MY HONEST REVIEW of the Best Cancun Whale Shark Tour (You’re Going to Love It!)
Want to do the whale sharks cancun swim?
You’re in the right place for information because I have took the best Cancun whale shark tour of them all.
In this article, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to have an amazing time swimming with the largest fish in the sea — just like I did.
Ready to book your Cancun whale shark tour? I went with Isla Fun Tours, and they were excellent. The tour included everything: hotel pick-up, the boat ride, food, drinks, and all the equipment for snorkeling.
Want to know more about the entire Cancun whale shark swim experience?
Let’s dive in (pun intended), so that you know exactly what to expect when booking a whale shark tour in Cancun, Mexico.
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REVIEW of the Best Whale Shark Tour Cancun Mexico
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars (435+ reviews) | ⏰ Tour Time: 6 Hours (approx.) | 🐳 Book your spot now!
I went with Isla Fun Tours, and had an amazing experience.
The boat we took was in excellent condition, our captain (Jonathan) was professional and knew the boat well.
Our guide (Uriel) made the day fun and memorable for everyone on board.
Talk about a WOW moment — This is it. We saw about 20 whale sharks… these animals are magnificent, and so amazing to see up close. I would take this trip again with this company.
Lynda H., Tour review
Don’t speak Spanish? No worries! When booking, make sure you select the option for “English guide” so you get an English-speaking or bilingual tour guide.
You can also alert them of any dietary restrictions or accessibility needs.
⚠️ Note: I was not paid by this tour company to write a review.
I paid full-price for this tour out of my own pocket, and the opinions I give are in no way influenced by compensation of any kind. Isla Fun Tours didn’t know I planned to write this article after the tour.
Cancun Whale Shark Tour Itinerary
1. Cancun Hotel Pick-Up
There are about 35 hotels in Cancun and Riviera Maya that Isla Fun Tours offers a pick-up from.
When you book the tour, you can select the hotel you want to be picked up from; if your hotel or resort isn’t there, just select the one nearest to your hotel.
🏩 Staying in nearby Playa del Carmen or Tulum? You can book Playa del Carmen whale shark tours here, and Tulum whale shark tours here.
Your hotel pick-up will be at about 7am, but you’ll get an email confirmation after booking with the exact time.
You’ll board the boat and then head to Isla Mujeres to pick up any passengers departing from the island. We had a small group of nine.
If there aren’t any, you’ll head directly to the whale shark zone.
2. Boat to the whale shark zone
On my tour, we left promptly at 8am from Isla Mujeres, heading to the whale shark area.
It usually takes one hour to get there, but it took us 1.5 hours because of rough seas (remember your dramamine for seasickness).
3. swimming with the whale sharks
At the area where the whale sharks hang out, we went in the water in groups of two visitors and one guide.
Each group got to go in the water for about two minutes at a time, and were offered to go in three separate times to see the whale sharks.
The whale shark area is about 60 square miles in size (155 km²), so it may take time to locate them.
We found them quickly, which is why we were permitted to get in three times each. On some tours, you’ll only be allowed to get in with the whale sharks twice.
4. lunch in isla mujeres
After leaving the whale shark area, we were offered some sandwiches before the 1.5 hour boat ride back to Isla Mujeres.
We docked the boat on the sandbar just off Playa Norte, the best beach in Isla Mujeres, so we could swim for a while.
While swimming, the captain and guide made us a nice ceviche lunch with fresh fish. We got to stay here on the beach near Playa North for about 45 minutes to swim and eat.
After that, you’ll boat back to Cancun to disembark. In total, the tour was about seven hours.
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Responsible Tours in Mexico
You might be wondering, Is it OK to swim with whale sharks?
This was actually one of the most ethical and highly-regulated animal encounters I’ve ever done.
Mexico whale shark tours put the welfare of the animals first, so visitors can keep enjoying this experience for years to come.
Here’s what you can expect with Isla Fun Tours, so you know you’re helping to keep whale sharks safe among a influx of boats and tourists:
- Only two travelers (and the guide) are allowed in the water at one time from each boat.
- There are a maximum of 30 boats in the water at one time, capped at 10 passengers per boat.
- You cannot touch the whale sharks.
- Reef-safe and eco-friendly sunscreen is encouraged.
