MY HONEST REVIEW of the Best Isla Mujeres Whale Shark Tour (You’re Going to Love It!)
Want to do the Isla Mujeres whale shark swim?
You’ve come to the right place for information because I took the best whale shark Isla Mujeres snorkel trip.
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 Isla Mujeres whale shark tour? I went with Isla Fun Tours, and they were excellent. The tour included everything — the boat ride, food, drinks, and all snorkeling equipment.
Want to know more about the entire Isla Mujeres whale shark swim experience?
Let’s dive in (pun very much intended), so that you know exactly what to expect when booking a whale shark tour in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
The Best Isla Mujeres Whale Shark Tours
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars (435+ reviews) | ⏰ Tour Time: 6 Hours (approx.) | 🐳 Book now!
Your experience is only as good as your tour, so remember, you get what you pay for. I went with Isla Fun Tours, and had an amazing experience.
The tours average about $125 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.
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., See more TOUR REVIEWS
Don’t speak Spanish? No worries! This is one of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres for English speakers too.
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 the tour company to write this 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.
Whale Shark Tour Itinerary
1. Meet at the Isla Mujeres dock
We were asked to meet at 7:45am at the boat dock near the Pemex gas station in Isla Mujeres. We left promptly at 8am, heading to the whale shark area.
2. Boat to the whale shark zone
It usually takes one hour to get there, but it took us 1.5 hours because of rough seas (remember to pack your dramamine for seasickness).
At the area where the whale sharks hang out, we went in the water in groups of two visitors and one guide.
3. swimming with the whale sharks
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.
After leaving the whale shark area, we were offered some sandwiches before the 1.5 hour boat ride back to Isla Mujeres.
4. lunch in 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. The water was bright blue and just gorgeous!
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, we went back to the main dock in Isla Mujeres to disembark. In total, the tour was about six hours.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
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.
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.
⚠️ Note: Whale sharks are an endangered Species
Whale sharks have been considered an 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.
What to Bring for an Isla Mujeres 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.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
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.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
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.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
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.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
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.
best Cancun Whale Shark tours
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.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Group Tours vs Private Tours: Which is Better?
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.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Isla Mujeres Private Whale Shark Tours
If you want a private tour, head here to book, and just 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.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Isla Mujeres 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 on our boat, which didn’t feel crowded because the boat was big enough for everyone.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
How to Swim with Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres
Swimming with whale sharks Isla Mujeres, Mexico, is do-able for most people, but if you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s more difficult.
The whale sharks, though huge, 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 difficult swim, so just be aware.
⚠️ Note: They also provided a mask, snorkel and life jacket. It is mandatory to wear your life jacket at all times when onboard the boat or in the water at the whale shark zone.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
How to Snorkel with Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres
Snorkeling is a relatively easy activity, but snorkeling with the whale sharks in Isla Mujeres 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.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Diving With Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres
Since the whale sharks come to the surface to feed, you really won’t find any Isla Mujeres whale shark dive tours.
After they eat, they return to depths far below the surface, so in Isla Mujeres, this activity is better suited to snorkeling.
🤿 Want to dive with whale sharks in Mexico?
Isla Mujeres is one place you can, but 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
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres or Holbox Island: Which is Better?
Cancun whale shark tours, as well as Isla Mujeres whale shark tours and also 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 Isla Mujeres and Cancun, 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.
Isla Mujeres Whale Sharks: 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).
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Are whale sharks sharks?
Yes — Whale sharks are sharks, but a docile variety. You can think of them as a much larger nurse shark, which are considered harmless to humans.
While you might say they are the most friendly sharks to swim with, that doesn’t mean you should press your luck. Whale sharks are wild animals, so always maintain your distance.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Do whale sharks bite?
No — There are no records showing that a whale shark has ever bit a human.
Wondering, Do whale sharks have teeth? They have very tiny teeth and feed only on plankton.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
What’s the best places to see whale sharks in Mexico?
There are only two places you can swim with whale sharks in Mexico: 1) In the Yucatan Peninsula off the coast of Isla Mujeres and Cancun, and 2) In the Baja Peninsula off the coast of La Paz near Cabo San Lucas.
When it comes to swimming with whales sharks in Mexico, you’ll have to go to the East Coast (Yucatan Peninsula) or the West Coast (Baja California Peninsula) of the country.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
What is the water temperature in Isla Mujeres?
75-85°F — In winter, expect about 75-78°F (24-26°C) temperatures, and in summers, 80-85°F (27-29°C).
Wondering, What’s the best time to swim in Isla Mujeres? You can comfortably swim and snorkel in Isla Mujeres Mexico year-round, as the water is always warm.
🌡️ Isla Mujeres Weather
The Isla Mujeres 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 a Water-To-Go Bottle, which also filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
How long does it take to get to the whale shark area in Isla Mujeres?
