Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Swim with whale sharks, the world's largest fish, and see other amazing sea creatures such as sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins in the waters where the Caribbean meets the Gulf of Mexico. Despite its name, the 45-foot-long (14-meter-long) whale shark is an animal that allows for an up-close experience with your expert bilingual guide. After a light breakfast, head out from Isla Holbox to swim with the whale sharks, then back to the mainland to snorkel and enjoy fresh ceviche made with the day's catch. Snorkel gear is included along with a light breakfast, lunch, beverages, and ceviche.
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children under 6 are not allowed
Note: Whale shark season is from mid-May to mid-September, but whale sharks might come later to the area
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Bottled water
Our famous ceviche
In case you do not eat the included food, you can take fruits from the breakfast table to the tour
Bilingual guide
Soft drinks
Government Fees
Snorkeling equipment
Light breakfast : coffee, tea, fruits, yogurt and sweet buns
Boat with GPS
Guacamole and mango for those who do not eat fish
Gratuities
Do not include taxi to meeting point
Meet your guide and group at our VIP HOLBOX OFFICE, located one block from the main ferry pier. Receive a short briefing and all the necessary equipment and enjoy a light breakfast before you head off to the pier and board the boat. Head out into the Gulf of Mexico on a 1 to 2-hour ride to find the whale sharks. On the way, might watch giant manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. Once you reach the whale shark area, enter the water two at a time with your guide to get to see these extraordinary giants. The whale shark is the biggest fish in the world at 45 feet long (14 meters). Your guide will show you how to observe and even swim with these wonderful creatures while respecting their habitat. On the way back, stop near Cabo Catoche, the northernmost point of the Yucatan Peninsula where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. Snorkel the “cuevones” reef and look for sea turtles, nurse sharks, lobsters, squids, octopi, and other reef fish. Finally, head back to Boca Santa Paula, where you can stretch our legs, have a pleasant swim, and enjoy the delicious ceviche. A 45-minute journey brings you back to Isla Holbox.
81 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Leigh A,
Jul 24, 2021
- Viator
My boyfriend and I had the most bad ass day ever!!! Pedro, our Captain kept everyone safe and well fed. Our guide was also a very knowledgeable older gentleman who is so well versed in everything Whale Shark that it was like an outdoor classroom!! We highly recommend this tour company 🇲🇽🇺🇸🎯👏
Colleen B,
Mar 4, 2017
- Viator
I really enjoyed this tour. I did this in August 2016. The guides were great - super friendly. I enjoyed the fresh ceviche they made on the way back. I would book with them again. The only two things that I would change is - it was difficult to find the Viator office - I had questions the night before - and the lunch - homemade ham and cheese sandwiches could have been something nicer for the price I paid. Other than that I say book it and do it!!
Ryan P,
Jul 9, 2016
- Viator
Excellent all around. I doubt there is a better option other than booking a private boat at a multiple of the price.
Operated by Holbox Whale Shark Tours