Whale Watching · SWIM WITH WHALES EXPERIENCES

The 15 Best Swim With Whales Experiences

34 tours  ·  from $60 a head

Very few places license anyone to get in the water with a whale, and the ones that do cap the numbers hard. These 15 cover French Polynesia, Tonga and the Australian permits, priced, with the season and the rules for each.

Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive - Starting with a reef snorkel
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Swim with Whales Experiences, Swim with Whales Experiences in Australia, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Snorkeling, Whale Shark Snorkeling in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive

1.Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · from $444Our pick

Spend about eight hours on Ningaloo Reef, following a spotter plane to whale sharks and stopping to snorkel with turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and more. Three Islands supplies gear, meals, drinks, a safety tender, hotel transfers, and underwater photos, with a maximum of 20 people aboard.

“Amazing experience! The crew was dynamic, competent, interesting and friendly. All day was very well organized and respectfull for the whale sharks and their environment. Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks - The main event: snorkeling beside whale sharks
Cancun Whale Watching Tours, Mexico Whale Watching Tours, Swim with Whales Experiences, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Snorkeling, Whale Shark Snorkeling in Mexico, Whale Watching Tours

Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks

2.Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 380 reviews · 7 - 7.5 hours · from $160

From May to September, join EcoColors Tours for a small-group whale shark trip from Cancún. Guides such as Omar, Arturo, Naara, and Alex lead the snorkel sessions, with lunch, drinks, gear, and a swim near Isla Mujeres included. Dolphins, turtles, and manta rays may appear along the way.

“They guys were absolutely lovely and explained everything and OMG we’ve seen quite few whale sharks such an amazing experience swimming with them, although I was a bit scared at first! I’d go back and do it again 😊”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Dream ltd - Whales watching and swim with dolphins - The search for sperm whales and other large cetaceans
Mauritius Whale Watching Tours, Swim with Whales Experiences, Tour Reviews, Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Dream ltd – Whales watching and swim with dolphins

3.Whale Dream ltd – Whales watching and swim with dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 308 reviews

Leave Rivière Noire at 6am with Whale Dream’s crew, using a hydrophone to find sperm whales, pilot whales, humpbacks, or dolphins. You may swim only with dolphins, then snorkel with provided gear. The private boat fits up to four and includes snacks and soft drinks.

“Good and trustworthy company for the whales tour. They are taking deposits from clients so you know for sure that the trip will take place. Other companies are often cancelling the trips last minute so Whale Dream is a safe choice. 😊”

Check availability →Read our full review

Swimming with Whales in Moorea (Half Day tour) - Four hours on the water around Moorea
French Polynesia Whale Watching Tours, Half-Day Whale Watching in French Polynesia, Half-Day Whale Watching in Moorea, Half-Day Whale Watching Tours, Moorea Whale Watching Tours, Swim with Whales Experiences, Swim with Whales Experiences in French Polynesia, Swim with Whales Experiences in Moorea, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Day Trips, Whale Watching Tours

Swimming with Whales in Moorea (Half Day tour)

4.Swimming with Whales in Moorea (Half Day tour)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 264 reviews · from $305

Spend about four hours on a Moorea Expedition boat searching for humpback whales from July through late November. You may enter the water with whales, dolphins, rays, or sharks. Guides such as Johnny, Joe, and Laura provide safety instructions, but you must be a confident open-water swimmer.

“This was an amazing experience from pick up to drop off. Taxi was on time at resort and super pleasant. Johnny and his captain were tremendous, safety was a priority for the whales and participants. He explained everything wonderfully and offered in both French and English. We were able to make two entries into the water the first with a mom and two calves and the second the same, except from the boat you could see there were two pods meeting up. The captain and Johnny navigating to the second entry point was amazing to watch — how they understood the ocean, whales and movements. We didn’t focus on taking…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Tour - Observe and swim with whales - What swimming with whales actually demands
French Polynesia Whale Watching Tours, Moorea Whale Watching Tours, Swim with Whales Experiences, Swim with Whales Experiences in French Polynesia, Swim with Whales Experiences in Moorea, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Tour – Observe and swim with whales

5.Whale Tour – Observe and swim with whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 257 reviews · from $270

Spend about four hours off Moorea searching for humpback whales, dolphins, sharks, and turtles. Guides such as Joaquin, Carlos, Tamuti, Ike, Alfred, Amo, and Mankato have been praised for spotting animals and guiding swimmers. Expect small groups, snorkeling gear, water, and a possible lagoon stop with stingrays and reef sharks.