From Isla Mujeres, the trip to the whale shark zone is about 1-1.5 hours by boat.
We had rougher seas on our trip, so it was closer to 1.5 hours, but the captain said he usually never sees waves as large as they were the day we went, so one hour is usually the norm.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Has a whale shark ever attacked a human?
No — In recorded history, there has never been a whale shark that has attacked a human.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Can whale sharks hurt you?
No — There has never been a whale shark that has attacked a human.
While giant in size, which can be intimidating, but they’re docile in temperament. Once you get in the water with them on your Isla Mujeres 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.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
How much is an Isla Mujeres 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.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Are there sharks around Isla Mujeres?
There are several kinds, though it’s rare to see any of them. 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 Isla Mujeres, besides whale sharks? and Are there sharks in Isla Mujeres Mexico? — now you have your answers.
While there are a few kinds (all listed above), it’s very rare to see any of them.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Are there great white sharks in Isla Mujeres?
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.
This is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of the Baja Peninsula on Mexico’s west coast.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
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, Bahamas, South Africa, Brazil, and New Zealand.
As far as Isla Mujeres shark attacks specifically, there has only been one ever recorded, and it occurred in deep waters far from shore.
This was on May 1, 1992, when a shark attacked a diver. The attack was unprovoked, but thankfully not fatal, and the diver survived.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
When is the whale sharks Isla Mujeres season?
The Isla Mujeres 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.
What’s the best whale shark tours isla mujeres has?
I went with Isla Fun Tours, and they were excellent.
The tour included everything, from the boat ride to food and drinks, and also all the necessary equipment for snorkeling so that you can see the whale sharks.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
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 (or more).
⚠️ 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.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
What is the Isla Mujeres Whale Shark Festival?
To honor the most famous of all Isla Mujeres residents, the locals hold the annual Whale Shark Festival in Isla Mujeres.
If you happen to visit during the festival, the kids will love the carnival atmosphere and games, and the adults can sample foods from all the best local restaurants.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
How do you get to Isla Mujeres?
You first fly to Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). From there, book Cancun Airport Transportation to take you to the Isla Mujeres ferry dock. You’ll then take the Ultramar Ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.
There are three docks in Cancun; two in the Zona Hotelera (Cancun Hotel Zone), and the Puerto Juarez dock in Downtown Cancun.
In Isla Mujeres, there is only one dock, the Terminal Marítima de Isla Mujeres ferry terminal, located in downtown.
The ferry ride is only about 20 minutes from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. It costs $462 MXN pesos round trip (about $23 USD), and you can buy your tickets right at the dock in Cancun.
🛳 To check the Isla Mujeres ferry schedule, head here.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres Mexico
If you’re staying on the island, you’ll need a hotel! The area near Playa Norte Beach is popular with visitors, as Playa Norte is the best Isla Mujeres beach, and this area is very walkable.
There are amazing Isla Mujeres hotels and all-inclusive resorts to choose from, like these:
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Is Isla Mujeres safe?
For the vast majority of travelers, yes, Isla Mujeres is safe. The population of Isla Mujeres is only about 23,000 inhabitants, and pretty much everyone knows everyone else.
Though it feels like a small town, it is also a tourist town, so be wary of scammers, especially in downtown and on the beaches.
Just as with most other places on Earth, petty theft and crimes of opportunity can absolutely happen here. When there’s a lot of drinking involved, the risks are even higher.
Remember to stay aware of your belongings, yourself and your surroundings at all times, and you should have a totally safe trip to Isla Mujeres.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Is it safe to walk around Isla Mujeres at night?
For the majority of travelers, Isla Mujeres is as safe at night as during the day. Of course, most crimes happen at night, but in general, crime rates in Isla Mujeres are very low.
If you use the same general travel safety measures you would anywhere else, you should be just fine.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
What does Isla Mujeres mean?
Mexico Fun Fact: Isla Mujeres means “Island of Women,” as it was a popular pilgrimage site for women making offerings to the Mayan goddess, Ixchel.
Ixchel (pronounced ick-shell) is the Mayan goddess of the moon, medicine, childbirth and fertility. Despite the island’s name, men can also visit Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
When you go, don’t miss the Temple of Ixchel, the only Mayan Ruins in Isla Mujeres. Located on the southern side of the island at Punta Sur EcoPark, this is one of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres Mexico.
Whale Sharks Isla Mujeres Mexico
Final Thoughts: Swimming with Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres
For those traveling to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, during the May 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. I know I’m glad I did!
As an unforgettable experience, and the best whale shark tour Isla Mujeres has — I highly recommend swimming with the whale sharks in Isla Mujeres with Isla Fun Tours.