Whale Watching · WHALE SHARK SNORKELING IN MEXICO

The 15 Best Whale Shark Snorkeling in Mexico

68 tours  ·  from $49 a head

The good whale shark snorkeling in Mexico fill up weeks ahead in season and the best ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos - Looking for whale sharks in their feeding area
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La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

1.La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,066 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $259Our pick

Ride from Los Cabos to La Paz, board a panga, and snorkel beside migrating whale sharks with guides such as Mario and Joe. Your $259 includes hotel transport, wetsuit, gear, drinks, and Baja-style fish tacos. Plan for an early, active day and possible weather or wildlife cancellations.

“Should be aware there is a good chance this will be canceled due to low whale shark activity. We had the misfortune of being up for a 6am pick up, register and wait in Cabo marina for an hour to find out it was canceled. Still haven't received my refund. Not ideal 😕”

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Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun - Why the small group matters
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Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun

2.Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 951 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $155

Swim with whale sharks near Isla Mujeres from May through September on a six-hour boat trip capped at 10 people. Felipe, Lolo, and other certified guides manage short, regulated water turns, with snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, lunch, and pickup from Cancun, Riviera Maya, or Playa del Carmen.

“It was great ! The tour operator was one hour late but it didn’t matter , the experience was awesome ! I took Bonnibe ( anti motion sickness ) and it saved me . Others were puking right and left I happened to have anti nausea meds on hand so I could help ease the suffering but it was t a cure . The captain and Joshua were awesome . The maneuver tech boat right in front of the whale sharks mouth . It was awesome ! Then a great ceviche lunch !”

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Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya - The speedboat ride north to the whale shark grounds
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Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya

3.Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 929 reviews · 6 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $199

Leave early for a small-group boat trip to Cancun’s seasonal whale shark grounds. Guides such as Dory, Pia, Diego, and Vanessa help you swim safely with these gentle giants, then serve ceviche near Playa Norte. Expect a long day, rough water, sun, and nature on its own schedule.

“Our tour guide Daniel was a lot of fun. We saw so many whale sharks from the surface as well as in the water. It was a perfect day and by going very early in the morning you still have the rest of the day after the tour to enjoy another activity this is really a once in a lifetime bucket list thing to do.”

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Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya - Hotel pickup from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera Maya
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Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya

4.Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 916 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Set out from Puerto Xtabay with a bilingual naturalist guide and a small boat group of up to 10 participants. Watch for whale sharks, swim beside them in pairs, then stop near Playa Norte for ceviche, sandwiches, and a swim. Pickup covers major Cancun and Riviera Maya hotels.

“Nice experience to swim ( very shortly) with this beautiful animal. Hotel pick up was perfectly on time, sea was quite rough and after a few days of rain in that area, it was extremely hard to find whale shark due to fact that plankton was not at surface, so whale sharks also not at surface, but finally, after long cruising, they found one and we were happy to have chance to swim with one, even it was very short due to presence of many other boats”

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Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist - What the boat ride and briefing are like
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Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

5.Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 594 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $190

Meet in central La Paz for a roughly three-hour whale shark trip with no more than eight people. A marine biologist such as Angel, Carla, or Karen explains the rules, then guides small groups through several surface swims. Wetsuits, gear, refreshments, permits, insurance, and GoPro footage are included.

“Angel was a fantastic guide, providing us with a fantastic encounter with the whale sharks. Alejandro was a great captain, putting is in perfect position for multiple chances to see the whale sharks. It was a once in a lifetime experience, an absolute must do!”

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Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya - Punta Sam and the early morning start
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Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

6.Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 519 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $170

Leave your Cancun or Playa del Carmen hotel early for a small-group boat trip to the whale shark zone. You’ll swim in 15-minute rounds, snorkel near Isla Mujeres, and eat ceviche on Playa Norte. Guides such as Jane and Dory are praised for calm help in the water.