🐳 Note: Whale sharks are an endangered Species
Whale sharks have been considered endangered since 2016, so if you aren’t booking with Isla Fun Tours, please do your homework on the company you choose.
Since I personally went with this company, I know they put the animals’ best interest first — but sadly, that’s not the case with all companies.
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When is the Cancun whale sharks season?
The Cancun whale shark season runs from May 17 to September 17, and tour boats rarely go out beyond these dates.
The whale sharks love the warm Caribbean Sea waters off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, which is why they stick around for so long.
Wondering, When is the Isla Mujeres whale shark season? It’s the same as the Cancun whale shark season.
🤿 best whale shark tours Cancun
I went with Isla Fun Tours, and they were excellent.
The tour included everything, from the boat ride and transportation (from select Cancun hotels), to food and drinks, and also all your snorkeling equipment.
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What’s the best time to see whale sharks in Cancun?
The best time to see Cancun whale sharks is in July and August, when the water is warmest.
However, as with any wild animal tour, you never know when you’ll see them.
We went in June, and still saw about 15 whale sharks, as well as a playful pod of dolphins on the boat ride to the whale shark area.
Remember, this is a wild animal encounter, so there’s a chance to see 50 whale sharks, one whale shark, or even no whale sharks — no matter when you go.
Our boat captain told us the tour that went just one day before ours saw no whale sharks at all, whereas we saw 15.
⚠️ Note: This tour operator does not offer a refund if you don’t see any whale sharks, nor do most. However, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund with Isla Fun Tours.
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How much does it cost to swim with whale sharks in Cancun?
Cancun swimming with whale sharks tours average about $150-175 USD per person.
As they say — you get what you pay for — so don’t book anything that costs much less than the going rate, as you don’t want to skimp on safety since you’ll be on a boat in the open ocean.
The tour operator I went with, Isla Fun Tours, was $169 USD — but keep in mind their pricing can vary.
This is a bit above the average cost, but I wanted to use a well-rated company.
For a few extra dollars, they include snacks, a ceviche meal, drinks, and hotel pick-up and drop off in an air conditioned van, which is a nice perk after a long day on at sea.
While it wasn’t billed as a “Cancun whale sharks all inclusive tour,” it did feel like one.
What to Bring for a Cancun Whale Shark Swim
1. Anti-Seasickness Medicine
First and foremost, two out of nine on our boat got seasick — so do not forget your Dramamine pills.
Make sure you buy the non-drowsy kind, or else you’ll be fast asleep by the time you reach the whale sharks. You can also get these anti-motion sickness bracelets.
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2. Mask and Snorkel
- 180° Panoramic View
- Anti-Fog and Anti-Leak Dry Snorkel Technology
- Made of High Quality PC and Medical Grade Silicone
- Detachable Camera Mount (Fits GoPro, Akaso, and most models)
- Adjustable straps designed for comfort in the water
Isla Fun Tours will provide masks and snorkels to those who don’t have their own. However, having your own is always better for sanitary reasons.
This full face mask and snorkel combo is an Amazon bestseller, as it’s the best product of its kind available today.
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3. Go Pro Underwater Camera
- 5.3K 60 Ultra HD Video
- 27 Megapixel Photos
- Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Image Stabilization
- Webcam with Live Streaming
- 1/1.9 Image Sensor
- Whats Included: HERO12 Black, Enduro Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
Been considering buying a GoPro? Swimming with the whale sharks in Cancun is the perfect reason to get one.
Besides the whale shark snorkeling, Punta Nizuc in Cancun has amazing, healthy reefs just offshore, and makes for another great place to get underwater video.
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4. Akaso Camera (Cheaper Go Pro Alternative)
Want a GoPro, but not at the GoPro price? The Akaso Brave is a great GoPro alternative, and it’s only about half the cost.
You can also get video of the whale sharks on your phone, but you’ll want to use a waterproof phone pouch.
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5. Long Sleeve Swimsuit (Rash Guard)
Reef safe sunscreen for Mexico is a must, but the way to be 100% eco-friendly is to opt for a long sleeve bathing suit (AKA rash guard).
With these, you won’t need sunscreen on your body at all, as you’re completely covered.
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6. Waterproof Sun Hat with Strap
The boat goes pretty fast en route to the whale shark zone, so you’ll want a waterproof hat with a strap to make sure it stays on.
