Whale shark swimming near snorkelers off Isla Mujeres
★ 5.0 · 3,500+ reviews · Travelers' Choice

Whale Shark Private Tour — Swim with the Giants of the Caribbean

Swim next to the biggest fish in the world on a private boat, then snorkel and enjoy fresh ceviche on Isla Mujeres. Season: June–August.

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11 hours

Duration

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Restrictions

A tour for

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Medium

Difficulty

⌂

Hotel pickup

Included

✦

English guide

Certified

Every summer, hundreds of whale sharks gather off the coast of Isla Mujeres to feed. On this private tour your own boat captain and aquatic guide take you to find them and swim right next to the gentle giants of the Caribbean — then we relax with snorkeling and a fisherman-style ceviche.

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What's included

Private transport, your own private boat with captain and aquatic guide, all entrance fees and taxes, premium snorkel equipment, fresh ceviche and drinks on board.

✓ Boat captain & aquatic guide

✓ English-speaking driver

✓ Private boat

✓ Entrance fees & all taxes

✓ VIP interaction with the whale shark

✓ Premium snorkel equipment (disinfected)

✓ Snorkeling free time

✓ Fisherman-style fresh ceviche

✓ Cold water & soft drinks all day

✓ Free reschedule if we don’t find the whale shark

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Your day, hour by hour

A full day at sea — whale sharks in the morning, snorkel and ceviche in the afternoon.

Early morning

Hotel pickup & road trip

Your local expert picks you up at your hotel or Airbnb.

Morning

Find & swim with whale sharks

Your private boat heads out to find the whale sharks and you swim right next to them.

Afternoon

Snorkel & ceviche

Snorkel near Isla Mujeres and enjoy a fisherman-style fresh ceviche on board.

Late afternoon

Back to your hotel

Drive back to your hotel or Airbnb.

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Pickup & departure

Private hotel pickup in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and anywhere in the Riviera Maya. The tour runs during whale shark season, June to August.

⌖ Cancún ⌖ Playa del Carmen ⌖ Riviera Maya ⌖ Tulum ⌖ Any hotel / Airbnb in the Riviera Maya

Approx. 11 hours from Tulum. Exact pickup time depends on your hotel — we confirm it when you book.

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Why book a private tour

On a private boat there are no crowds and no rush: more time in the water with the whale sharks, the best spots and a crew focused only on your group. Rated 5.0 by 3,500+ travelers on TripAdvisor.

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Full price list

Group size

Price per person

2 people

$750 USD

3 people

$550 USD

4 people

$450 USD

5 people

$375 USD

6 people

$325 USD

7 people

$300 USD

8 people

$275 USD

9 people

$250 USD

Kids (5–11): $80 USD each · Babies: not recommended · All taxes included · Season: June–August

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Good to know

✓ What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Towel & swimsuit
  • Biodegradable sunscreen
  • Motion-sickness pill if needed

✕ Not included

  • Souvenirs
  • Tips (optional)

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Frequently asked questions

“When is whale shark season?”

From June to August, when the whale sharks gather near Isla Mujeres to feed.

“What if we don’t see whale sharks?”

It rarely happens, but if we don’t find them you can reschedule for free.

“Is it suitable for kids?”

Kids 5 and older who are comfortable in open water can join; it is not recommended for babies or small children.

“Is the boat private?”

Yes — your own private boat, captain and guide, only for your group.

“Do I need to pay a deposit?”

No. You reserve and pay on the day of your tour in cash (USD or MXN), card, PayPal or Zelle.

EASY RESERVATION

Ready for the best day of your trip?

Speak with a local expert — flexible times, all your questions answered, pay on the day.