The 9 Best Whale Shark Tours in Mexico

1.La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,066 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $259Our pick

Leave Los Cabos early for La Paz, where guides such as Mario, Joe, and Juan help you snorkel beside migrating whale sharks from a local panga boat. Wetsuits, gear, drinks, fish tacos, and hotel transport are included. Plan on a long day, and remember that weather, permits, and whale shark numbers can affect the outing.

“The entire experience was wonderful. Mario and crew with Cabo Adventures were amazing and so informative. It was wonderful to swim with the whale shark.”

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2.Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 951 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $155Best value

Join a maximum of 10 people for a seasonal whale shark trip from Isla Mujeres. Guides such as Felipe and Lolo have helped swimmers get into position beside these huge wild fish, with two short water turns planned when conditions allow. The day also includes snacks, drinks, ceviche, snorkeling gear, and a beach stop.

“What an incredible experience - we loved the direct assistance and directions in making the most of the moments with these beautiful creatures who are just so gentle to be around. The captain and tour lead were fantastic in making this an unforgetable moment for our family.”

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3.Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 929 reviews · 6 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $199

Join a small group of up to 10 people for a seasonal whale shark trip from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Riviera Maya. Guides such as Dory, Pia, Pepe, and Santiago lead the swims, while the crew provides gear, snacks, drinks, and fresh ceviche at Playa Norte. Expect an early start, rough water, and changing wildlife conditions.

“We got so lucky! Nature CANNOT be controlled, but wow, Mother Nature showed up for us. According to the captain there were 20-30 whales that day. And we had an incredible experience. We had 2 dives of over 2 minutes each, and that was perfect. We rented wet suits that allowed us to swim better (highly recommend, since the whales can move quick). Diego (tour guide), Pepe (captain) and Pablo (sailor) were amazing. The ride can be a bit uncomfortable, but it has to be done. On our way there we saw dolphins, flying fish, turtles and rays. To anyone booking, please know that the team CANNOT control nature, you…”

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4.Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 916 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Spend about eight hours traveling from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Riviera Maya to the Yucatan whale shark grounds. A bilingual naturalist guide, often names such as Naara, Arturo, Victor, or Omar, explains the animals and manages two-person water entries. Lunch, drinks, gear, and hotel transfers are included, but bring cash for the $20 dock and environmental fee.

“Absolutely an amazing experience! We offered our daughter a graduation party, our trip and she chose trip! Thank goodness!! The whale sharks, the turtles, the dolphins and clear blue Waters were absolutely beautiful. The boat ride was also fun and the drivers in the crew were wonderful. Arrion passion, and love for the sea is infectious and was so kind and supportive to new divers! freshly made guacamole and fresh for salad was amazing.!!!Definitely would recommend it! How many memories made with family! I wouldn’t trade it for the world!!!”

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5.Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 594 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $190

Meet MeXplore in central La Paz for a roughly three-hour whale shark trip with a marine biologist and captain. Groups are kept small, usually no more than eight, with only a few people in the water at once. Wetsuits, masks, fins, snacks, permits, insurance, and GoPro footage are included.

“Sadly, the weather and sea conditions were too rough so our tour was cancelled. However, I do have to mention the tour reps and their communication. Outstanding!! They advised us several days in advance that the tour may be cancelled, and provided the possible reasons why. They kept in touch as our tour date grew closer. And then advised us the day before that it was indeed cancelled, and we could choose between rescheduling or a full refund. As this was booked close to the end of our vacation, we were unable to reschedule. We did receive a full refund. While we didn’t get to do this bucket list item,…”

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6.Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 519 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $170

Leave your Cancun or Playa del Carmen hotel around 6 a.m. for a small-group boat trip to swim with whale sharks in 15-minute rounds. Guide Jane and other marine-life guides have earned strong praise for safety and animal care. You’ll also snorkel near Isla Mujeres, eat ceviche and guacamole, and return after roughly seven hours.

“Such a fun day!! We were worried we wouldn't see any whales, but our tour guide Denys was super optimistic and it put everyone in a good mood - we ended up seeing multiple whales and mantarays. Whole experience was unreal. Our tour group was English and Russian, and our guide Denys balanced both of us really well (I assume because the Russians laughed a lot!). Pick up was easy from the hotel but very early (mine was 6:10AM), and Denys had a GoPro to take photos and videos of us; it was a separate charge so if you have your own GoPro, you might want to bring that. I…”

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7.Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 399 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $210

Start before sunrise with pickup to Punta Sam, then ride into the protected whale shark area for paired swims with a guide. Afterward, spend about an hour at Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte with ceviche, sandwiches, and drinks. Guides such as Herbert, Angel, Nate, Xavier, and Manuel have earned praise for safety and helpful instruction.

“We were sent messages the day before and 30 mins prior to pick up, to remind of pickup times and needed items. We were on the boat (Inky) with Herman (driver) and Marcelino (diver). They were great and able provide direction and assistance to ensure no one lost items while on the water and were safe. The whale sharks, they are giant and amazing and so majestic and being in the water with them was an experience I’ll never forget! The swims were fast and you can’t hesitate or swim slow. There were only 2 swims bc there weren’t many in the water that day, but maybe having 8 ppl…”

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8.Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter – Premium Service

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 392 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $268

Meet your guide at The Dock Cafe in central La Paz for a three-hour whale shark outing limited to seven people. You’ll receive a wetsuit, snorkel gear, biodegradable sunscreen, snacks, and drinks, then make several water entries when conditions allow. Guides such as Fatima, Katrin, Angel, and Anna have helped swimmers get close while protecting the sharks.

“Guide and boat captain were very knowledgeable and facilitated a very memorable experience with the whale sharks. I didn’t give them 5 stars because they promised photos of the experience, which would have been wonderful to have, but I asked twice and still never sent and that is very disappointing to not have those.”

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9.Swim with Whale Sharks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 380 reviews · 7 - 7.5 hours · from $160

From Cancún, take a small boat toward the whale shark reserve near Isla Contoy from May to September. Guides such as Omar, Naara, Arturo, and Alex explain the animals, lead short swims, and serve lunch with drinks before a stop near Isla Mujeres. Bring cash, a towel, and seasickness medicine.

“We had a once in a lifetime experience today with Omar. You can tell his passion for animals and his experience. We had a fantastic day with so many whale sharks it was hard to count, maybe more than 6!! The most beautiful ceviche served up on the boat anchored at Playa Norte. Couldn’t fault a single aspect. Thank you so much”

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