Mexico Whale Shark
Mexico Whale Shark
5
Scuba & Snorkelling • Dolphin & Whale Watching
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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
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Travelers' Choice
2022
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
581 reviews
Excellent
518
Very good
36
Average
4
Poor
13
Terrible
10
Michael T
Alexandria, VA29 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.
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.
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.
BigHilda23
Reading24 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.
Gary H
2 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.
Jessica W
13 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.
jbp1998
Plymouth, MN122 contributions
Jun 2022
We had a wonderful trip with Mexico Whale Shark! We saw whale sharks, turtles, flying fish and dolphins. We felt they were great about communication through WhatsApp and our tour crew, Carlos and Jose, were so professional. I'd highly recommend letting Jose take video versus trying with your phone as you need to truly enjoy the experience. Tip: pay the entire balance at check out or you'll need to have cash or pay a 5% credit card fee at the boat. Overall, we'd highly recommend.
Written June 27, 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
4 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.
Sunshine225069
Lockport, NY5 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
This was an awesome experience ( after some initial confusion about getting picked up at our hotel in Cozumel, you have to take the ferry to Playa del Carmen). Our boat captain Isaac was very friendly, did a great visual demonstration about how to interact with the whale sharks ( stuffed whale shark and Aquaman) and took great pains to find us the best spots to get into the water near the whale sharks. He also took extra time when we spotted a manta ray swimming on the surface, and turned the boat so we could go along with a pod of dolphins on the way back.
Cindy was very friendly also and did a great job helping us snorkel near the whale sharks. The stop in shallow water while they made fresh ceviche was great ( I don't like seafood so they made me my own without the fish-it was delicious) and fresh mangos. We got a sandwich also right after the snorkeling, and there were plenty of soft drinks/water on board.
I was extremely happy with this tour, the drivers were very good as well, getting us to the ferry with time to spare. I highly recommend this excursion, and the price and flexibility were better than other ones I checked.
Cindy was very friendly also and did a great job helping us snorkel near the whale sharks. The stop in shallow water while they made fresh ceviche was great ( I don't like seafood so they made me my own without the fish-it was delicious) and fresh mangos. We got a sandwich also right after the snorkeling, and there were plenty of soft drinks/water on board.
I was extremely happy with this tour, the drivers were very good as well, getting us to the ferry with time to spare. I highly recommend this excursion, and the price and flexibility were better than other ones I checked.
Written August 17, 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.
Mae C
Cancun, Mexico5 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
Lucky to have ideal weather conditions and a knowledgeable capitan who caught up with a large pod of whale sharks feeding on one of their last days in the area before migrating.
Our guide, Cindy, was phenomenal. Her strength and stamina were incredible as she led teams of tourists near the amazing sea creatures. Anyone planning a summer 2023 trip to the Yucatan should add this adventure to their must do list.
Our guide, Cindy, was phenomenal. Her strength and stamina were incredible as she led teams of tourists near the amazing sea creatures. Anyone planning a summer 2023 trip to the Yucatan should add this adventure to their must do list.
Written September 17, 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.
Tracy C
Lafayette, CO65 contributions
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?
Tracy C
Lafayette, CO65 contributions
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!
Mae C
Cancun, Mexico5 contributions
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!
FarAway543741
Woolmer Green, UK1 contribution
I will be staying in riviera maya in March are the whale sharks about then and are snorkelling with then tours available
Hello. Unfortunately the season will start on May 17. The whale sharks are never here before May anyway. All the best.
Deborah W
Belfast, UK
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
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.
Ruth L
Beckenham, UK17 contributions
What does the whale shark tour involve and how much is it?
Hello. All the information is in the website mexico whale shark com Thank you
dulceiiguez
Amsterdam, The Netherlands8 contributions
Que precio tiene ir a ver al tiburón ballena? Estoy en costa mujeres
Hola, seria el precio desde Cancún, $160 por persona con transporte redondo desde su hotel.
ElenaK0403
London, UK129 contributions
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
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
Rachel T
Sheffield, UK56 contributions
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
Hello, the price is the same for everyone as the spaces are limited per boat. good day.