Mexico Whale Shark
Mexico Whale Shark
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About
We first started operating the snorkeling tour swimming with the whale sharks in Holbox island in 2001. We were without a doubt the first ones to take a ” visitor ” out on this wonderful adventure, without knowing it was going to become such a big event every year. Now we are known as being the best whale shark tour company in Cancun, Mexico. We are the best reviewed whale shark tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Tulum, Akumal, Riviera Maya, Holbox reviews on TripAdvisor.
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
631 reviews
Excellent
555
Very good
40
Average
6
Poor
15
Terrible
15
Laurel C
Banbury, UK24 contributions
Jun 2021
From the moment we were collected from our hotel to the moment we arrived back, everything was well communicated, handled smoothly and the guides were friendly and helpful.
The conditions weren't great following the storms in the previous days, so I would encourage anyone looking to book to wait for calm conditions if they can. However we didn't have time to wait for this but we are still so glad we went.
The boat ride out was incredibly rough, sit near the back of the boat if you get sea sick or suffer from back pain and make sure you apply reef friendly sunscreen before you go (both of which I didn't do and suffered the next day but its my own fault!)
It took a while to find the whale sharks because of the sea conditions but once we found them, our guide was fantastic at getting us prepared quickly to maximise our time in the water with them. While finding the whale sharks I was getting nervous that we wouldn't get to see any, but the captains perseverance paid off and we all got 2 swims in each.
On the way back we stopped off at isla mujeres for lunch which was stunning, the guide even prepared us a vegetarian ceviche which was delicious!
We would highly recommend Mexico Whale Shark for their knowledgable excursion and respect for nature, we will definitely use them again if we have the opportunity too
The conditions weren't great following the storms in the previous days, so I would encourage anyone looking to book to wait for calm conditions if they can. However we didn't have time to wait for this but we are still so glad we went.
The boat ride out was incredibly rough, sit near the back of the boat if you get sea sick or suffer from back pain and make sure you apply reef friendly sunscreen before you go (both of which I didn't do and suffered the next day but its my own fault!)
It took a while to find the whale sharks because of the sea conditions but once we found them, our guide was fantastic at getting us prepared quickly to maximise our time in the water with them. While finding the whale sharks I was getting nervous that we wouldn't get to see any, but the captains perseverance paid off and we all got 2 swims in each.
On the way back we stopped off at isla mujeres for lunch which was stunning, the guide even prepared us a vegetarian ceviche which was delicious!
We would highly recommend Mexico Whale Shark for their knowledgable excursion and respect for nature, we will definitely use them again if we have the opportunity too
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica W
12 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
The service was wonderful, this group was recommended to us by a local who worked in our bed and breakfast (Teetotum). This experience was truly incredible. El Capítan and Toto were wonderful guides for us!! We got within 2-3 feet of the whale shark while swimming alongside it. It was breathtaking. Hotel pickup and drop off was included along with a small breakfast at the marina and a freshly made ceviche lunch. (If you’re a picky eater, make sure to bring a few snacks because you will get hungry) Additionally, they took us snorkeling after lunch on the way back to the marina to see some of the cool reef, marine life, and underwater statues. Overall this was an amazing experience and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a whale shark experience.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you For Your Kind Words, We Feel Really Greatful You Chose Us
Written June 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tricia C
1 contribution
May 2022
We were apprehensive. Not about the whale sharks. We were so excited at the opportunity for that. But I'd read reviews of a long fruitless day of big-wave seas and seasickness. So we lucked out because our weather was perfect which made the boat ride itself a delightful excursion. We saw flying fish, a turtle and a huge pod of dolphins, racing our boat and breaching gleefully. Pure happiness!
As for the whale sharks, it was only the second day of the season and the first day there had been no sightings. Of course the day before that, there had been 20. This is why they tell you sooooo many times, there are no guarantees.
Our group of 10 tourists had eyes peeled and it looked like it was going to be a bust, but then two were spotted. We all got 2 swims with them and you really have to be ready to jump in and sprint swim to get close, unless they turn towards you and then...WOW! It was breathtaking. Deeply satisfying. Well worth it. Words don't do justice.
As for our guide Brandon and captain Juan, they care, and they are skilled at getting everyone to experience the wonder. They are clearly just as thrilled when it all works out as the customer is. They said June and July are the months where there are lots more to see. And that's great. Just know that you will still only spend a few minutes per turn into the water because your guide wants you to be safe and accounted for, and for all to get equal turns. In fact, because there were only two whale sharks, we took two instead of three swims each because and they don't want to over stress these giant beauties. Which I applaud. I did not feel short changed. I felt like they care about the whale sharks.
