5 best whale shark tours in Tulum you’ll love (2024)
Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most exhilarating and fun adventures I’ve had.
So, if you’re in Mexico, and looking for the best whale shark tours in Tulum, you’ve come to the right place. Because I’m sharing all my best tips in this post.
Don’t have time to read the entire article?
This Whale Shark Tour from Tulum is the best day tour experience you can find in Tulum.
In this post, I’ve handpicked the 5 best tours that take off from Tulum. From there, you’ll either head to Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox which is where the whale sharks are.
On our trip, we saw more than 50 whale sharks and they were swimming all around us. It was amazing!
Okay, let’s get to the fun part and find out which whale shark tour is the best one for you.
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Top 3 whale shark tours in Tulum
Whale Shark Tour from Tulum
Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour
Whale Shark Swimming Seasonal Adventure from Tulum
When is Mexico’s whale shark season?
In Mexico, you’ve got two main spots for whale sharks: the Sea of Cortez and the Mexican Caribbean.
The Sea of Cortez has them year-round, but they’re easiest to spot from October to February.
In the Mexican Caribbean, near Cancún and Tulum, they congregate from mid-May to mid-September.
🐋 5 best whale shark tours in Tulum
1. Whale Shark Tour from Tulum
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 630 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
- 🐋 BOOK NOW
On this whale shark tour from Tulum, you kick off with a brief breakfast followed by an hour’s speedboat ride to reach the whale sharks.
Once there, the fun begins – you get to snorkel and swim with these massive, gentle creatures for up to three hours.
The adventure doesn’t stop there. Afterward, you head to Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte for a tasty Caribbean lunch, think fish ceviche and guacamole.
Reviewers loved this tour, which the 5-star rating clearly shows!
2. Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 from 787 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours
- 🐋 BOOK NOW
Few things say adventure quite like swimming with whale sharks — so you won’t regret taking this incredible day tour from Tulum.
All the planning is done for you during the tour.
After you’ve been picked up from your hotel, you’ll board the boat and head to the whale shark point near Isla Contoy or Holbox.
The best thing about this tour is that it’s limited to 10 people, so it’s more personal and relaxed. On board the boat, a biologist shares cool facts, making it educational, too.
A tasty lunch is included.
3. Whale Shark Swimming Seasonal Adventure from Tulum
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 1 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
- 🐋 BOOK NOW
This Tulum whale shark tour gives you the chance to swim with the world’s biggest fish, the whale shark and it includes breakfast, a sandwich, and a light lunch.
Starting with a continental breakfast at a luxury marina, you’ll set sail in a 10-meter fast boat, limited to 10 guests. This means an intimate atmosphere and full attention from your guide!
Once you’re at the whale shark point, you get two hours to snorkel with them in shifts. You’re guaranteed 100% whale shark sightings!
Afterward, a sandwich awaits you en route to Punta Norte, Isla Mujeres, where you’ll have ceviche.
4. Whale Shark from Cancun, Riviera Maya and Tulum All Inclusive
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 3 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
- 🐋 BOOK NOW
On this tour, you’ll swim with whale sharks, the world’s largest fish.
Your guide handles everything: pick-up, swim gear, meals, and a stop at Isla Mujeres.
It’s a fun adventure where you get multiple chances to swim with these giants, and you don’t have to worry about driving or planning.
5. Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience from Cancun and Riviera Maya
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 43 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6.5 hours
- 🐋 BOOK NOW
If you’d like to swim with whale sharks in Mexico, this Tulum whale tour is for you.
Your tour guide will take you to the best spots where you can swim next to these gentle creatures. They’re huge, but safe with the guides around, and it’s a rare chance to see them up close in their natural habitat.
Just a heads up, there’s a bit of travel involved, like 2 to 3 hours.
FAQ – Tulum whale shark tours
Where is the best place to swim with whale sharks in Mexico?
The best place to swim with whale sharks in Mexico is around the Yucatán Peninsula, particularly near Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres, just north of Cancún.
This area is famous for its clear waters and the large number of whale sharks that gather there from mid-May to mid-September.
How much time do I spend swimming with the whale sharks?
You’ll be in the water for up to 3 hours swimming and snorkeling with the whale sharks. Usually, you’ll take turns and swim in pairs.
Are Whale Sharks dangerous?
No, they’re not. They’re slow swimmers and feed on tiny organisms, like plankton. You’ll get to snorkel really close to them.
Do Whale Sharks have teeth?
They do, but they’re super tiny – they’re nothing like shark teeth.
Can kids swim with Whale Sharks?
Absolutely, it’s great for all ages. Kids and even the elderly can join in.
What should I bring on the Mexico whale shark tour?
Bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, extra clothes, cash for souvenirs, and the reserve fee. I also HIGHLY recommend bringing seasickness pills. Everyone on our tour got seasick, including the guide.
Wear comfy clothes and shoes. Wear your swimsuit underneath, and bring sandals or water shoes and a dry set of clothes.
Can I bring my camera?
Sure, bring your waterproof camera along.
Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?
You can bring your own, but the tours also got you covered with all the snorkeling gear. If you want a wetsuit, you can sometimes rent one, but it’s not necessary – you’re in the warm Caribbean Sea.
More posts from the Yucatan Peninsula
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- 15 best beaches in Riviera Maya, Mexico you should visit
- 10 best Tulum snorkeling tours you should try
- 10 best Chichen Itza tours from Tulum
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