Whale Watching · AND SNORKELING TRIPS IN MEXICO

Top 15 Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trips in Mexico

32 tours  ·  from $45 a head

The 15 best whale watching and snorkeling trips in Mexico you can book today, with what each costs, how long it stays out and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason, so start there.

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 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

2.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 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

3.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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La Paz Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Tour - Meeting Whale Sharks in La Paz Bay
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La Paz Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Tour

4.La Paz Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling + Balandra Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $250

Join a marine biologist and a maximum of 10 people for whale shark snorkeling, sea lions at San Rafaelito, and a Balandra Beach stop. Tuna Tuna Tours includes equipment, wetsuit, lunch, drinks, snacks, and underwater photos and videos.

“Christian and Marco were amazing and took great care of us. They got us so close to the whale sharks, it was unreal! And the homemade lunch they served on a beautiful beach was delicious! Fair warning, the tiny jellyfish in the water can be brutal, so might want to bring a full body wetsuit if you are sensitive to it.”

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Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience from Cancun and Riviera Maya - Why the guides matter
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Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience from Cancun and Riviera Maya

5.Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience from Cancun and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $229

From Punta Sam, join a group of up to 10 for a guided whale shark swim, with gear, transfers, lunch, water, and soda included. Michelle, Fabio, Luis, and Daniel may be part of the attentive team. The day ends with a beachfront meal on Isla Mujeres.

“This expedition was a whale of a good time and has filtered through as the best day ever. While I came for the whale sharks, they came in second next to how much I loved Michelle’s energy and charisma. She helped us create multiple krill-ion dollar moments with these big-daddy sharks, do-do-do-do-do-do. We got so close to these bus-sized sharks which was incredible and almost nerve-wracking. They’ve got more spots than a leopard and less bite than a goldfish, so we knew we weren’t in any danger (other than being so awe-struck we didn’t want to leave). These creatures are proof that size matters — when it comes to sheer…”

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Puerto Vallarta: 3-Hour Whale Watching and Snorkeling - What the three-hour schedule is meant to include
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Puerto Vallarta: 3-Hour Whale Watching and Snorkeling

6.Puerto Vallarta: 3-Hour Whale Watching and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 62 reviews · 3 hours · from $45Best value

Spend about three hours on a marina boat searching Puerto Vallarta Bay for humpback whales and dolphins, then visit a beach or snorkeling site when conditions allow. English and Spanish guides lead the trip, but recent outings have varied in length and snorkeling access.

“We did get to see whales and our guide followed them for a little bit which we loved. There was no snorkeling whatsoever, not even gear for it. We went to a secluded beach which was nice but not listed so we were confused. The activity lasted 4.5 hours instead of 3 and our guide didn’t know it was supposed to be 3 hours”

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Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz - Three chances to swim beside a whale shark
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Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz

7.Snorkel Tour with Whale Shark in La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $131

Meet Alonso Tours at La Paz’s Fiscal Pier at 9:30 a.m. and head into the bay to find whale sharks. Guides such as David, Gustavo, and Angel organize several water turns, explain local marine life, and keep the encounter respectful. Bring swimming ability, sun protection, and patience.

“Communication on meet up location and time was perfect, we met at 9:30 am and left by 9:50am. There were 3 great crew members who made us feel comfortable and safe in and out of the water. We were all able to take 3 turns swimming beside a Whale Shark which was enough. Over all great experience! Thanks to David and crew!”

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Whale-Shark Snorkeling Excursion to La Paz - Reaching La Paz and the Malecon
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Whale-Shark Snorkeling Excursion to La Paz

8.Whale-Shark Snorkeling Excursion to La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $349

Leave Cabo at 6:00 am for La Paz, where a marine biologist guides a supervised swim near whale sharks in their natural habitat. The small group is limited to eight people, with equipment, snacks, lunch, and a Todos Santos stop included. Hotel pickup is not provided.

“Amazing once in a lifetime experience! Loads of whale sharks, rays, and whales! The guides were incredible and provided great conversation, education and awareness of marine life! Sooo highly recommend Cabo Trek!”

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Whale sharks and sea lions snorkeling plus Balandra beach lunch - Sea lions, fish, and a second water stop
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Whale sharks and sea lions snorkeling plus Balandra beach lunch

9.Whale sharks and sea lions snorkeling plus Balandra beach lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $250

Meet MeXplore at Marina de La Paz at 9 a.m. for a six-hour English tour with a maximum of nine people. Snorkel with whale sharks, visit sea lions, stop at Balandra Beach, and enjoy ceviche, burritos, fruit, and drinks. Guides such as Karla, Chrissy, Fabian, and Archie lead the trip.

“Our guides were able to find the whale sharks quite quickly and gave great instructions on how to swim with them. It was exhilarating! The sea lion colony was teaming with coral and fish. Lunch at the beach was wonderful and the scenery was amazing. Highly recommend going with Mexplore!!”

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From Cancún: Half-Day Snorkeling with Whale Sharks - From Cancún hotels to the Punta Sam marina
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From Cancún: Half-Day Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

10.Cancún: Half-Day Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 50 reviews · 8 hours · from $175

You’ll ride from Cancún to the whale shark grounds with a bilingual guide, snorkel in small groups, then stop at Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres. Guides such as Carlos have earned praise for careful support. Expect a moving wildlife encounter, limited swim turns, and a $30 cash port fee.