“These guys were amazing. They are very friendly, and professional. The tour was really nice, and fun, everybody of the crew were in a good mod making the ride very pleasant. The tour pick up us on time. Gave us snorkeling equipment. They explain everything that we were supposed to do, and not to do (both in English and French). Also they have a profissional photographer that you can buy photos and videos at the end. Makes our life so much easier, and your experience so much better, totally worth it. 10/10”

Check availability →Read our full review

Swim with humpback whales - The boat ride from the lagoon to open water
French Polynesia Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in French Polynesia, Humpback Whale Tours in Moorea, Moorea Whale Watching Tours, Swim with Whales Experiences, Swim with Whales Experiences in French Polynesia, Swim with Whales Experiences in Moorea, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Swim with humpback whales

6.Swim with humpback whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · from $264

Set out from Moorea at 8:30 am with Corallina Tours for three to four hours on the lagoon and open ocean. Guides such as Francesca and Tamahere lead whale swims, then take you to rays and black-tip sharks. Snorkel gear and water are included.

“Although we saw whales, it's unfortunate that the whales were constantly moving, so we couldn't swim together with them.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Swimming with the Whale Sharks - Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth) - How the whale shark search works
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Swim with Whales Experiences, Swim with Whales Experiences in Australia, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Snorkeling, Whale Shark Snorkeling in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

Swimming with the Whale Sharks – Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth)

7.Swimming with the Whale Sharks – Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · from $451

Spend about 6 to 8 hours aboard Ningaloo Blue from Exmouth, with two or more guided snorkel sessions, reef wildlife, lunch, gear, and hotel transport. Whale sharks are sought from April to August, humpback whales from September to November. Crew members Brad and Spencer have been praised for their calm, friendly guidance.

“A great day out with plenty of sightings/ swims with whale sharks and even a close encounter with a humpback whale and calf! Particularly lucky to have had smooth seas and little wind. All making it a fantastic day.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Explore Komodo and Swim with Whale Sharks - Whale sharks on the second day
Swim with Whales Experiences, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Snorkeling, Whale Watching Tours

Explore Komodo and Swim with Whale Sharks

8.Explore Komodo and Swim with Whale Sharks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 138 reviews · from $300

Spend four days at sea between Lombok and Labuan Bajo, with whale shark swimming, Komodo National Park, Pink Beach, Padar Island, waterfalls, and snorkeling stops. Agus, Aldi, Rio, Captain Sosro, and the crew are associated with these departures. Deck class, meals, and water are included, while cabins require advance checking.

“Amazing boat tour! We visited incredible beaches, saw a lot of animals and ate a lot of good food. 10/10! Would recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private tour observing and swimming with humpback whales in Moorea - Rays, sharks, turtles, and the two bays
French Polynesia Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in French Polynesia, Humpback Whale Tours in Moorea, Moorea Whale Watching Tours, Private, Private Whale Watching Charters, Private Whale Watching Charters in French Polynesia, Swim with Whales Experiences, Swim with Whales Experiences in French Polynesia, Swim with Whales Experiences in Moorea, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Private tour observing and swimming with humpback whales in Moorea

9.Private tour observing and swimming with humpback whales in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · from $1,640

Spend four hours aboard Mana’hau with guides such as Nicky, Fabien, Lolo, or Lingee, seeking humpback whales from July to November. Swim or snorkel with marine life, visit Moorea’s bays, and try the towed subwin board on a private trip for up to eight people.

“Such a wonderful experience with our guide, Nicki, and her father! Knowledgeable and personable, they geared the trip to our needs and wants. We never felt rushed as we snorkeled with stingrays, sharks, and turtles. And you cannot beat the scenery!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Swim with Humpback Whales - Ningaloo Reef - 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive - Leaving Exmouth for an eight-hour day
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in Australia, Swim with Whales Experiences, Swim with Whales Experiences in Australia, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Snorkeling, Whale Shark Snorkeling in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

Swim with Humpback Whales – Ningaloo Reef – 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive

10.Swim with Humpback Whales – Ningaloo Reef – 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 120 reviews · from $430

Spend about eight hours with Three Islands Whale Shark Dive at Ningaloo Reef, using a spotter plane to locate humpbacks and other wildlife. Crew members including Sarah, Mel, Amy, Nos, and pilot Tif provide gear, meals, safety help, photography, and guided snorkel time.

