Swim with Whale Shark from Isla Mujeres: Seasonal May–September

A short journey out, then a couple of dives alongside the world's largest fish

Swim with whale sharks on a 6-hour guided boat activity from Isla Mujeres, operating May through September. You meet at the office in central Isla Mujeres for breakfast, travel 45 minutes to the feeding grounds, then enter the water two at a time with a guide for multiple dives per pair. The boat stops at a coral reef for snorkeling on the return, and finishes at North Beach with fresh ceviche and a beer. Live English guide and hotel pickup are included. Although sightings are very likely, they are not guaranteed.

The experience

The boat holds ten people, and you'll spend the journey searching the open water for whale sharks: the world's largest fish. Once one is spotted, you enter the water in pairs, with a guide alongside, for up to three dives per pair. Between swims, the boat carries soft drinks, sandwiches and beers. On the way back to Isla Mujeres, the group stops at a coral reef to snorkel, then heads to North Beach where the crew prepares fresh ceviche with a beer to finish the day.

Whale sharks move through these waters from May to September, and the operator reports sightings are very likely, though not guaranteed. During the journey you may also see dolphins, manta rays and turtles. The activity starts with breakfast at the office in central Isla Mujeres: coffee, bread, fruit and juice. Pickup from your hotel is included, and you'll want to wear clothes you can change out of easily.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup.
• breakfast with coffee, bread, fruit and juice.
• boat transport to the whale shark grounds.
• snorkeling equipment and a stop at a coral reef.
• soft drinks, sandwiches and beers on the boat.
• fresh ceviche and a beer at North Beach.
• live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 21

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Contoy Adventours

Is this one for you?Groups stay at ten people per boat, so you're swimming with a small, organized crew rather than a large tour. The 45-minute journey out and multiple dives per pair suit anyone who wants real time in the water with the shark, not just a quick sighting from the boat.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

When is the best time to swim with whale sharks from Isla Mujeres?

Whale sharks are in these waters from May through September, and that is the only season the operator runs this activity. Sightings are very likely during those months, though not guaranteed.

How many times will I get to swim with the whale shark?

You enter the water in pairs, and each pair gets up to two or three dives with a guide. The exact number depends on how long the shark stays in the area and how the group is moving through the water.

What happens if we don't see a whale shark?

The operator cannot guarantee a sighting, though they report the likelihood is very high during the May to September season. The boat will search the feeding grounds for the full duration, and you'll still snorkel at the coral reef and enjoy the ceviche at North Beach.

Is there snorkeling included in this activity?

Yes, the boat makes a stop at a coral reef on the return to Isla Mujeres for snorkeling, and snorkeling equipment is provided. This is separate from the whale shark swims.

What food and drinks are included?

Breakfast at the office includes coffee, bread, fruit and juice; the boat carries soft drinks, sandwiches and beers during the journey; and the activity ends with fresh ceviche and a beer at North Beach. Bottled water is also provided.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the meeting point?

Hotel pickup is included in the activity. You'll be collected from your hotel and brought to the office in central Isla Mujeres for check-in and breakfast.