Whale Shark Tour

Please make sure to book your space in advance since the numbers available are limited!  Price is subject to change once the Government approves the permits and the price for the season.

The Whale Shark tour leaves daily in the morning and is, of course, reliant upon the weather.  Scuba diving with

whale sharks is prohibited by the Mexican government. All tours are snorkeling only!

Here some general information about the tour and the booking procedures:

Included on your tour:

1. Snorkel equipment and life jacket

2. Immersions with the whale sharks if the number of sighted whale sharks is enough, otherwise is just sightseeing (see “Rules for whale shark tours”)

3. Water and soft drinks and a final stop to relax at Playa Norte with some freshly prepared ceviche as lunch (ceviche can be fish or shrimp)

Extras:

Wetsuits can be rented extra if you wish the price is: 15 USD. Please be aware that you will still need to use a life jacket
to swim with the whale sharks, even while wearing a wetsuit.

In case you do not have your own camera, you have the possibility to purchase a USB with unedited pictures of your
experience with the sharks for an extra 45 USD.

Rules for whale shark tours

Please be aware that we are going to visit a Federal Natural Protected area.  These rules are from the Mexican government for all tour operators and for the protection of the animals. Please read the following:

1.      Touching the whale sharks is absolutely forbidden.

2.      Jumps are made by couples + a guide. There are only 2 people allowed with a guide in the water at one time.

3.      There is a maximum of 2 jumps per couple.

4.      Please keep the proper distance from the whale shark. 2 meters from the front area, and 5 meters from the tail. They swim by moving their tail from one side to the other and if they can accidentally hit us.

5.      No sunscreen is allowed in the area. They are filter feeders and these products are made of oils and other ingredients. When we enter the water they get washed away and stay on the surface of the water where they come to feed. If you would like to apply some (only Biodegradable ones) on your face and hands which are usually the most unprotected areas, you can do it before getting on the boat. For the rest of your body please cover it with t-shirts, towels,
rash guards, hats, etc.

6.      You are only allowed in the water when the number of whale sharks sighted is more than 5.

7.      If you see at least 1 whale shark, this is considered a successful sighting. 

8.      You are not allowed to bring any alcohol on the boat.

9.      You will be using a life vest with or without a wetsuit while in the water. There are no exceptions. 

 If you don’t see any whale sharks you have the choice to either join the tour on another day or get a partial refund.

There are no tours on the 30th of every month. 

What your day will be like:

You are going to head north of Isla Mujeres to the deeper waters of the CaribbeannSea area. The travel time to the Whale Shark area is around 1.5 hours but remember you are going to be in the sea, we never know where they are, or what we can see on the way! Always have your eyes wide open!

Once on the boat, you will get a life vest, mask, snorkel, and fins. The life vest is mandatory while the boat is moving and during the water activities.

As soon as they are found, the group needs to get ready. There will always be two people and one guide per jump into the water, and to swim with the whale shark. It is NEVER allowed to touch a whale shark! When you touch a
whale shark you disturb its natural protection and transmit bacteria from the land to a sea animal. They don’t have any natural defenses against our bacteria and can get very sick from it.

You can be in the water for approximately 5 minutes or less, each jump, but that depends on you! Due to the rules, each couple is allowed 2 jumps, so it's important to pay attention to all the information provided so you can enjoy your time in the water as much as possible.

Whale Shark Festival

Every July, the Isla Mujeres Department of Tourism has its annual Whale Stark Festival. The event showcases the achievements, traditions, and environmental uniqueness of Isla Mujeres. The festival attracts more than 5,000 people every year. 

Part of the proceeds from the festival goes to Amigos de Isla Contoy, a non-profit organization working to advance education on sustainable marine conservation and ecotourism in the region. For more information, visit www.whalesharkfest.com.  You can also find out more about Isla Cotoy and the tours there with us.