“Our tour was rescheduled a couple of times and ultimately canceled due to a combination of weather and the fact that there had not been any recent whale shark sightings in the days leading up to the tours. I wanted to leave a positive review since the company handled it so well. I was initially apprehensive to book since I was worried we would spend all day on a boat and not see anything. Because they were keeping track of recent reports, we ended up being able to see lots of other things in Mexico and it got refunded quickly once we cancelled. I recommend booking your tour early in…”

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Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour - The early run to Punta Sam
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Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour

7.Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 399 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $210

Join Contoy Adventures for an early boat trip from Punta Sam into the whale shark protected area. You swim in pairs with a guide, usually two or three times, then stop at Playa Norte for ceviche and beach time. Guides such as Herbert, Angel, Manuel, and Xavier have earned special praise.

“We booked the trip on Viator based on the reviews the company had we either got a bad day or the reviews are not quite what they seem We where staying in Rivera maya which meant the transfer was nearly 2 hours so pick up at 05.20 it’s hard enough getting 4 kids out of bed for that time but the transfer was 20mins late with no apology When we eventually got to the dock to get on the boat it was well organised and lots of people were put on boats quickly and efficiently The Boat was clean but small no toilet just 12 people on the not plus…”

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Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter - Premium Service - The ride into the whale shark zone
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Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter – Premium Service

8.Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter – Premium Service

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 392 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $268

Meet at The Dock Cafe in La Paz for a three-hour whale shark outing limited to seven people. Your English-speaking guide fits you with a wetsuit and snorkel gear, explains sanctuary rules, and helps you swim beside whale sharks two or three times when conditions allow. Photos, video, snacks, and drinks are included.

“Great staff and amazing Sharks. Do this tour. You won’t regret it. Katlin was an amazing guide who knew her sharks and answered all our questions. If you are cruising, do this trip!!!!”

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Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks - The main event: snorkeling beside whale sharks
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Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks

9.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 😊”

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Whale Shark and Snorkeling Adventure from Isla Holbox - Manta rays, turtles, dolphins, and the open-water search
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Whale Shark and Snorkeling Adventure from Isla Holbox

10.Whale Shark and Snorkeling Adventure from Isla Holbox

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 214 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $199

Leave Isla Holbox at 6:30 a.m. with an experienced guide such as Gustavo, Eddie, or Diego. Search for whale sharks in Yum Balam Reserve, swim in pairs when conditions allow, snorkel near Cabo Catoche, and eat fresh ceviche at Santa Paula. Expect a long, bumpy boat ride.

“Swimming with the whale sharks was truly amazing. A one in a life time experience. Definately worth it! The tour starts with a nice breakfast and intro from the guide. What I missed was more information on the life, biology etc of the whale sharks (the guide said at the breakfast that we would get such information, but the guide never told us anything. However this we found out ourselves online after the tour instead. Also, as we found the whalesharks easily and fast, I think we could have spent more time looking for mantrays on the way back. It felt a bit like the crew rushed to get back.…”

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Cancun Whale Shark Encounter - Strict rules that protect the animals
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Cancun Whale Shark Encounter

11.Cancun Whale Shark Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 172 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $210

From Punta Sam, you’ll boat out with a bilingual guide to swim near whale sharks, then relax at Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres. Expect breakfast, snorkeling gear, drinks, ceviche, and a group of up to 20 people. Guides such as Dorian, Geovanny, Angel, and Manuel are praised for patient help and strong boat skills.

“Excellent guides. Unforgettable experience. Up close! Dorian swam us right up to a whale shark. So close we could touch…but didn’t! This tour group had us up and out early so we were one of the first boats able to swim. As we were leaving, no less than 25+ boats were arriving and so was the patrol boat. We had time to swim with the whale shark but I imagine many of the later boats did not due to volume and the fact there was only one shark. Thanks to Contoy for giving us the experience many others did not get. Excellent ceviche afterwards! Dorian did a fantastic job of…”

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Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz - The boat ride across the Sea of Cortez
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Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz

12.Whale Shark Swim Adventure in La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 154 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110Best value

Join Sunrider Tours in La Paz for a regulated whale shark swim in the Sea of Cortez. Small groups of up to 10, with five people entering the water at a time, help give you a closer encounter while protecting these gentle giants. Guides such as Armando, Dellis, and Martin explain the rules and assist in the water.