This will also come in handy to shield you from the sun all day, as you’re on the boat for at least three hours.
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Group Tours vs Private Tours: Which is Better?
Deciding which is better will really come down to your group size and budget. Group tours cost much less, but private tours are much nicer overall.
Note that the boats are capped at 10 people each, so if your group has 10 people in it, you will end up going private by default.
Cancun Private Whale Shark Tours
If you want a private tour, click here to book and increase the number of people going to 10 so you buy the boat out.
After booking, send the company an email so they know you’re one large group. It costs about $1,300 USD for the entire boat.
Cancun Group Whale Shark Tours
I went on this group tour, and it was a great experience.
You never know who you’ll meet on group tours, but we ended up with a woman celebrating her 80th birthday, and a journalist from Germany.
In total, there were nine people on our boat, which didn’t feel crowded because the boat was big enough for everyone.
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How to Swim with Whale Sharks Cancun Mexico
Swimming with whale sharks in Cancun Mexico is do-able for most people, but if you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s more difficult.
Though huge, whale sharks move quickly in the water, so you do need to keep up with them as they move, or else you won’t see them.
Isla Fun Tours provided flippers for everyone so you can swim faster with minimal effort. Still, even with flippers, it can be a strenuous swim, so just be aware.
⚠️ Note: They also provided a mask, snorkel and life jacket, which is mandatory to wear.
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How to Snorkel with Whale Sharks Cancun
Snorkeling is a relatively easy activity, and usually pretty slow-paced.
However, snorkeling with the whale sharks in Cancun is a bit more fast-paced because the whale sharks swim pretty fast.
If you’ve never been snorkeling before, you might want to practice first so you’re more comfortable.
The tour company will provide masks and snorkels to those who don’t have their own. However, having your own is always better for health and sanitary reasons.
This full face mask and snorkel combo is an Amazon bestseller for a reason — as it makes snorkeling much easier.
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Diving With Whale Sharks Cancun
Since the whale sharks come to the surface to feed, you really won’t find any Cancun whale shark dive tours.
After they eat, they return to depths far below the surface, so in Cancun, this activity is better suited to snorkeling.
🤿 Want to dive with whale sharks in Mexico?
There is one place you can, and actually, there are only a handful of places you can do this in the world, including these:
- Socorro Island, Mexico (near Cabo San Lucas)
- Bali, Indonesia
- Oslob, Philippines (near Cebu)
- Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
- Wolf and Darwin Islands, the northernmost islands in the Galapagos Islands chains
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Whale Sharks Cancun or Holbox Island: Which is Better?
Cancun whale shark tours, as well as Isla Mujeres whale shark tours and Holbox whale shark tours all go to the same area to see the whale sharks.
The only difference is the amount of time you spend in the boat en route to that particular area.
The designated whale shark zone is much closer to Cancun and Isla Mujeres, so you’ll spend just 1-1.5 hours on the boat, each way.
From Isla Holbox Island, you’ll be on the boat 2-2.5 hours each way, so it’s a longer boat ride, but basically the same tour other than that.
Whale Sharks Cancun: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a whale shark?
Whale sharks are the largest known fish in the sea, averaging 25- to 40-feet in length (7.5 to 12 m), though some are even bigger.
What is the biggest whale shark ever recorded?
The largest whale shark ever found measured 61.7-feet-long (18.8 m).
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Are whale sharks sharks?
Yes — Whale sharks are sharks, but a docile variety like a nurse shark, which is considered mostly harmless to humans.
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Do whale sharks bite?
No — There are no records showing that a whale shark has ever bit a human.
Still, whale sharks are wild animals, so always maintain your distance.
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Do whale sharks have teeth?
Yes — They have very tiny teeth so small that they feed only on plankton.
While you might say they are the most friendly sharks to swim with, that doesn’t mean you should press your luck.
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What’s the best places to see whale sharks in Mexico?
There are only two places you can swim with whale sharks in Mexico: Yucatan and Baja.
- The Yucatan Peninsula Whale Shark Zone is located off the coast of Isla Mujeres and Cancun.
- The Baja Peninsula Whale Shark Zone is located off the coast of La Paz, near Cabo San Lucas.
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What is the water temperature in Cancun?
