How to swim with Whale Sharks from Cancun: All You Need to Know

If you are up for one of the most amazing experiences of your life, you need to sign up for a tour to swim with whale sharks in Cancun if you are in the area from June through September. In this post, I will tell you how.

Whale sharks are the largest creatures in the ocean and also one of the most docile.  If you encounter them, they either ignore you or play with you. They have a large, white belly and yellow spots along their head and back, each with its unique pattern.

I know the name can be deceiving, but there is NOTHING to fear when swimming with them, it’s just overwhelming and fascinating.

The next, but most wonderful thing is that you can play and swim with them without their being kept in captivity; they are free in the ocean and you can find them within Mexican territory, between Holbox and Isla Mujeres, during the summer (usually from June through September), while they are migrating towards a new home.

Cancun is the closest access to the whale shark tours, as the majority of the boats leave from there, but you can also take the tour from Playa del Carmen, Holbox, Isla Mujeres, or even Tulum. Although it’s going to be a long transfer, tour companies will organize that for you.

If you happen to be in Baja California around January through March, you can see them there.

Tours are organized by experienced fishermen who know where to go and how to approach them with respect. Unfortunately, the huge demand for these tours is making it a little unsustainable, although they have been trying to control it in some way.

When I went a couple of years ago, there were about 20 boats grouped together so that the visitors could jump into the water and meet the friendly animal.

I remember the smell of gasoline was not lovely, and it made me think a lot about how good or bad it was for the poor creatures.

Were they affected? Annoyed?

As soon as I could, I immediately jumped into the water and started swimming; there were about 4 or 5 of them, coming towards me and also beside me, harmless and beautiful.

They would open their mouths to let water in, or to ingest it, and after filtering out the plankton and small fish (their food), they would let it out again, through their gills.

That is what and how they eat, so mankind is by no means appetizing for them.

The width of their flat mouth can reach up to 1.5m, and when they open it in front of you, it can be a bit intimidating, although nothing bad will happen. They are playful, majestic creatures and can measure up to 12 m long. Impressive indeed!

HOW DO I BOOK MY TOUR?

If you decide to go and look for them, you will need to do it by organized tours. Even if I am an advocate for “do-it-yourself”, this is something you cannot do on your own, for two main reasons:

• first of all, the port authorities and conservationist organizations are trying to preserve this endangered creature, hence the visits are controlled and limited to specifically authorized tours.
• Secondly, whale sharks are not in a specific place because they are free, thus they move around. The fishermen communicate with one another and will know where to take you.

There are many companies and private fishermen that offer tours. I am sure that if you ask the concierge where you are staying, they will certainly channel you to a proper tour provider. You can also check out this tour, which has the best reviews.

The boats leave either from Cancun, Isla Mujeres or Holbox, normally around 9 am, and stay out all day, offering a delicious lunch consumed on the sea.

This other company also has fantastic reviews about the great organization and excellent service. So you have a lot of options.

best Practices

• Wear sunscreen on the boat
• Stay hydrated
• Take a wetsuit if you don’t want to wear a life jacket.
• If you have your own snorkel and mask, take them with you
• BE RESPECTFUL. Do not touch the whale sharks. Although it is not dangerous, you can hurt them.

BOOK A TOUR

The only way to swim with Whale Sharks is by joining an organized tour. You cannot go on your own.

Here, you can explore some tour options if you wish to book in advance. Otherwise, you can check with the tour desk or the hotel reception.