As for the whale sharks, it was only the second day of the season and the first day there had been no sightings. Of course the day before that, there had been 20. This is why they tell you sooooo many times, there are no guarantees.
Our group of 10 tourists had eyes peeled and it looked like it was going to be a bust, but then two were spotted. We all got 2 swims with them and you really have to be ready to jump in and sprint swim to get close, unless they turn towards you and then...WOW! It was breathtaking. Deeply satisfying. Well worth it. Words don't do justice.
As for our guide Brandon and captain Juan, they care, and they are skilled at getting everyone to experience the wonder. They are clearly just as thrilled when it all works out as the customer is. They said June and July are the months where there are lots more to see. And that's great. Just know that you will still only spend a few minutes per turn into the water because your guide wants you to be safe and accounted for, and for all to get equal turns. In fact, because there were only two whale sharks, we took two instead of three swims each because and they don't want to over stress these giant beauties. Which I applaud. I did not feel short changed. I felt like they care about the whale sharks.
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary H
5 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Spent the day with Isaac (Cpt) and Cindy (snorkel instructor) visiting the whale sharks area. We entered the water in pairs with Cindy and swam alongside the whale shark. It was such an incredible experience.
Isaac was brilliant and clearly experienced as he dropped every group directly in line with the whale shark so they got a front on view and could easily turn to swim alongside. Cindy was equally as good at directing the pair in the water. This compared to other boats who were putting in 4-6 people at a time and dropping them in anywhere, requiring them to swim and find the shark.
We then stopped on the way back for a quick dip at Isla Mujeres North beach and a spot of lunch.
Overall, a fantastic trip with excellent staff and planning. Would totally recommend using these guys for visiting whale sharks.
Isaac was brilliant and clearly experienced as he dropped every group directly in line with the whale shark so they got a front on view and could easily turn to swim alongside. Cindy was equally as good at directing the pair in the water. This compared to other boats who were putting in 4-6 people at a time and dropping them in anywhere, requiring them to swim and find the shark.
We then stopped on the way back for a quick dip at Isla Mujeres North beach and a spot of lunch.
Overall, a fantastic trip with excellent staff and planning. Would totally recommend using these guys for visiting whale sharks.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigHilda23
Reading26 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
I travelled from Tulum so it was a very long day of mostly transit as we picked up fellow snorkelers on the way to Cancun (and dropped back on the return leg).
The ‘light breakfast’ was a slice of cake & a quarter of a sandwich which was meagre but I didn’t expect 5 star catering.
We quickly headed out the the whale sharks. The tour started later than usual (pick up at 6.45 instead of 4.30am) to avoid the large number of boats which surround these majestic creatures so we arrived to a maximum of 5 boats at any one time which was reassuring.
The snorkelling itself feels a bit manic and you need to be comfortable jumping off the side of the boat from the side, not the back or via ladder. Entering the water this way means you have to get over the jump in and inevitable problems with the cheapo snorkelling equipment quickly to get the full benefit of the experience. I struggled a bit with this & the comment by the captain I later heard ‘put your head in…it’s like they don’t want to see the whales’ wasn’t helpful!
There was no information given about the whale sharks or how to interact with them just drive, drop, swim, reboard. I found this really disappointing & it smacked of coining it in from the tourists rather than any interest in marine life.
The stop at Isla Mujeres was marred by a large party boat which moored alongside but the ceviche & beer was a welcome snack after a bumpy boat ride (def take travel sickness tablets).
Whilst I’m glad I did the trip, be prepared for a long day if you’re not in Cancun & if you are interested in learning about the whale sharks, go elsewhere.
The ‘light breakfast’ was a slice of cake & a quarter of a sandwich which was meagre but I didn’t expect 5 star catering.
We quickly headed out the the whale sharks. The tour started later than usual (pick up at 6.45 instead of 4.30am) to avoid the large number of boats which surround these majestic creatures so we arrived to a maximum of 5 boats at any one time which was reassuring.
The snorkelling itself feels a bit manic and you need to be comfortable jumping off the side of the boat from the side, not the back or via ladder. Entering the water this way means you have to get over the jump in and inevitable problems with the cheapo snorkelling equipment quickly to get the full benefit of the experience. I struggled a bit with this & the comment by the captain I later heard ‘put your head in…it’s like they don’t want to see the whales’ wasn’t helpful!