75-85°F — In winter, expect about (24-26°C) water temperatures, and in summers, 80-85°F (27-29°C) water temperatures.
Wondering, What’s the best time to swim in Cancun? You can comfortably swim and snorkel in Cancun Mexico year-round, as the water is always warm.
🌡️ Cancun Weather
The Cancun whale shark season in Mexico is during the summer, which means it will be very humid.
With the humidity, temperatures can feel 5-10°F hotter, so remember to stay hydrated with your Water-To-Go Bottle, which also filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick in Cancun.
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How long does it take to get to the whale shark area in Cancun?
From Cancun, the trip to the whale shark zone is about 1.5-2 hours by boat.
We had rougher seas on our trip, so it was closer to two hours from Cancun.
However, the captain said he usually never sees waves as large as they were the day we went, so 1.5 hours is closer to the norm.
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Has a whale shark ever attacked a human?
No — In recorded history, there has never been a whale shark that has attacked a human.
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Can whale sharks hurt you?
No — They are giant in size, which can be intimidating, but they are docile in temperament.
Once you get in the water with them on your Cancun whale shark tour, you’ll see.
Whale sharks are filter feeders, and primarily eat plankton (microscopic organisms) and very small fish.
They have tiny teeth, which is why they can only feed on the smallest things in the sea, because they can’t really bite anything.
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How much is a Cancun whale shark tour?
The tours average about $150 USD per person, so be wary if you see something priced lower, as you don’t want to skimp on safety since you’ll be in the open ocean.
Always remember that your experience is only as good as your tour operator and tour company — so remember, you get what you pay for.
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Can you ride a whale shark?
No — This is a wild animal, and you must maintain a safe distance from whale sharks in the wild.
It would be highly unethical to even touch this endangered animal, as it might cause them harm.
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Are there sharks around Cancun Mexico?
Some — These include nurse sharks (completely harmless), bull sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, hammerheads and lemon sharks.
If you were wondering, What kind of sharks are in Cancun, besides whale sharks? — now you have your answer.
While there are several kinds (listed above), it’s very rare to see any of them.
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Are there great white sharks in Cancun?
No — The best place to see great white sharks in Mexico is Isla Guadalupe (Guadalupe Island), located about 150 miles (241 km) from Ensenada, Mexico.
Isla Guadalupe is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of the Baja Peninsula on Mexico’s west coast.
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How common are shark attacks in Mexico?
Shark attacks in Mexico are very uncommon, though of course, they can happen.
Since 1900, there have been just 62 unprovoked shark attacks in Mexico, according to Shark Attack Data.
This is much lower than many other countries, including the United States, Australia, Brazil, Bahamas, South Africa and New Zealand.
As far as Cancun shark attacks specifically, there have only been three ever recorded.
The most recent attack was in 2013, when a shark attacked a swimmer at Playa Gaviota Azul (Blue Seagull Beach).
Thankfully, the attack was not fatal. The swimmer was named Isabella Carchia, and she sustained minor injuries.
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Is Cancun safe to travel to?
For the vast majority of travelers, Cancun is safe — but for a deep dive into this subject, check out Is Cancun Safe for Travelers?
It is the most popular of all places to visit in Mexico, and the government does their part to keep Cancun safe so visitors return year after year.
Just as with most other places on Earth, petty theft and crimes of opportunity can absolutely happen here.
Remember to stay aware of your belongings, yourself and your surroundings at all times, and you should have a totally safe trip to Cancun, Mexico.
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Is it safe to walk around Cancun at night?
For the majority of travelers, even solo travelers, Cancun is as safe at night as during the day.
Of course, most crimes happen at night, but in general, crime rates in Cancun are low.
If you use the same general travel safety measures you would anywhere else, you should be just fine.
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Final Thoughts: Swimming with Whale Sharks in Cancun
For those traveling to Cancun, Mexico, during the June to September whale shark season, I can’t recommend this enough.
It’s hard to picture what it’s like to be near a wild animal this large until you get in the water — and swim alongside them in complete awe.
If you’re on the fence about it, know there are only a handful of places you can do this on Earth, so don’t hesitate on booking your tour now with Isla Fun Tours (the company I went with).
This was an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend swimming with the whale sharks in Cancun Mexico.