Your Guide to Swimming with Whale Sharks in Mexico
Whale Shark season is in full swing in the Mexican Caribbean and to help you prepare for an incredible experience we have put together this guide to ensure an unforgettable day on the water.
Swimming with Whale Sharks is an activity that should be on every nature lover's bucket list. Snorkeling next to the largest fish in the world is one of the most majestic experiences you can have in the sea, and the Mexican Caribbean is one of the best places in the world to get up close and personal with these gentle giants!
Did you know?
Whale sharks are a species of carpet shark and despite the name, it is not a whale but actually the largest species of shark and the largest fish in the world!
Whale sharks have been around for about 60 million years, but their lineage dates back more than 400 million years. Which means when you swim with a whale shark it is like swimming with a living dinosaur, a species that has survived massive climate and ecosystem changes. Whale Sharks have a lifespan of 70-100 years however, there are no physical identifiers for you to be able to tell their age just by looking at them.
You can, however, tell the gender of a whale shark by looking at the underside of their bodies. While both male and female whale sharks visit the Mexican Caribbean, males are much more commonly seen in the feeding aggregation.
Whale Sharks are migratory animals that travel vast distances in their lifetime. They follow plankton blooms, fish spawning events, and ocean temperature shifts. From May- September they are abundant in the Caribbean waters near Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Holbox, when they come to feed on spawning fish eggs. Most of the whale sharks that gather off Mexico’s coast are juveniles, especially young males. Mexico is one of the few places in the world where you can see the whale sharks in action.
Despite the whale shark’s long history, a lot still remains unknown about their behaviors and communication. Whale sharks are mostly solitary animals, unlike dolphins or orcas they are not social and do not travel in groups. They have no family bonds, no pods, and no parenting behavior.
Whale sharks are not aggressive with each other or with humans. They are filter feeders, which means they are not hunters. Filter feeders are animals that feed by straining small food particles, like plankton or tiny organisms, from the water. Instead of hunting or biting prey, filter feeders, swim with their mouths open to let water flow through gill slits that trap their food.
Whale Sharks typically travel alone, however several may gather together for feeding. These gatherings are called "aggregations" and can involve dozens or even hundreds of whale sharks feeding in the same area. Even when these large groups gather to feed, they are non-aggressive or competitive with each other. When it comes to interactions with humans they typically just ignore divers and snorkelers unless someone gets in their way and even then, they just gently swerve or dive.
Interestingly, whale sharks display no territorial behavior, they do not defend their space. They are peaceful feeders, and feed side by side with no signs of competition. They respect each other's space and maintain a natural distance between each other. Unlike dolphins they do not make any sounds and there doesn't appear to be any body language or social signaling between them. Whale sharks are not aggressive at all, not with humans or with each other. This is one of the reasons why swimming with Whale Sharks is a safe and enjoyable experience for adventurers of all ages.
Safe and Sustainable Shark Swimming
Encountering Whale Sharks in the wild is an overwhelming experience. As the largest fish in the world they measure between 8–10 meters (26–33 feet) with the maximum recorded length being 18 meters (59 feet). Sightings of 12–14 meters (40–46 feet) are more common in places like Mexico. Whale Sharks can weigh up to 20 tons or 40,000 lbs; to put their size into perspective, a full-grown whale shark is longer than a school bus and weighs as much as three elephants!
Whale Sharks are considered an endangered species. Endangered means that a species is at serious risk of extinction in the near future, if proper actions are not taken to protect it. Whale sharks have been listed as endangered for a number of reasons including: boat collisions, illegal fishing, being caught in fishing nets and of course climate change that has affected their food sources and migratory patterns.
Interacting with this species in a sustainable way helps to build knowledge and conservation efforts. Many countries including Mexico have taken measures to develop sustainable practices and awareness of these fish to help protect them. In fact, Mexico has created one of the best-regulated whale shark tourism models in the world. Which allows meaningful and safe interactions with the whale shark in an environmentally safe manner that is respectful to the animals.
This means that when you choose to go on a Whale Shark Discovery Tour you can feel confident that you are contributing to a sustainable tourism model and causing no harm to marine life.
Some of the regulations you will find in Mexico are that only certified tour operators are allowed to take visitors to the whale shark area. Each operator must obtain a government-issued permit issued by CONANP (National Commission of Natural Protected Areas) and these permits are limited and monitored annually.
All tours must include licensed guides trained in marine conservation and every trip starts with a mandatory safety and environmental briefing to ensure guests understand the rules. Tours are available in multiple languages (Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish and Russian) so that tourists from around the world can have the most knowledgeable experience and memorable whale shark encounter.
The guidelines for Whale Shark encounters in Mexico includes:
- Only 2 swimmers + 1 guide per shark at a time
- No touching or getting closer than 2 meters
- No sunscreen unless it's reef-safe
- No flash photography
- No scuba diving; only snorkeling is allowed to minimize noise and bubbles
If swimming with Whale Sharks is on your Mayan Riviera travel itinerary make sure you book your vacation during May-September when the Whale Sharks are visiting!
How do you prepare for swimming with Whale Sharks?