There was no information given about the whale sharks or how to interact with them just drive, drop, swim, reboard. I found this really disappointing & it smacked of coining it in from the tourists rather than any interest in marine life.
The stop at Isla Mujeres was marred by a large party boat which moored alongside but the ceviche & beer was a welcome snack after a bumpy boat ride (def take travel sickness tablets).
Whilst I’m glad I did the trip, be prepared for a long day if you’re not in Cancun & if you are interested in learning about the whale sharks, go elsewhere.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily H
15 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This is one in a lifetime type of trip to book. Seeing the whale sharks in the ocean was amazing and surreal. The company had the option to rent a go pro for $50 which I would highly recommend doing, if you don’t already have one. Our captain and guide were extremely friendly and prepared food whilst docking at Isla mujeres. We were also given the opportunity to dive in the Mesoamerican reef, which was also surreal. Would recommend this trip to anyone.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael T
Alexandria, VA30 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
A wonderful experience from start to finish. There was only one whale shark that day but the captain dropped us right in front of it and we got in the water and we’re immediately face to face with the whale shark. Then followed along as it dove and rose again. Unforgettable. Furthermore, we had a flight to catch from Cancun at 4:15 so the captain had us swim first then put us on another boat that arrived earlier so we could make it on time. We were cutting it close and one of the staff used his personal vehicle to get us to the airport on time. We could not be more grateful. It’s an experience not to be missed and I would 10/10 recommend Mexico Whale Shark to anyone visiting the Cancun area. Thank you all for such a great experience.
Written May 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe R
4 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Exaxtlty what you want if you're looking for Whale Sharks!
Captain Isaac made sure to always be in the perfect spot to swim along side the great fish. He was very friendly and even showed interesting videos about the shark migration. Guide Cindy was very knowledgeable and helping everyone to get the best view of the sharks no matter what kind of snorkeling experience you have.
The equipment was of great quality. It made for little fuss, and I didn't need to worry about my mask or fins while I was trying to keep of with the sharks.
A van picks you up early from your place, and a light breakfast and a scrumptious civiche lunch are included. I was glad we had an early start, because it meant that everyone could do multiple dives before the sharks were spooked by the crowds.
If you're looking for a great view of the sharks, no one can get you close than Mexico Whale Shark.
Captain Isaac made sure to always be in the perfect spot to swim along side the great fish. He was very friendly and even showed interesting videos about the shark migration. Guide Cindy was very knowledgeable and helping everyone to get the best view of the sharks no matter what kind of snorkeling experience you have.
The equipment was of great quality. It made for little fuss, and I didn't need to worry about my mask or fins while I was trying to keep of with the sharks.
A van picks you up early from your place, and a light breakfast and a scrumptious civiche lunch are included. I was glad we had an early start, because it meant that everyone could do multiple dives before the sharks were spooked by the crowds.
If you're looking for a great view of the sharks, no one can get you close than Mexico Whale Shark.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabrielle R
5 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
The stop at isla mujeres was my favorite part. I grew up on the water and never get sea sick but I felt iffy because of it being so rough and the boat being turned on an off so much once we got to the whale sharks. Everyone on the boat felt sick.
The email and when we signed up said it began at 6 so we were excited to be picked up at 5:20- but then ended up being in a van from our resort for 2.5 hours and didn’t get to the site until 7:45. We sat and waited while people were 20 minutes late and the driver said he couldn’t leave without them. The drive home was also over 2 hours and the driver was on the phone the entire time talking about where he had to go and trying to figure out directions.
We jumped in when we saw whale sharks only two at a time so the actually jump and seeing whale sharks was pretty amazing but also not something I would do again if staying in Riveria Maya. After this is when we headed to isla mujeres and had an amazing time just hanging out in the water while they made us some fresh guacamole and ceviche.
Our guides were amazing though and really knowledgeable.
The email and when we signed up said it began at 6 so we were excited to be picked up at 5:20- but then ended up being in a van from our resort for 2.5 hours and didn’t get to the site until 7:45. We sat and waited while people were 20 minutes late and the driver said he couldn’t leave without them. The drive home was also over 2 hours and the driver was on the phone the entire time talking about where he had to go and trying to figure out directions.
