How to Swim With the Whale Sharks in Playa del Carmen

Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have while visiting Playa del Carmen. Every summer, hundreds of these gentle giants gather in the warm waters near Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, and Holbox — creating the world’s largest whale shark aggregation. If you’re staying in Playa, joining a whale shark tour is surprisingly easy. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

When Is Whale Shark Season?

Whale shark season in the Riviera Maya runs from:

📅 Mid-May through mid-September
🌊 Peak months: June–August

Tours operate daily during this window, weather permitting. If seeing whale sharks is a top priority, plan your trip between June and August for the highest chance of encounters.

Where the Tours Go

While you leave from Playa del Carmen or Cancun, the actual feeding area is located offshore near:

Isla Contoy
Isla Mujeres
Occasionally Holbox waters

Your boat heads 1–2 hours into open ocean, where whale sharks feed on plankton blooms.

How to Book a Whale Shark Tour

Whale shark tours are regulated, so you must go with a licensed operator. Most tours from Playa include:

Round-trip transportation from Playa del Carmen
Boat to the whale shark area
Snorkeling gear and life jackets
Light breakfast and lunch
A stop at Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres

Average Price: $150–$200 USD per person

Recommended Booking Tips

Choose operators with small groups (10–12 people)
Verify they include licensed whale shark guides
Check if they follow CONANP rules (Mexico’s protected area regulations)

What the Tour Experience Is Like

1. Early Morning Pickup

Most tours pick you up in Playa between 5:00–6:00 AM. You’ll drive to either Cancun or Puerto Juarez to board the boat.

2. Boat Ride to the Whale Shark Zone

Expect a 60–90 minute ride into open water. Seas can be choppy — take motion sickness medication if needed.

3. Swimming With the Whale Sharks

Once the captain spots whale sharks, groups enter the water two snorkelers at a time with a guide.

You swim alongside them — never touching
The sharks glide slowly, so you simply keep pace beside them
Each guest usually gets 2–3 jumps into the water

Seeing a creature up to 30 feet long calmly feeding beside you is surreal.

4. Isla Mujeres Stop

After the snorkel, boats usually head to Playa Norte, where you can enjoy the beach and fresh ceviche before returning home.

What to Bring

✔ Swimwear
✔ Biodegradable sunscreen (or wear a rash guard — many operators ban sunscreen)
✔ Towel
✔ Dramamine or motion sickness tablets
✔ Waterproof GoPro (no flash photography allowed)
✔ Cash for tips (guides rely on it)

Rules You Must Follow (Very Important)

Whale shark tours are regulated to protect the species. These rules are strictly enforced:

❌ No touching the whale sharks
❌ No flash photography
❌ No wearing sunscreen unless it is reef safe
✔ You must wear a life jacket or wetsuit
✔ Keep a 3–4 meter distance
✔ Only 2 snorkelers + 1 guide in the water at a time

Following these rules ensures the sharks remain healthy and undisturbed for future generations.

Is It Safe?

Yes — whale sharks are completely harmless. They’re filter feeders, eating only plankton and small fish. The tour boats and guides are trained to ensure your safety during every part of the experience.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most magical wildlife encounters in the world. It’s suitable for:

Adventure travelers
Wildlife lovers
Families with older children
Bucket-list seekers

If you’re in Playa del Carmen during summer, don’t miss your chance to meet these majestic, gentle giants.

🌊 Recommended Whale-Shark Tour Operators

Kay Tours Mexico

Known for fairly early start times (to maximize chances of finding whale sharks), hotel pickup, round-trip transport, and included snorkeling gear, snacks, lunch, etc.
Their “Swim With Whale Sharks” tour typically leaves around 6-7 AM (pickup) and takes 6–8 hours total, returning you to your hotel after the beach stop at Isla Mujeres.
Great if you want a “full-service” tour with minimal logistics on your part (transportation, gear, food all included).

Website: Kay Tours Mexico — Whale Shark Tour

Mexico Whale Shark

Offers tours departing from Playa del Carmen (or nearby) — including shared and private whale-shark tours — with up to about 10 guests.
Their package generally covers transport from your hotel, snorkeling equipment, and the boat ride to the whale-shark feeding grounds.
Good option if you want flexibility (shared or private) or prefer a smaller group.

Website: Mexico Whale Shark — Playa del Carmen Tours

Acuaticaribe

They advertise “Whale Shark Tours” with departures from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun. Tour includes snorkeling, reef snorkeling (near Isla Mujeres), lunch, snorkeling gear, and round-trip transport.
It’s a solid mid-range option. Their tour gives a chance to snorkel not only with whale sharks but also, depending on conditions/time, at a reef near Isla Mujeres.

Website: Acuaticaribe Whale Shark Tour Info

Whale Shark Tours Mexico (sometimes marketed with “Blue H2O” branding)

This operator services Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, offering shared or private tours.
Pricing tends to be in the mid-range (~US$155 or so, though check seasonal rates and boat capacity).
Worth a look if you want a known name that operates across several locations in Riviera Maya.

Website: Whale Shark Tours Mexico — Coastwide Tours Info

✅ Tips When Booking a Tour

Book directly with the tour providers if possible. Some reviews warn that “middle-man” agencies may overcharge or mislead on what’s included.
Check group size / boat capacity — smaller groups (10 or fewer) tend to give you more time in the water, less waiting, and a more relaxed experience.
Expect early morning pickup (often around 5–7 AM if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya).
Bring biodegradable sunscreen or a rash guard, not regular sunscreen (many tours prohibit non–reef-safe sunscreen).
Bring cash for mandatory fees (marine-park/dock fees) or optional extras like wetsuit rental or photos — these often aren’t included.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
📊 Ventas: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com

How to Swim With the Whale Sharks in Playa del Carmen — A Complete Guide