Book in advance, whale shark season in the Mexican Caribbean runs from late May to mid-September, with the peak months being July and August. This time of the year can be busy with tourists from around the world enjoying summer holidays so it is best to book early.
When you know the dates you will be visiting the Mayan Riviera, book your tour in advance to ensure availability. As this is the rainy season we recommend that you book the tour during the first couple of days of your vacation plan, in the event of inclement weather rescheduling your tour.
They say that the best viewing of whale sharks coincides with the full moon. The lunar cycle affects tides, currents, and the reproductive cycles of many marine species. Whale sharks follow the food, they feed on plankton and fish eggs from species like bonito and snapper. These fish tend to spawn around the full moon, releasing millions of eggs into the water which means more food in the water and more whale sharks gathering to feed.
During this time, whale sharks are more likely to stay near the surface, feeding calmly and slowly. This increases your chances of seeing multiple individuals in one outing and makes for better snorkeling conditions. Since the sharks stay close to the surface during feeding, water visibility is often better near the full moon, ensuring a more breathtaking encounter.
The full moon dates for the remainder of the 2025 season will be July 10 the Buck Moon and August 9 the Sturgeon Moon. If you would like to align your tour with the full moon, we recommend you book early as these dates fill up quickly.
What does a Whale shark adventure day look like?
The whale shark adventure is a full day tour, make sure that you rest up and get plenty of sleep the night before so that you are ready for action.
5:00 am-7:20 am: Pick up is included in your tour and we will pick you up from your hotel or private residence between 5:00 am-7:00 am depending on your location. Ensure that you provide us with your WhatsApp number, room number and street address for a hassle free pick up.
8:00 am: You will travel from your hotel to the marina and arrive around 8:00 am. There you will enjoy a light breakfast before embarkation. .
9:30 am: Arrival at Whale Shark Area and get ready to jump in the Caribbean sea for a tête-à-tête with the world's largest fish.
11:30 am: After an exhilarating encounter with the Whale Sharks you will head to Isla Mujeres for the second part of your tour.
12:30 pm: Snorkeling at Isla Mujeres in itself is a must-do experience for any visitor to the Mayan Riviera. With crystal clear warm water, snorkeling here is comfortable and accessible for every skill level. Visibility often exceeds 20–30 meters and the water temperature is between 26–29°C (79–84°F).
You will be enchanted by the robust marine life which includes sea turtles, reef fish (sergeant majors, damselfish, parrotfish, angelfish), stingrays, eagle rays, small nurse sharks, colorful coral gardens and sometimes even dolphins!
1:10 pm: Next you will head to Playa Norte for a well deserved lunch. Playa Norte is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, with soft white sand and shallow turquoise waters perfect for swimming and relaxing.
2:30 pm: After an adventure-filled day you will leave to return to your hotel with photos and memories that will last a lifetime.
Shark Style: What do you wear to swim with Whale Sharks?
When preparing for any underwater adventure, being comfortable in your apparel always ensures a better experience. All tour companies will provide life jackets, and snorkeling equipment so you don't have to worry about investing in equipment for this adventure. However, there are some items you might want to purchase in advance to ensure that you are sun safe and waterproofed for your adventure.
You have probably heard that sunscreen is not permitted on this tour. Most commercial sunscreens contain chemicals that are damaging to water systems and marine life. Most marine parks and conservations areas in Quintana Roo have banned sunscreen.
Given that you will be out on the water all day, you will want to plan and pack accordingly to protect your skin against sun, wind and water. For this tour you will need a swimsuit, towel, biodegradable sunscreen (applied in advance), sunglasses, hat, spare clothes and $20 USD per person in cash for the dock fee.
The tour departs early in the morning, and it is advised that you wear your swimwear under your clothing so that you are ready to hit the water when you arrive at the launch. You will be given the option of wearing a wetsuit or using a life jacket. The water is warm between 24-29 degrees celsius so many people will opt not to use a wetsuit. Remember you will be out on the water for several hours and might get chilled or overexposed to sun, so plan your attire according to how your body typically acclimatizes to being at sea.
What to Buy and What to Bring?
Xico Dive Shop has prepared a list of the must-haves to stock up on for you and your family to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the entire family.
Our Pick Reef Safe Sunscreen
When you receive your booking confirmation you will receive important information about how to prepare for the tour and one critical thing you will note is sunscreen is not permitted. You will be asked to apply sunscreen at your hotel before departing and it is not permitted at the boat launch or on board, so please do not bring sunscreen with you. If you must use sunscreen we recommend that you choose a reef safe option. Stop by our boutique and choose between one of the many options of reef safe sun protection we have available.
Coral Care SPF 30 Sunscreen
Protect your skin and the ocean with Coral Care SPF 30 Sunscreen, the first sunscreen that actually helps coral thrive! Packed with natural nutrients and minerals loved by coral farmers, this gentle formula shields you from UVA and UVB rays while giving coral a boost of up to 21% healthy growth. Tested for aquatic safety and kind to all skin types, Coral Care is your sunny-day sidekick in the fight against coral bleaching.