“Excellent crew, great lunch and Awesome experience. With a double wamm of snorkelling with a whale shatk”

Check availability →Read our full review

Funchal: Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins Cruise - What the marine biologist adds
Cruises & Boat Tours, Funchal Whale Watching Tours, Portugal Whale Watching Tours, Swim with Whales Experiences, Tour Reviews, Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale and Dolphin Tours in Portugal, Whale Watching Tours

Funchal: Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins Cruise

11.Funchal: Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 111 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $94

Meet at Store 35 in Funchal for a 2.5-hour small-group cruise aboard a fast semi-rigid boat. A marine biologist explains local sea life while land-based lookouts help locate whales and dolphins. You may also swim with dolphins and turtles, though swimming depends on the animals encountered.

“Ogladaliśmy z bliska dwa gatunki waleni, łacznie 4 stada. Niestety tym razem nie udało się przeprowadzić pływania z delfinami. Mimo to, zecydowanie polecam, świetny kapitan i doskonała Pani przewodnik która szczegółowo opowiedziała grupie masę ciekawostek na temat morskich ssaków.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Puerto Princesa: Swim with Whale Sharks Boat Cruise - How the crew searches for whale sharks
Cruises & Boat Tours, Philippines Whale Watching Tours, Swim with Whales Experiences, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Snorkeling, Whale Shark Snorkeling in the Philippines, Whale Watching Tours

Puerto Princesa: Swim with Whale Sharks Boat Cruise

12.Puerto Princesa: Swim with Whale Sharks Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 93 reviews · 6.5 hours · from $60Best value

Set out from Puerto Princesa’s Baywalk with an English-speaking guide and crew who track whale sharks through local sightings and natural signs such as seabirds. You’ll receive mask, snorkel, fins, lunch, and hotel transfers, but sightings remain wild and never guaranteed.

“the best thing ive ever done it my life it was amazing so ethical such a surreal experience”

Check availability →Read our full review

Swim with Whales in Gold Coast - Swimming beside the floating rope
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Gold Coast Whale Watching Tours, Swim with Whales Experiences, Swim with Whales Experiences in Australia, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Swim with Whales in Gold Coast

13.Swim with Whales in Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 71 reviews · from $80

From Southport, you’ll board Game Changer for a two-and-a-half-hour search for humpback whales. You can swim or watch from the deck. Wetsuit, life jacket, and snorkel gear are supplied, but the whales decide if and when they come close.

“was such an amazing experience, don’t they if you they don’t come straight away! they do end up coming and it is such and amazing experience we even saw some dolphins! just be prepared if the waves are choppy !”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale shark encounter Private tour - swim with whale shark cancun - Breakfast at Restaurant Mandinga
Mexico Whale Watching Tours, Playa del Carmen Whale Watching Tours, Private, Private Whale Watching Charters, Private Whale Watching Charters in Mexico, Swim with Whales Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Shark Snorkeling, Whale Shark Snorkeling in Mexico, Whale Watching Tours

Whale shark encounter Private tour – swim with whale shark cancun

14.Whale shark encounter Private tour – swim with whale shark cancun

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $975

From Playa del Carmen, you’ll ride by private boat toward the whale shark area, snorkeling in small rounds of two people with one guide. Guides such as Jane, Abraham, and Nuria are praised for safety and marine knowledge. The day also includes breakfast, refreshments, Isla Mujeres, and hotel pickup.

“An unforgettable private whale shark tour! 🌊 From the moment our guide Abraham and Armando picked us up in Playa del Carmen to the smooth return ride, everything was perfect. Captain Antonio and Steven made us feel safe, cared for, and made sure our sons (3 & 8) had an amazing time—whether swimming with whale sharks or enjoying from the boat.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Swim with Whale Shark from Isla Mujeres and Cancun - The 45-minute ride to the whale sharks
Mexico Whale Watching Tours, Swim with Whales Experiences, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Snorkeling, Whale Shark Snorkeling in Mexico, Whale Watching Tours

Swim with Whale Shark from Isla Mujeres and Cancun

15.Swim with Whale Shark from Isla Mujeres and Cancun

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 52 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $161

Set out from Isla Mujeres in a small group of up to 20, ride about 45 minutes to whale shark waters, and enter two at a time with a guide. Your day also includes breakfast, drinks, sandwiches, reef snorkeling, and fresh ceviche at North Beach. Pickup may be available.

“It was fun for us to see the couple whale shark. They took a video for us with the whale shark. It was awesome. The tour guide also stop at Isla Mujeres for lunch.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scroll to Top

Explore whale watching

Pick an animal, a boat or a season.