Swimming with Whale Sharks: Whale Shark Experience
Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
Swimming with the biggest shark in the world! Yes, you read that right: whale sharks are in fact sharks, not whales. The name whale shark comes from the way they feed, mainly by filtering plankton and other small particles from water (just like the whales) and of course also because of their size: they are the largest fish (and sharks) in the ocean. These impressive gentle giants have an average length of 25-40 feet (8-12 meters) and a weight of about 46,000 lb (21 tons). Their huge mouths can be as much as 5 feet (1.5 m) wide, containing about 300 rows of tiny teeth, but don't worry, they can't use them to bite or chew, nor can you be accidentally swallowed. It is estimated that whale sharks can live up to 70-100 years old under normal circumstances. Unfortunately, they are considered endangered animals on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
What do they do in Mexico?
Whale sharks roam in tropical and warm seas, covering enormous distances. Because of this they are often dubbed the 'nomads of the ocean'. They mainly live in the open sea, but usually not in the greater depths of the ocean. Although they are known to dive to depths of up to 5900 feet (1800 m), they often swim at the surface. Like most other shark species, whale sharks are not group animals, they are usually on their own. Except when they come here: between May and September, many of our spotted friends head to the Mexican Caribbean, which is the largest congregation of whale sharks in the world, gathering over 200 species on some days. We know that they mainly come here to feed on plankton and fish eggs, but some experts think that they may also mate here, although no one in this area has ever seen whale sharks mate or give birth.
Whale shark facts
Each whale shark is unique: their spot pattern is like their fingerprint, this is how each individual can be identified.
Being the biggest fish in the world, ironically they feed on the tiniest particles in the sea: plankton and fish eggs. In large quantities though: they filter an average of about 150,000 gallons (600,000 liters) of water per hour.
They have been around for a long time: the species originated about 60 million years ago.
Whale sharks are completely harmless to humans, there has never been any accident or 'attack' reported in encounters with these docile giants.
The skin of a whale shark can be as thick as 4 inches (10 cm), which in combination with their size makes that they hardly have any natural predators. Sadly the only major predator are humans, who hunt sharks mainly for their fins.
What is swimming with the whale sharks like?
Definitely one for your bucket list, this is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience! We take you from Cancun on a boat with four-stroke engines in a small group of a maximum of 10 guests, accompanied by our highly experienced captain and crew. It usually takes about an hour to get into the whale shark area, but you certainly won't get bored on this sea safari as we will try to spot dolphins and sea turtles along the way.
We operate this tour in a sustainable and animal-friendly way: we will not chase after the whale sharks in a clump of other boats, and we also do not like to throw you in the water with a bunch of other people, which is not fun for you, nor for the shark. We always try to find 'our own whale shark' and if needed we go out further than the others. Please keep in mind that this is an endangered species, numbers are rapidly declining, so being able to swim with them is a privilege, not a right. We will do everything in we possibly can to let you to swim with them, as long as it is not at the expense of the animals themselves.
If there are enough whale sharks around in the area (more than 5), you will get to swim with them. You always enter the water with only two persons at a time, and you will of course be accompanied by us or our crew. As experienced guides, we will make sure that you feel safe and that you get the best view of the whale sharks, even if you're not an experienced snorkeler or the strongest swimmer. We will hold your hand if that makes you feel more comfortable.
We will always try to do several rounds, so that you can enter the water multiple times. We offer quality time in the water as far as conditions allow for it: we are in no rush and as long as there are whale sharks and we can, we will stay until everyone is happy. Sometimes we are very lucky and manta rays join the party as well, as these beautiful animals have about the same diet as the whale sharks.
We record the entire adventure with our GoPro cameras. This way you can enjoy the experience and you don't have to worry about your camera (of course if you want to, you can also use your own camera), and we also always try to take photos and videos of you with the whale shark. All the pictures and videos of the day are included in the price, we will send you a link after the tour to download all the footage.
After our whale shark adventure, we will cruise to Isla Mujeres, where we drop anchor in the crystal clear waters in front of the most beautiful beach on the island for some relax time with a drink and a delicious Caribbean lunch, made at the spot by our wonderful crew.
Are you not completely convinced or do you want to know more? In our blog Whale shark tours in Mexico: everything you should know we explain a little more in detail about this activity in general and we answer the most frequently asked questions. For everyone who still finds it a bit scary: in our blog What's it like to swim with whale sharks we try to take away all fears of swimming with whale sharks.
This activity is only possible during the season, from the end of May until mid September
Why choose us?
We love the whale sharks! That is the main reason why we do this tour: we want you, our other guests and anyone who wants to hear it, to learn more about these incredible animals. We hope people will start loving the ocean, all of its creatures and sharks in particular. We are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism practices, and ensure that our tours do not harm the environment or marine life. If there are not enough whale sharks, we don't line up with 100 other boats and we don't chase the whale sharks. We always search further in the hope of finding our "own" whale shark. Sometimes we even find a whole group!
This excursion is very dependent on the weather, so we do not go out every day. We constantly monitor the weather, wind, waves and whale shark behavior in order to choose the best days for the tour. Naturally, this is an outdoors trip, so we can never be 100% sure, but with our many years of experience and in particular the immensely valuable knowledge and input of our captains, we are usually able to choose the right days to set sail. For you, this can mean the difference between the highlight of your holiday and an experience you'll never forget, or a terrible day you won't want to remember.
We always choose our departure times tactically: we depart at different times from most other companies, so we avoid the crowds as much as we can (the majority leave within an hour anyway) and have the whale sharks to ourselves as much as possible.