Sun Protection Clothing
As you will be out at sea for a long day without reapplying sunscreen you will want to wear sun protection clothing. Rather than opting for a traditional swimsuit, you may wish to choose a rash guard that offers sun protection. This will keep you protected in the water and on the boat while providing you with no goop sun protection.
Our Picks for Women’s Swimwear
Not every woman wants to wear a traditional swimsuit on a group tour. Whether you like to cover up for fashion or function we recommend trying our leggings and rash guard option for your whale shark adventure. With sun protection and full body coverage, you will stay warm without the bulk of a wetsuit while still getting stylish instagrammable shots.
Whale Shark Sea Leggings
Nothing says Shark Style like showing up with an outfit that coordinates with the whale shark. Our signature whale shark leggings provide warmth and support while looking great. They are high-waisted with streamlined leg design and best of all they have pockets! The vibrant blue whale shark print will stand out beautifully for your underwater photos.
Xico Dive Shop Hooded Rash Guard
Protect yourself from the sun with our Xico Dive Center Rash Guard with a built-in hood. Perfect for protecting your hair and head from the sun and salt. In navy blue with a slim fit design it provides hassle free sun protection.
Our Picks for Men's Swimwear
Escualo Jammers for Men
Escualo Sports Men's Jammers are made from high performance lycra. They combine comfort, performance, and style. With a snug, supportive fit they will keep you cool and comfortable for your ocean adventure.
Whale Shark Rash Guard
A perfect souvenir to remember your underwater adventure. The Xico Dive Center Whale Shark Rash Guard is a slim cut rash that provides UPF sun protection. With a high neck and protective sleeves with thumb holes, stay sun safe, while looking stylish for all your underwater adventures.
Our Picks for Staying Dry
For a full day adventure out on the sea you will want to ensure you keep your valuables and extra clothes safe and dry. Here are some of our top recommendations.
Scuba Supreme Dry Bag
A 10L dry bag is the perfect size to fit all your essentials for one to two people. It will ensure that it keeps your extra clothing, your towel and any valuables dry onboard.
Phone Protector Case
If you are bringing your phone with you to the beach or on the boat we always recommend that people purchase a phone protector. While these protectors are not advisable for doing advanced underwater photography they will keep your phone safe from sand and water while on the boat. Photos will be available of the tour for purchase, however you might want to capture some of your own moments and memories along the journey.
Microfiber Towel
Skip the bulky hotel towels and opt for a lightweight microfiber towel, they are lightweight, quick drying and come with a small mesh bag for ease of travel. Available, in a variety of colors you can find the perfect one to express your personal style.
Microfiber Towel Poncho
If you are traveling with little ones, our Microfiber Towel Ponchos are a great way to keep them dry and warm in between snorkeling sessions. With a hood and pockets it's a great way to stay cozy after a big day of adventure on the high seas.
Go Pro Underwater Housing
If you have a Go Pro you will want to bring it with you on this adventure. Make sure you protect your GoPro with the case.
Go Pro Floating Handle
Invest in the floating handle to make sure that you have a steady hand for capturing all those 'grammable shots. The floating handle ensures that if you lose grip of your GoPro it will float to the surface rather than dropping to the depths of the Caribbean Sea.
Our Picks for Aftercare
After a full day of adventure you will likely be exhausted, and sunkissed. Before hitting bed you will want to make sure you protect your skin to avoid any discomfort.
Stream2Sea Sun and Sting Gel
Soothe your skin’s sun-kissed and bug-bitten moments with Stream 2 Sea´s Sun and Sting Gel! Packed with a lively mix of Green Tea, Tulsi, Wakame, and Olive Leaf antioxidants, this greaseless gel zips right in to cool and calm. Aloe and Green Tea team up to speed healing, while cinnamon bark, lavender, and tea tree oils bring quick relief. Feel the fast-absorbing magic as it cools and refreshes your skin, making those pesky sunburns and stings a thing of the past!
Mexican Caribbean Fish Guide
The perfect souvenir for your Caribbean adventure, the Mexican Caribbean fish guide will be your best friend for identifying all the fish and marine life you encountered on your tour. As an added bonus the book is in English and Spanish so you can master your bilingualism at the same time!
Ready, Set, Go
If you are looking to book your Whale Shark Discovery, we offer daily tours in multiple languages. All tours include transport, equipment, lunch, snacks and water.
Xico Dive Shop is your one stop shop for all the gear for your underwater adventures. Visit us first and let us help you gear up and prepare for all your adventures in the Mexican Caribbean. With a full range of scuba, snorkeling and land discovery tours we will create a hassle free itinerary for you and your group.
Can't stop in, but still want to gear up for adventure. Hit us up on socials or WhatsApp and we can take care of all your bookings.
If you are looking to purchase your gear and supplies online, we offer same day local delivery within 10 km of the shop. Book your excursions, buy the gear all without leaving your coveted beach chair. Our team will personally deliver your purchase right to your hotel, so you don't have to miss out on beach volleyball or happy hour to shop.
Our inventory is updated regularly and there are always fun new arrivals, shop online and pick up in store, have your order delivered locally or shipped anywhere in Mexico!