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Swim withwhale sharks.
The largest fish in the world, a few metres from your mask. Season: mid-May to mid-September. Departure ≈ 5.45am, afternoon return, groups of 10 people max, English-speaking guide, €160 per adult all inclusive.
The place
The largest whale shark aggregation in the world
Every summer, the waters off Isla Mujeres host the largest gathering of whale sharks on the planet. Up to 12 metres long and completely harmless, the biggest fish in the world comes here to feed on plankton at the surface, mouth wide open, a few metres from your mask. It is an endangered species, so watching it is strictly regulated, and rightly so.
The programme
How the day unfolds.
- SeasonFrom late May to early September
Swimming with whale sharks is only possible during this part of the year.
- ≈ 5.45amDeparture from your hotel
Departure from Playa del Carmen, earlier for hotels to the south. About an hour of driving to Puerto Juárez, near Cancún.
- MorningBreakfast at the port
Breakfast is included: you should not board the boat on an empty stomach. We also offer seasickness tablets half an hour before boarding.
- MorningSailing out to the site
The site changes every day and every year. In some seasons thirty minutes of sailing is enough, in others it can take up to three hours.
- MorningSwimming with whale sharks
In pairs, two entries into the water and sometimes three, with fins, mask, snorkel and life jacket, supervised by our specially trained guides. These giants are most often 4 to 14 m long and feed exclusively on plankton: they are completely harmless. You can also stay on board and enjoy the show.
- MiddayLunch at Playa Norte
The boat heads for the most beautiful beach on Isla Mujeres. Lunch on board or in the water, ceviche and a sandwich for anyone who does not eat fish, then an hour of free time on the beach. Lunch is included.
- Early afternoonReturn
Back to Playa del Carmen for a well-earned rest.
In detail
Included, not included.
- Transport + boat
- Certified supervision
- Snorkelling equipment
- Lunch
- +€5 for hotels south of Playa del Carmen
- Tips
- Non-biodegradable sunscreen not allowed
In your bag
They lived it
Travellers rate “Whale sharks” 4.9/5 on Google (323 reviews).
Gallery
What you will see.
Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask us.
From mid-May to mid-September, peaking in July and August. Outside that window, nobody can seriously sell you this trip.
Never: a regulated distance, no flash, strict supervision. That is the condition for these giants to keep coming back every year.
Being comfortable in the water is enough: a flotation vest is provided and a guide stays beside you each time you get in.
You write to us (form, email or WhatsApp) with your dates, your hotel and how many of you there are; we confirm quickly. A deposit of €10 per person from 3 people (refundable up to 48 h before), the balance on the day in euros, pesos or dollars.
Straight from your hotel or accommodation in Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Puerto Morelos. In Cancún, pick-up is available for Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy (and for groups, on request). The exact time is confirmed the day before on WhatsApp.
Most of them are. We give you all the details when you book: depending on your children’s ages, we will recommend a particular outing, or advise against it.
free
★ 48 h ★
Simple, quick booking
Under-12 prices: ask us · Quick reply, 365 days a year
A deposit of €10 per person from 3 people (refundable up to 48 h), the balance paid on the day.
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