We jumped in when we saw whale sharks only two at a time so the actually jump and seeing whale sharks was pretty amazing but also not something I would do again if staying in Riveria Maya. After this is when we headed to isla mujeres and had an amazing time just hanging out in the water while they made us some fresh guacamole and ceviche.
Our guides were amazing though and really knowledgeable.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WITY TRAVELS
166 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We didn't want to get our hopes up about seeing a whale shark because they were very clear that it was not guaranteed. We were picked up from our hotel and taken to the port in which we would be getting on the boat and heading out onto the water. There we had a really tasty light breakfast of fruits and cake. The staff at the dock were very friendly. On the ride out to the area where the whale sharks usually are we must have seen 15 dolphins jumping out and back into the water. When we arrived to the whale shark spot we saw many boats gathered around in a circle. It looked like a small island out in the middle of the sea. As we drove closer we finally saw the very lively (but friendly) shark invested waters. Before it was our turn to go into the water we saw the magical fish from the boat and other people swimming along side them. When it was our turn, we dove in and were face to face with the biggest fish in the sea. Then it turned direction and we were able to see just how large the fish truly was. We loved it! And we even had time to go in a second time. After swimming with the whale sharks we worked our way back toward land. We stopped at one spot to snorkle and then had a delicious and freshly made ceviche. Then we went to another spot for snorkling. There we saw amazing coral reefs and swam was hundreds of small yet beautiful fish. We even saw underwater statues. Our guides were incredible. Enrique, our boat driver, was very helpful and safe. Toto who guided us on the swims was delightful and took amazing footage for us on our go pro while also making sure we had an incredible experience. Even without the whale sharks this was worth the money. One of our best days ever out on the water. We highly recommend!
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello! Looking at the website I read that what suits are no longer allowed. So if we have our own wetsuit we can't wear it? And if that's the case, what is the temperature of the water in June for this tour?
Written November 18, 2022
Hello! I'm planning a trip for next summer and doing it around a plan for this excursion - to snorkel with the whale sharks. It would be best for my family to go in mid-July (11th-16 or thereabouts) . Has anyone been in this time period? I know it's a little early for the whale sharks, so want to make sure we'd more than likely see them. Any thoughts appreciated!
Written October 10, 2022
The whale sharks return to the Yucatan area to feed off of fish eggs usually in June. Your dates in mid July put you in a very favorable time period. I was able to go in 4 times because there were so many. I think they promise one or two attempts. It is very hard work to swim to keep up. Only in the water for a minute or two then you climb out and other swimmers go in 2 at a time with a guide. It was overwhelming for me to be in open ocean, with 30 or so tour boats filled with 10 snorkelers apiece all floating around the same area. When you get your head up after seeing the giant fish, there are boats and snorkelers everywhere, such confusion! Bring go pro camera!
Written October 11, 2022
Are you still allowed to rent a wetsuit instead of the life vest?
Written June 25, 2021
Will I see whale sharks in December?
Written November 24, 2020
I will be staying in riviera maya in March are the whale sharks about then and are snorkelling with then tours available
Written December 22, 2019
Hello. Unfortunately the season will start on May 17. The whale sharks are never here before May anyway. All the best.
Written December 23, 2019
Deborah W
Belfast, United Kingdom
Hi
We are a group of 7 going to mexico next Monday. Can you tell us which local excursion company you used for the whale shark experience? Also any other hint, tips or trips you are able to give would be fantastic. We have not been before and are all animal mad.
Thanks, D
Written August 26, 2019
Hello, we are mexico whale shark com we do not use any other people as we are direct local operators, probably the best ones according to our reviews. the whale sharks are here and the weather looks fine for the beginning of next week so you may book through our website. thank you.
Written August 27, 2019
Que precio tiene ir a ver al tiburón ballena? Estoy en costa mujeres
Written August 14, 2019
Hola, seria el precio desde Cancún, $160 por persona con transporte redondo desde su hotel.
Written August 15, 2019
Hi we are currently in the Riviera Maya district, do you offer a pickup and drop of service? And what’s the cost?
Thank you so much
Elena
Written August 5, 2019
Hello, yes of course we provide round trip transportation from any hotel in the riviera maya, you may book directly from our site mexico whale shark com
Written August 6, 2019
I would like to take my 10 year old son on this trip but don’t want to go into the water and swim myself so what is the price for me? Thanks
Written August 4, 2019
Hello, the price is the same for everyone as the spaces are limited per boat. good day.
Written August 5, 2019
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