“Great trip! The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Was able to swim with 3 different whale sharks. Would highly recommend!!”

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Private Whale Shark All Inclusive Experience - Swimming with whale sharks in open water
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Private Whale Shark All Inclusive Experience

13.Private Whale Shark All Inclusive Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 136 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $1,095

Start early with private pickup, then cruise about an hour to the whale shark area with guides such as Xenia, Nicholas, or Reuben. Swim in small pairs under crew supervision, snorkel a Mayan coral reef, and finish with lunch at Playa Norte. Vegetarian meals are available with advance notice.

“Rueben was the goat and lined us up to jump in the water right in front of the whale sharks. Craziest thing ever! Really fun trip overall. Enjoyed snorkeling and especially the beach at the end with beers.”

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Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist - Why the departure time can change
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Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist

14.Whale Shark Adventure with a Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $170

Meet Baja Wild Adventures at Playa SN-C Restaurant Bar La Costa for a small-group whale shark outing with a marine biologist. You’ll receive a wetsuit, snorkel gear, snacks, and water, then spend up to 30 minutes at a time in the water with no more than five swimmers near a shark.

“I had an incredible time swimming alongside whale sharks. They were huge and beautiful! The captain and guide took good care of us, making sure we all had a chance to get a good look and as we were a small group, we were all able to enter the water at the same time rather than having to wait and take turns. Also want to give a huge shoutout to Hamza from Baja Wild Adventures who was so kind, communicative and helpful along the way. Definitely will be back to swim with whale sharks again!”

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Whale Shark Group Adventure from Isla Holbox - Swimming with the world’s largest fish
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Whale Shark Group Adventure from Isla Holbox

15.Whale Shark Group Adventure from Isla Holbox

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 82 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $203

Meet at 6:30 a.m. near Holbox’s ferry pier for a small-group boat trip to whale shark waters. Swim two at a time with a bilingual guide, then snorkel near Cabo Catoche before ceviche, guacamole, fruit, and a ride back. Whale shark season runs from mid-May to mid-September.

“I really enjoyed this tour. I did this in August 2016. The guides were great - super friendly. I enjoyed the fresh ceviche they made on the way back. I would book with them again. The only two things that I would change is - it was difficult to find the Viator office - I had questions the night before - and the lunch - homemade ham and cheese sandwiches could have been something nicer for the price I paid. Other than that I say book it and do it!!”

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New in Whale Shark Snorkeling in Mexico

★ 4.5Cancún: Half-Day Snorkeling with Whale SharksFrom $17550 reviews
★ 4.7Whale Shark swimming ocean safari all included tourFrom $17437 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Shark Adventure from Isla MujeresFrom $17636 reviews
★ 5.0Swim with Whale Sharks Private tour from Playa del CarmenFrom $2602 reviews
★ 3.5Snorkel with a Whale Shark In Los CabosFrom $3302 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Shark Watching and Snorkeling Experience on Contoy IslandFrom $2252 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Shark Encounter Experience in Cancun (Snack Lunch included)From $1894 reviews
★ 5.0Adventure and Snorkel with the Whale Shark departing from CancunFrom $2002 reviews
★ 4.0Whale Shark Experience Lifetime Memory in Cancun (snack included)From $18917 reviews
★ 4.5Snorkeling with Whale Sharks – Isla Mujeres4 reviews
★ 5.0Private Whale Shark Ecofriendly Tour from Riviera MayaFrom $8957 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Shark Swimming Adventure from Cancun & Riviera Maya – Seasonal June/SeptFrom $2292 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Shark Experience from Playa del CarmenFrom $499 reviews
★ 4.0Whale Shark Snorkeling Adventure with LunchFrom $2259 reviews
★ 4.5Half Day Whale Shark Tour From Playa del CarmenFrom $1859 reviews

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