Whale Shark Snorkeling with Mexico Whale Shark on Holbox Island
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable swimming in open water and able to snorkel multiple times throughout the day.
Overview
Swim alongside the world’s largest fish with Mexico Whale Shark on Holbox Island. This day-long snorkeling tour combines thrilling whale shark encounters with scenic stops on some of the Caribbean’s most pristine beaches.
Holbox Island Whale Shark Tour
Starting at $190 USD • 9 Hours • Ages 4+ welcome
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About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable snorkeling adventure in Mexico, swimming alongside the majestic whale sharks, the ocean's largest fish. This unique tour includes transportation from Holbox Island, a delicious box lunch, and all necessary gear. Experience the thrill of open waters and stunning beaches, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
SNORKELING TOUR SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS IN MEXICO, THE BIGGEST FISH IN THE OCEAN.
Duration
Approx. 9 hours
About
Prices shown include:
- Transportation from the lobby of your hotel or condo in Holbox Island
- Box lunch, soft drinks, water and ceviche
- All the equipment for the excursion swimming with whale sharks from Holbox Island
- Snorkel gear
- Life jackets
The prices do not include The fee of the whale shark marine park ($10 per person).
We will take you from your hotel to our private marina where our boats are docked.
If you are staying in the Holbox Island hotel zone you will be picked up at your hotel at 7:00 am and taken to the main whale shark dock if your place is down town at a short walking distance (usually less than 3 minutes) we will ask you to be there at 7:10 am (exact time will be confirmed a day before), if for any reason you cannot walk we will pick you up at your hotel in Holbox anyway.
You will receive a briefing on the tour. We will answer any questions you may have. After the full explanation of the tour we will get on the boats and head out to swim with whale sharks.
We should be back to Holbox Island after the tour by 4 pm depending on the weather conditions. On the way back, we stop for about 45 min in Cabo Catoche which is a beautiful spot with virgin beaches.
It is important to be aware that in order to find and see the whale sharks we go out to open waters and sometimes it is rough. Most of the time the conditions are very good or perfect and everything goes well but as we all know the sea changes every minute and the conditions are sometimes not that good including rough sea and rain.
When it is too rough or dangerous the port is closed by the Port Master and we never go out in this case but sometimes even when it does not look very good if we are allowed to run the tour we do go out as all the other companies do.
The spaces are limited to 10 people per boat plus guide and captain, we guarantee 100% availability from May 17th to September 17th.
In case the weather does not allow us to go on the tour on that day, which is very seldom, we will put it off until another day. If for any reason you can’t participate anymore to the tour Swim With the Whale Sharks in Holbox Island we will refund 100% of your payment.
Adventure Tips
Come Prepared for Open Water
The tour ventures into sometimes choppy open seas—be ready for boat rides that can get rough and bring motion sickness remedies if needed.
Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin while minimizing impact on the fragile marine ecosystem by choosing biodegradable sunscreen products.
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Bring a refillable water bottle; the tropical climate and active day can quickly dehydrate you despite included drinks.
Respect Marine Wildlife Guidelines
Follow all instructions from guides regarding distance and interaction with whale sharks to help preserve their natural behavior.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Whale sharks
- Tropical fish including angelfish and parrotfish
History
Holbox Island grew as a fishing village and is now a hotspot for responsible ecotourism centered on marine conservation.
Conservation
Tour operators adhere to strict guidelines to minimize disturbances and support the Whale Shark Marine Park's ongoing protection efforts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cancún
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin without harming marine ecosystems during prolonged sun exposure.
summer specific
Swimsuit
Wear a comfortable swimsuit suitable for repeated snorkeling sessions.
Waterproof Camera
Capture underwater moments swimming alongside whale sharks and pristine beaches.
Motion Sickness Medicine
Helpful for travelers prone to seasickness on the potentially choppy boat ride.