Whale Shark Day Trips
Isla Mujeres Whale Shark, Beach, and Private Boat Trip




Overview
Are you visiting Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, or Cancun but can’t stop thinking about swimming with the whale sharks? Isla Mujeres is not only home to some of the top beaches in the world, but it is also blessed to be one of the destinations with the highest whale shark migrations on the planet. In other places in the world you might have to search for days to spot just one whale shark, whereas in Isla Mujeres you are almost guaranteed to spot multiple whale sharks, ranging from a few to a hundred any given day during season (May-September). These gentle giants migrate near Isla Mujeres once a year where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet, following the plankton that they feed on, and if you’re lucky you’ll also get a chance to swim with the giant manta rays that often appear alongside them.
If you book an Isla Mujeres Whale Shark, Beach, and Private Boat Trip with Isla Spirit Adventures we will pick you up at your hotel or vacation rental, transfer you to the port in Cancun, and will venture out to find the whale sharks at 8:00 am. On the way to the whale shark site we often spot a vast variety of sea life including sea turtles, flying fish and even dolphins. After everyone on the boat has swam their allotted amount of times with the whale sharks, we will head back to Isla Mujeres’ famous North Beach, rated as one of the top beaches in the world by Trip Advisor and #1 in Mexico, to take a relaxing swim and feast on freshly prepared ceviche and guacamole. If you prefer to do some additional snorkeling, we can take you to “El Farrito” snorkeling spot instead of north beach. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity even if you won’t be staying overnight in Isla Mujeres on your trip, we will organize everything for you. We promise you that it is an experience that you will never forget!
Our boats have comfortable seating, are fully shaded, and we can also provide a boat with a bathroom onboard upon request. We have an experienced team of professionals with vast skill sets, and offer a one of a kind experience unlike any other tours on the market.
Note:
Cancun
Tulum
Playa del Carmen ( Private Boat )
Puerto Morelos ( Private Boat )
- What’s Included:
- Itinerary:
- Round Trip Private Shuttle Transfer
- Private Round Trip Boat Transfer
- Whale Shark Encounter and Snorkeling
- Snorkel Gear Rental
- Sandwiches, Fresh Fruit, Guacamole & Ceviche
- Water, Refreshments & National Beer
- North Beach Swimming Stop, Rated Top Beaches in the World and #1 Beach in Mexico
- National Park Entrance Fees & Taxes
6:00 | Hotel Pick Up (For Tulum) |
8:00 | Arrival at Marina & Briefing |
8:30 | Departure for Whale Shark Migration Sight |
9:30 | Snorkeling with Whale Sharks |
1:00 | North Beach Swimming Stop & Ceviche Lunch on Boat |
2:00 | Return to Marina in Cancun |
3:00 | Marina Pickup |
5:30 | Hotel Arrival (for Tulum) |
Whale Shark Land and Sea Option
Note:
Cancun
Tulum
Playa del Carmen ( Private Boat )
Puerto Morelos ( Private Boat )
- What’s Included:
- Itinerary:
- Recommendations:
- Booking Information:
- Everything mentioned above
- Three Hour Golf Cart Rental to Cruise around the Island and Visit North Beach, South Point, and Isla Mujeres’
Breathtaking Caribbean Landscapes by Land - Map of Isla Mujeres and Important Sights
- Authentic Mexican Dinner and Optional Mezcal Tasting at a Local Restaurant
- Sunset Cruise return to Marina in Cancun
5:30 | Hotel Pick Up (for Tulum) |
7:30 | Arrival at Marina & Briefing |
8:00 | Departure for Whale Shark Migration Site |
9:00 | Snorkeling with Whale Sharks |
12:00 | North Beach Swimming Stop & Ceviche Lunch on Boat |
1:30 | Golf Cart Pickup & Free Time in Isla Mujeres |
4:30 | Golf Cart Drop Off |
5:00 | Dinner & Optional Mezcal Tasting at Local Restaurant |
6:30 | Sunset Cruise back to Marina in Cancun |
7:30 | Marina Pickup |
10:00 | Arrival at Hotel (for Tulum) |
- Avoid consuming alcohol the day before the trip, we’ll reward you with a cold one at the beach after the tour!
- Take a Dramamine pill the night before and the morning of the trip. We provide them for you in case you forget.
- Bring an underwater camera and a floating handle, or rent one from us!
- Wear a long sleeve swim shirt, hat, and/or reef-safe sunscreen.
- Arrive to the marina 15 minutes before your trip is scheduled. It is better to be one of the first boats to the site to make sure we maximize your face to face time with these gentle giants.
- Bring a towel and a dry change of clothes.
- Remember: Swimming with the Whale Sharks is an adventure activity, just like Deep Sea Fishing or Scuba Diving. We are visiting these creatures in their natural habitat, and there is absolutely no way to predict how far, how many, or where these wild creatures are each morning. Many elements, such as the brightness of the moon, amount of rain the night before, ocean currents, etc. determine what we encounter from day to day at the whale shark site. The most important thing to assure that you have the best experience possible is to go with a reputable company like Isla Spirit Adventures, who has professional captains and responsible guides that will inform you of any predictable weather and whale shark conditions a week before your scheduled tour, which allows time to reschedule or cancel, and who will also get you up close and personal with the whale sharks, while still respecting their migratory patterns.
Booking Information
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your desired tour dates. Whale Shark tours fill up months before the season starts, and it is highly recommended that you reserve your spot as soon as possible. All deposits can be paid through our BOOK NOW page and the remainder can be paid either via PayPal (plus 4.5% PayPal fees) or in cash on the day of the tour.
Cancellation Policy
Canceling 1 week or more before activity – 0% penalty (full deposit refund)
Canceling between 1 week to 2 days before activity – 50% penalty (half of deposit refunded)
Canceling 48 hours or less before activity – 100% penalty (no deposit refund)
Weather Policy
If activity is canceled due to port closure, Isla Spirit Adventures will work with clients to rebook activity; if activity cannot be rebooked due to port closure before client’s official departure, deposit will be returned in full.