7 best whale shark tours from Holbox Island, Mexico (2024)
Are you looking for the best whale shark tours from Holbox? I’ve got you!
I have joined a whale shark tour on a trip to Mexico, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Despite being afraid of sharks, I have found snorkeling with whale sharks to be one of my favorite things to do.
🐋 Don’t have time to read the entire article?
This Whale Shark and Snorkeling Adventure from Isla Holbox is the best tour you can find.
But, it can be quite a challenge to find the perfect whale shark adventure in Holbox, with so many options to choose from.
So, to make searching for a quality tour easy for you, I have created a list of the top whale shark tours in Isla Holbox!
Let’s dive in, so to speak.
This post contains referral links for products I love. Adventurous Miriam earns a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through my links. I appreciate your support ♡ Learn more
Top 3 whale shark tours from Holbox
Whale Shark and Snorkeling Adventure from Isla Holbox
Whale Shark Tour from Holbox Island
Swimming among Giants | Whale Shark in Holbox
The best time to see whale sharks in Isla Holbox
Whale shark season in Holbox runs from June 1 to September 15.
Outside these months, you can still enjoy year-round activities like fishing, diving, snorkeling, and sunset cruises for endless fun and adventure.
🐋 7 best whale shark tours from Holbox
1. Whale Shark and Snorkeling Adventure from Isla Holbox
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 from 162 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours
- 🐋 BOOK NOW
This Isla Holbox whale shark tour is a fantastic choice if you want to make lasting memories on your trip.
At the meeting point, you’ll get a safety briefing and a light breakfast before you walk to the whale shark dock, just two blocks away.
During the 1-2 hour boat journey, you can watch for all kinds of marine species like manta rays, and you might even swim with them!
At the whale shark spot, you’ll dive in pairs with an expert guide, and you can swim right beside these huge, gentle fish.
After everyone’s turn, the boat heads to Cabo Catoche and Santa Paula where you’ll swim in the clear waters and enjoy a ceviche made from fresh catch.
2. Whale Shark Tour from Holbox Island
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 from 35 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours
- 🐋 BOOK NOW
Of all the whale shark snorkeling tours, this is one of the highest-rated, taking you on a fantastic day trip to the feeding grounds of the world’s largest fish, whale sharks.
This whale shark excursion is especially great for beginner snorkelers. They offer snorkeling equipment and safety belts/life jackets for beginners to borrow. Plus, an experienced guide introduces you to the underwater world and helps with snorkeling techniques.
Ceviche, sodas, and sandwiches are all included. And you’ll also visit the coral reef of Cabo Catoche for more snorkeling.
The key takeaway? This tour is for only eight people so you’ll get a personal experience.
3. Swimming among Giants | Whale Shark in Holbox
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
- 🐋 BOOK NOW
This boat trip from Holbox to the secret whale shark point is one of the top tours Holbox has to offer and a great fit if you want an adventurous experience in Mexico.
After the transfer to the whale shark spot at open sea, they give you all the gear you need and then follow you into the water for guidance.
The tour also includes swimming with manta rays + dolphin and turtle sightings, a beach stop at Cabo Catoche for photos and ceviche, and bird watching at Punta Mosquito.
4. Snorkeling tour with whale sharks in Holbox with transportation
- ⭐️ RATING: 5/5 from 1 reviews
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7.5 hours
- 🐋 BOOK NOW
If you book this 7.5-hour morning boat tour from Holbox Island, you’ll enjoy swimming with gentle whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea.
You might see dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays too.
Afterward, you’ll head to Cabo Catoche, where the Gulf meets the Caribbean, to snorkel among diverse marine life. End this unforgettable day relaxing on stunning beaches with delicious fish ceviche and a cold beer.
5. From Holbox Island: Whale Shark Tour
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours
- 🐋 BOOK NOW
On this small-group whale shark tour, you’ll head out by boat for about two hours to reach the Whale Shark Sanctuary.
After a safety briefing, you get to dive in and swim alongside these majestic whale sharks. You’ll go in pairs and each gets two chances to swim with them.
A certified guide ensures a safe and awe-inspiring experience. The next stop is top-notch snorkeling at Cabo Catoche – the perfect place to spot many types of marine life species.
6. Holbox: Whale Shark Encounter and Marine Adventure
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
- 🐋 BOOK NOW
Set sail from the Whale Shark pier for a thrilling swim with the world’s largest fish. In small groups, guided by an expert, you’ll swim with whale sharks and spot manta rays, dolphins, and turtles.
This full-day tour includes snorkeling near Cabo Catoche, relaxing at Santa Paula’s beaches, a light breakfast, ceviche, guacamole, and refreshments.
On this whale shark tour, you can enjoy the safety of a boat with a satellite tracker, necessary equipment, provided snorkeling gear, and qualified tour guides.
7. Holbox Island: Whale Shark Tour
- ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours
- 🐋 BOOK NOW
This Holbox whale shark adventure is an amazing choice if you want to learn more about whale sharks in Mexico.
Your local guide will pick you up from your hotel and provide a box lunch, drinks, and snorkel gear. After a detailed briefing, you’ll head out to meet these ocean giants and enjoy a pleasant swim.
This VIP Holbox experience wraps up with a relaxing beach stop at Cabo Catoche where you can snorkel with different reef fish before returning to Isla Holbox by 2 pm.
FAQ – Holbox whale shark tours
Where is the best place to swim with whale sharks in Mexico?
The best places to swim with whale sharks in Mexico are Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres, located in the Yucatan Peninsula.
What time of year can you snorkel with whale sharks?
You can snorkel with whale sharks from June to September, which is their peak season.
Are whale shark tours worth it?
Absolutely! It’s one of the best adventures I’ve had and I highly recommend it!
Is snorkeling with whale sharks safe?
Yes, snorkeling with whale sharks is considered to be very safe. However, you should approach these gentle giants with respect and caution.
Make sure to always follow the regulations and guidelines and be mindful of the potential impact your actions can have on the animal and its natural habitat (so, no touching!).
Do I need previous snorkeling experience to go on a tour?
No, you don’t need previous snorkeling experience to go on a tour. All whale shark day trips and tours in Holbox are beginner-friendly and offer instruction for anyone who hasn’t snorkeled before.
More posts about Mexico you might like
- The perfect 4 day Cancun itinerary
- 3 days in Isla Mujeres – the perfect Island of Women itinerary
- The perfect 4 days in Tulum itinerary you should grab
- 22 BEST things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula
- 15 best beaches in Riviera Maya, Mexico you should visit
- 8 best Cancun food tours you’ll love
- 5 best whale shark tours in Tulum you’ll love
Save it!
