Isla Holbox: Whale Shark Swim & Snorkeling with Fresh Ceviche

Summary

Swim beside whale sharks off Holbox then taste ceviche by the sea

You’ll start early in Isla Holbox with breakfast before heading out by boat to swim alongside whale sharks (with your guide close by), then snorkel reefs near Cabo Catoche spotting turtles or nurse sharks. Enjoy fresh ceviche on a quiet beach stop before cruising back—expect salt on your skin and memories that stick long after.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this weird quiet just before sunrise on Isla Holbox — the kind that makes you notice your own footsteps crunching toward the pier. I met our guide, Luis, outside a little office that smelled like coffee and sunscreen. He handed out gear while his cousin poured us strong coffee and some sweet bread. I was mostly awake by the time we walked to the boat, though honestly my nerves were buzzing louder than the gulls overhead.

The ride out felt longer than it probably was — maybe an hour or so? Hard to tell with the wind in your face and everyone scanning for fins. Luis pointed out a few dolphins playing off the bow, and someone spotted a manta ray gliding under us (I nearly missed it because I was fiddling with my mask). When we finally slowed down, he grinned and said “there they are.” I didn’t expect whale sharks to look so… gentle? Their mouths are huge but they move like slow clouds underwater. Swimming next to one (with Luis right there) made me forget about everything else — just salt water, sunlight flickering through spots, and my own heartbeat thumping in my ears.

Afterwards, we stopped near Cabo Catoche for snorkeling over these rocky “cuevones.” I saw a turtle munching on something green, plus a couple of nurse sharks lurking way below (not scary at all). The water tasted salty-sweet when I accidentally swallowed some — classic me. While we dried off on deck, Luis mixed up ceviche with fish he’d caught earlier that morning. It was tangy and cold and honestly might have ruined restaurant ceviche for me forever. We ate it at Santa Paula beach where a few pelicans eyed our plates hopefully. That last swim felt lazy in the best way — sun-warmed skin, sand between toes.

I still think about swimming beside that whale shark sometimes — how small I felt but also strangely calm. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Holbox to swim with whale sharks, just go for it. You’ll come back salty, tired, maybe sunburned… but yeah, you won’t regret it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale shark and snorkeling adventure

• Meet guide and group at 6:30 am
• Have briefing and light breakfast
• Walk to pier and board boat
• Boat trip to find whale sharks
• Swim with whale sharks in groups
• Swim with giant manta if possible
• Stop at Cabo Catoche to snorkel reef
• See sea turtles and marine life
• Enjoy fresh ceviche on boat
• Stop at Santa Paula for swim
• Return to Holbox

Top questions

How long is the whale shark tour from Isla Holbox?

The full trip lasts most of the day, starting around 6:30 am and returning in the afternoon.

Is swimming with whale sharks near Holbox safe?

Yes, whale sharks are harmless filter feeders; guides ensure safety by swimming in small groups.

What’s included in the Isla Holbox whale shark tour?

A light breakfast, snorkeling equipment, cool drinks, fresh ceviche lunch (or guacamole/mango), and local guide are included.

Can kids join the whale shark snorkeling trip?

No, children under 6 years old are not allowed on this tour.

When is whale shark season in Holbox?

The official season starts May 15 each year but can vary depending on when whale sharks arrive.

What if weather cancels my tour?

If canceled due to poor weather conditions, you can choose another date or get a full refund.

Will I see other wildlife besides whale sharks?

You might spot dolphins, manta rays, turtles, nurse sharks, lobsters or reef fish during the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your group at Isla Holbox early for coffee and sweet buns before heading out by boat with all snorkeling gear provided. There’s cool water and sodas onboard plus a stop for freshly prepared ceviche (or guacamole/mango if you don’t eat fish) served right on the beach before returning in the afternoon.