenses against our bacteria and can get very sick from it.

You can be in the water for approximately 5 minutes or less for each jump, but that depends on you! Due to the rules, each couple is allowed 2 jumps, so paying attention to all the information provided is important so you can enjoy your time in the water as much as possible.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INCLUSIONS

Snorkel equipment and life jacket. Wetsuits can be rented extra if you wish. The price is: $15

Water and soft drinks and a final stop to relax at Playa Norte with some freshly prepared ceviche as lunch (ceviche can be fish or shrimp)

In case you do not have your own camera, you have the possibility to purchase a USB with unedited pictures of your experience with the sharks for an extra $45

TOUR TIPS

If you're planning on visiting during the peak migration season, which is from June through to September, you should keep a few things in mind.

Firstly, it's important to book your tour in advance. These tours tend to fill up quickly, and numbers are restricted for the animals' welfare.

Secondly, hire a photographer. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a memory you will never want to forget, so we highly recommend professional photographers who can capture it for you.

Finally, always follow the rules and regulations shown below. They are put in place to ensure that we can not only protect the welfare of the Whalesharks but also keep tourists safe and allow the tours to continue in a sustainable manner for many years to come.

RULES FOR WHALE SHARK TOURS

Please be aware that we will visit a Federal Natural Protected area.  These rules are from the Mexican government for all tour operators and for the protection of the animals. Please read the following:

1.      Touching the whale sharks is absolutely forbidden.

2.      There are only 2 people allowed with a guide in the water at one time.

3.      There is a maximum of 2 jumps per couple.

4.      Please keep the proper distance from the whale shark. 2 meters from the front area and 5 meters from the tail. They swim by moving their tail from side to side and can accidentally hit us.

5.      No sunscreen is allowed in the area. They are filter feeders, and these products are made of oils and other ingredients. When we enter the water, they get washed away and stay on the water's surface, where they come to feed. If you would like to apply some (only Biodegradable ones) on your face and hands, which are usually the most unprotected areas, you can do it before getting on the boat. For the rest of your body, please cover it with t-shirts, towels, rash guards, hats, etc.

6.      You are only allowed in the water when more than 5 whale sharks have been sighted.

7.      If you see at least 1 whale shark, this is considered a successful sighting. 

8.      You are not allowed to bring any alcohol on the boat.

9.      You must wear a life vest, with or without a wetsuit, while in the water. There are no exceptions. 

 There is no refund if you don’t see any whale sharks.

Children are allowed on the whale shark tour. There are no age restrictions, although we highly recommend making a responsible decision about children entering the water based on their abilities and the conditions at the site.

There are no tours on the 30th of every month.