Our crew is like family to us. We have been working together for years, we know each other well and we are fully attuned to each other. We pay well above average for their services), and this is how we ensure, among other things, that our crew receives a fair wage, which is very important to us. Therefore our prices may be a bit high compared to others, but we really believe in: what you give, you will receive, so it also results in a very pleasant and fun vibe on board, above average quality, and excellent service for our guests. Our crew is very helpful and in no hurry: we get plenty of time in the water to fully enjoy this fantastic experience.
We don't like hidden costs, so our excursion includes everything in the price, so you know exactly where you stand in advance. And we can focus (instead of giving sales pitches and collecting all kinds of 'taxes') on what we really find important and fun: namely giving the most extensive briefing possible, with a lot of information about the whale sharks, their behavior, the rules, and how to swim with them so that you get the most out of this experience.
JOIN US ON THIS SPECTACULAR EXPERIENCE WITH OUR SPOTTED FRIENDS. AN ABSOLUTE MUST-DO ON YOUR TRAVELS IN MEXICO!
Ultimate Whale Shark Experience
Included:
Round trip transportation from your hotel (between Playa del Carmen and Cancun) in a shared comfortable van with max. 10 persons. For pick-ups from the south there is an extra charge. We offer very limited pick-ups in Tulum, ask us for availability. Our boat can also pick you up from Isla Mujeres, and for people coming from Cozumel, we can pick you up from the ferry station in Playa del Carmen.
One of us as a certified guide/photographer with over 10 years of experience. We give a very extensive briefing so you know exactly what to do and what to expect, and we'll be with you during the whole day to help you get the most out of this experience
Taxes of the National Park and the marina
Anti-seasickness medication (optional)
Comfortable shared boat, with a maximum of 10 persons. Fully equipped with GPS, VHF radio, shaded area, first-aid kit
Dive quality snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins), we also have full face masks
Quality time swimming with the whale sharks, no rush, no chasing, multiple jumps
We guarantee seeing the whale sharks. In case we are not able to find any, we will give you a 50% refund, or you can choose to come along again on another day for free
Varied breakfast by a professional chef, sandwiches, lunch (ceviche and guacamole) and snacks. We also offer vegetarian and vegan options. Please inform us of any food allergies to take into account.
Water and soft drinks (and beer after the activities)
We take our time to relax with a drink in front of beautiful Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres
All the photos and videos of the day
Private Whale Shark Experience
Included:
Round trip transportation from your hotel (between Playa del Carmen and Cancun) in a private van for your own group of maximum 10 persons. For pick-ups from the south there is an extra charge. Our boat can also pick you up from Isla Mujeres, and for people coming from Cozumel, we can pick you up from the ferry station in Playa del Carmen.
One of us as a certified guide/photographer with over 10 years of experience. We give a very extensive briefing so you know exactly what to do and what to expect, and we'll be with you during the whole day to help you get the most out of this experience.
Taxes of the National Park and the marina
Anti-seasickness medication (optional)
Comfortable private boat just for your own group of maximum 10 persons, fully equipped with GPS, VHF radio, shaded area, first-aid kit
Dive quality snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins), we also have full face masks
Quality time swimming with the whale sharks, no rush, no chasing, multiple jumps
We guarantee seeing the whale sharks. In case we are not able to find any, we will give you a 50% refund, or you can choose to come along again on another day for free
Varied breakfast by a professional chef, sandwiches, lunch (ceviche and guacamole) and snacks. We also offer vegetarian and vegan options. Please inform us of any food allergies to take into account.
Water and soft drinks (beer and wine after the activities)
We take our time to relax with a drink in front of beautiful Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres
All the photos and videos of the day
Some important info and rules for swimming with the whale sharks:
Whale sharks are endangered and protected animals and the activities are regulated by federal law.
Touching the whale sharks is strictly forbidden
Life jackets are mandatory (and included). As an alternative, wetsuits are also allowed for positive buoyancy. Wetsuits are not included in the tour, but available for rent at the marina or you can bring your own
(Chemical) sunscreen is very harmful for the marine life and therefore not allowed. You can use biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen only in the morning before boarding the boat (we'll also bring some if you don't have your own). Or better: bring alternative sun protection like (long-sleeved) rash-guards or shirts, face scarfs (buffs), hats or caps.
This tour is not recommended for people who suffer from cardiac, respiratory or back problems, pregnant women, children under 5 years old or people who do not have basic swimming skills. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to participate.
This activity might be re-scheduled for reasons of major cause such as weather or sea conditions. Port authorities decide.
We guarantee seeing the whale sharks. In consultation with you we choose the best day (in terms of weather conditions and the chance to see whale sharks) to go out. In case we are unable to find any whale sharks, we will give you a 50% refund, or you can choose to come along again on another day for free.
We can't guarantee swimming with the whale sharks, by federal regulations no one is allowed in the water if there are less than 5 whale sharks in the area, in order not to stress out the animals. You will still be able to watch them. In our experience, in the last few years all of our clients have been able to swim with the whale sharks
(Chemical) sunscreen is very harmful for the marine life and therefore not allowed. You can use biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen only in the morning before boarding the boat (we'll also bring some if you don't have your own)
It is even better to use alternative sun protection like (long-sleeved) rash-guards or shirts, face scarfs (buffs), hats or caps. As of now we also have caps and beautiful hoodies made of bamboo for sale. Of course they have a whale shark print! Available on our tour.
What to bring
Towels
Comfortable, fresh clothing and long-sleeved shirts or rash-guards
Hat or cap
Sun glasses
Swimsuit and sandals
Biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen
Your own refillable water bottle
Optional: a wetsuit (also available for rent at the marina)
Camera (water resistant)
Money for tips & souvenirs