“Décevant le guide n’a fait aucun effort d’écoute et de compréhension vis à vis de nos différents demandes aux cours de la journée. La visite avec les requins baleines s’effectue pas groupe de deux personnes ce qui laisse peu de possibilités de savourer le moment. Le repas servis sur place dans le bateau et totalement irrespectueux vis à vis du prix que nous avons laissé ( servi dans un petit pots avec 3 chips et un véhicule) je déconseille fortement”

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Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La Paz - Meeting at the Fiscal Dock in central La Paz
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Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La Paz

11.Snorkel with Whale Sharks in La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $131

Meet at La Paz’s Fiscal Dock for a roughly three-hour whale shark outing near El Mogote. You’ll search for sharks, then snorkel in shallow water in groups of five, with a maximum of eight people aboard. Timing depends on the park’s daily boat slots.

“The tour operators were extremely communicative and professional. The guide and captain worked together to accommodate the small group with varied swimming abilities. Their passion for conservation shown through the entire experience. Highly recommend this tour operator out of the myriad of available options.”

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Whale Watching & Snorkeling Combo in Los Cabos with Photos Included - What the guides add to the outing
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Whale Watching & Snorkeling Combo in Los Cabos with Photos Included

12.Whale Watching & Snorkeling Combo in Los Cabos with Photos Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125

Join Baja Vikings Ecoventures in Cabo San Lucas for about two hours of whale watching and one hour of snorkeling. Guides including Mario, Pedro, Louis, Fernando, and Fergus have helped guests spot humpbacks, gray whales, sea lions, rays, and reef fish. Photos, videos, gear, snacks, and reef-safe sunscreen are included.

“It was a wonderful adventure, made extra special by Dee and Captain Alex!! We saw many whales and Captain Alex took us places that were not mobbed by other boats. The highlight? Watching a mother and her calf enjoy the surface as we listened to them sing to each other on the hydrophone. Dee was a wealth of knowledge and it was fun to learn more about these magnificent creatures. Also saw a couple of marlins and sea lions.”

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Whale Shark & Manta Ray Snorkel -(May-Sept) Only 10pp per Boat - Why the small boat limit matters
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Whale Shark & Manta Ray Snorkel -(May-Sept) Only 10pp per Boat

13.Whale Shark & Manta Ray Snorkel -(May-Sept) Only 10pp per Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $160

Meet Aqua Adventures in central Isla Mujeres at 7:50am for a small-group boat trip capped at 10 people. Swim beside whale sharks in rotating pairs with a guide, then enjoy reef snorkeling, sandwiches, ceviche, and cold drinks before returning around 2:30 or 3pm.

“The overall experience was wonderful. The ocean was gorgeous and the captain and tour guide were both very helpful. I'm an anxious person by nature though, and this sort of this was too much for me. I swallowed a lot of sea water and panicked when I got in the water at first. I more or less paid for the boat ride out and a tummy ache. Smarter people than I would probably know better than to try swimming with whale sharks with extreme anxiety. I'm still glad I did it.”

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Cancun Whale Shark Experience with Snorkel & Transportation - What the early boat ride is like
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Cancun Whale Shark Experience with Snorkel & Transportation

14.Cancun Whale Shark Experience with Snorkel & Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · from $210

Leave Cancun early for a six-hour whale shark outing near Isla Contoy. A bilingual guide, breakfast, two swims, reef snorkeling, ceviche, and Playa Norte are included. Guides such as Juan and Noah have earned praise for patient, careful help in the water. Pickup is available from selected Riviera Maya hotels.

“This was a great experience!! We loved our guide Juan. He had a great personality and went above and beyond in trying to help us all get up close and see the whale sharks and swim with them. You get two opportunities to swim along side them. I know we would like Read more”

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Los Cabos Seasonal Whale Watch and Snorkel Tour - The Catamaran Ride and Cabo’s Arch
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Los Cabos Seasonal Whale Watch and Snorkel Tour

15.Los Cabos Seasonal Whale Watch and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $239

Sail from Cabo San Lucas toward Santa Maria or Chileno Beach, watching migrating whales from December 15 to April 15. You’ll snorkel in a protected Blue Flag area, see the Arch, and enjoy lunch, drinks, and a small-group catamaran ride. Crew members have included Topi, Javier, Rafael, and Uriel.

“We had a great time on this tour. We wanted to do all three of these activities: whale watching, see the arches, and snorkeling. This tour covered them all along with a fantastic lunch, tasty drinks, a clean boat with a nice bathroom, and plenty of space to sit. There was a covered indoor area when it was windy. We saw plenty of whales and were close enough to capture photos with our phone camera.”

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New in Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trips in Mexico

★ 3.5Snorkel with a Whale Shark In Los CabosFrom $3302 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Shark Watching and Snorkeling Experience on Contoy IslandFrom $2252 reviews
★ 5.0Adventure and Snorkel with the Whale Shark departing from CancunFrom $2002 reviews
★ 5.0Whale watching with Snorkeling and beach ColomitosFrom $572 reviews
★ 4.5Snorkeling with Whale Sharks – Isla Mujeres4 reviews
★ 3.5Whale Shark Snorkeling in La PazFrom $1393 reviews
★ 4.53 Hours La Paz Whale Shark First Class Snorkeling TourFrom $1788 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Sharks and Sea Lions Snorkeling Picnic at Balandra BeachFrom $2695 reviews
★ 5.0Small-Group Whale Shark and Snorkeling Tour from CancunFrom $2493 reviews
★ 5.0Adventure and Snorkel with the Whale Shark from Puerto MorelosFrom $2202 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching Snorkel ComboFrom $1757 reviews

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