No matter how you slice it, a beach vacation in Mexico is pretty amazing. There is much to see and do, and plenty to NOT do as well. Anyone up for a lazy afternoon with a good book? Thought so. But a beachy, dreamy, holiday in Mexico can, in fact, be made even better! How, you ask? Just add awe. Plan your trip at the right time of year, and you may find yourself swimming with whale sharks in Mexico. Oh, the stories you’ll tell!
Picture yourself on a small boat, nothing but blue as far as the eye can see. An expansive blue sky above, reflecting the marvelous blue of the water below. That water is clear, teeming with life, and the glow from the sun feels warm on your skin. The excitement is building. You scan the area surrounding you just as a 30-foot whale shark glides by, as big as the boat you’re on. Its wide, flat body, dark color, and patterned spots are breathtaking, jaw-dropping. You’ve seen pictures, but wow. Is this really happening, is this a dream? And just then, your guide says it’s time to dive in. Let the fun begin.
Know Before You Go: Best Time To See Whale Sharks In Mexico
If you’re heading to the Yucatan Peninsula to swim with whale sharks… places like Cancun, Isla Mujeres, or Isla Holbox… plan your visit between June and September.
Snorkeling with Whales Sharks in Isla Mujeres
If that timing doesn’t work with your vacation calendar, give Cabo a try instead… the prime time to swim with these beauties off Baja California in the Bay of La Paz and Sea of Cortez is from October to May.
Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour From Cabo San Lucas
Swimming With Whale Sharks In Mexico: Rules & Regs
The global whale shark population has plummeted more than 50% over the last 75 years, so it’s easy to understand why they are now on the endangered list. And as you may have guessed, the incredible privilege of swimming with whale sharks comes with rules that need to be followed.
To ensure the safety of both you and the whale sharks, only two people per guide are allowed in the water at a time. So, if you’re part of a group tour with around 10 people, you can expect to take a dip in the water at least once for sure, for several minutes. If you like the idea of spending more quality time with these awe-inspiring creatures, we highly recommend booking a private guide or an exclusive whale shark excursion just for yourself.
Swim with Whale Sharks Tour in Holbox Departing Cancun & Riviera Maya.
Bring biodegradable sunblock to protect yourself and the marine ecosystem. And when you’re in the water, maintain a safe distance of at least three feet from the whale shark’s body and a whopping 10 feet from its tail. Safety first, amigos!
Other rules include no jet skis, no diving, and definitely no touching the whale sharks! No camera flashes either. As an alternative, GoPros are highly recommended. In fact, the guides on our Whale Sharks Adventure tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya are more than happy to either rent you one for $50 or help you get your own GoPro set up.
A Word About the Weather
Keep in mind that nature is fickle and sea conditions play a significant role in a safe whale shark encounter. If the ocean is choppy, not only is seasickness more likely, but it also becomes more challenging to spot the whale shark groups. Side note: do not drink too much alcohol the day before your trip, or eat too big of a breakfast the morning of. Both of these contribute to seasickness.
Another thing to consider is that if it has rained recently, the whale sharks tend to stay below the surface and out of sight. So, it’s essential to be flexible and check in with your tour provider about ocean conditions. Take a look at the weather in the days leading up to the tour, and if it looks like conditions may be unfavorable, with enough notice, it’s possible that your tour can be changed.
As our favorite whale shark tour guide says: “The goal is to see whale sharks. If conditions will prohibit that, and it’s at all possible, tour providers want people to have a good experience and will do what they can to make that happen.”
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres: July Whale Shark Festival
For those planning a Cancun trip in mid-to-late July, you’re in for a treat! That’s when the Isla Mujeres Department of Tourism hosts the amazing Whale Shark Festival. This family-friendly festival raises awareness of the urgent need to preserve the area’s precious marine ecosystem. Isla Mujeres is part of the second largest barrier reef on the planet, so it’s crucial that it remain protected for not just whale sharks but sea turtles, manta rays, water birds, and all other marine life.
Most Whale Shark Tours in Cancun Take you to Isla Holbox or Isla Mujeres
As you now know, these majestic whale sharks are endangered… meaning they are at risk of extinction in the wild. So it truly is such a privilege to spend time with them. It’s almost too much. Put your conscience to rest by choosing a knowledgeable and experienced tour company that respects whale sharks and their habitat. And you’re in luck because we did the research for you. It was tough, but someone had to take the tours and make friends with all the operators!
The endangered status of whale sharks means that Mexican conservation authorities have taken steps to protect them, which is great. Even so, in Cancun alone, there are around 120 boats with permits to swim with whale sharks, so it can get quite crowded. That’s why our operators there prefer to go out earlier in the morning. This way they’re one of the first out there, and you definitely get a chance to spend precious time swimming with the whale sharks at least once, sometimes twice.
Swimming With Whale Sharks In Cancun And Beyond
Get ready to have the time of your life on an unforgettable journey swimming with whale sharks in Mexico! Whether you experience the Whale Sharks Adventure to Isla Contoy on your Cancun holiday or the Cabo Whale Shark Adventure in Cabo San Lucas, you can rest assured that you’re working with people who care. Remember to respect the rules, choose a responsible tour operator, and plan ahead to ensure a safe and magical experience. Let’s make memories and help protect these magnificent creatures for generations to come!
Whale Shark Tours in Cabo Take you to La Paz
Whale Sharks In Mexico FAQ
Where can I swim with whale sharks in Mexico?
One popular destination in Mexico to swim with whale sharks is the area around Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Holbox. Contact us for special discounts! FYI: Lonely Planet rates Holbox as the number one spot for swimming with whale sharks in the world! One other killer destination for swimming with whale sharks in Mexico is Cabo San Lucas, in the Bay of La Paz and the Sea of Cortez. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) also rates Mexico number one for whale sharks.
When is the best time to see whale sharks in Mexico?
The best time to see whale sharks in Mexico is pretty much any time… it just varies depending on the region. In Cancun, the whale shark season typically runs from June to September. See them in the waters near Isla Mujeres and Contoy Island, with incredible opportunities for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts alike.
For the other half of the year, Baja California is the place to be. Peak season for whale sharks here is from October to May. In La Paz and the surrounding areas, visitors can witness these gentle giants congregating in the Sea of Cortez.
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks in Mexico?
Swimming with whale sharks in Mexico is totally safe when following government-established safety guidelines and regulations. These measures are in place to prioritize the well-being of the whale sharks and their environment. Maintaining a safe distance, not touching them, and not using flash photography are some of the most important.
Can I touch the whale sharks in Mexico?
No! Just like all marine life, it’s important to respect them and observe them from a distance.
Swimming with whale sharks in Mexico is a year-round proposition thanks to the October to May season in Cabo and the June to September season in Cancun. All you have to do is decide what works best with your vacation calendar! Treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime experience, gliding peacefully through the water with these amazing creatures.
And it bears repeating… all this privilege brings responsibility. Whale sharks are endangered, with their global population in huge decline over the past 75 years. It’s up to us to choose responsible tour operators who are committed to protecting these creatures! Respect the rules, select a responsible operator, and plan ahead. This way you’ll ensure a safe and unforgettable experience, create lasting memories, and contribute to the preservation of whale sharks for future generations too.
We have been working with our whale shark tour providers in Cancun and Cabo San Lucas for over 15 years and we trust them both to provide you with the most amazing experience swimming with whale sharks in Mexico. We honestly get excited for everyone that books a whale shark excursion (and a little jealous too!). We would love to help you plan your epic Whale shark experience in Mexico too!