Whale Shark Tour from Tulum

If you visit Tulum between the months of June and September, you can join a tour to swim alongside whale sharks in their natural Caribbean habitat.

During these months the whale sharks gather in the warm surface waters near Isla Mujeres and Holbox, just a few hours from Tulum, to feed on fish eggs and plankton. It is one of the most spectacular wildlife encounters available anywhere in Mexico.

Whale shark swimming is the practice of snorkeling or swimming alongside the world's largest fish for either recreational or scientific purposes. Despite their enormous size — reaching up to 12 meters in length — whale sharks are completely harmless filter feeders, making the experience safe and unforgettable.

This activity takes place aboard a comfortable boat or catamaran that departs from the marina and travels out into open Caribbean waters where the whale sharks congregate to feed near the surface.

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In Tulum there are several reputable tourism agencies that include whale shark tours among their available tours. Generally, the departure point is from Puerto Morelos or Isla Mujeres — both easily reachable from Tulum — and the encounter takes place a few nautical miles offshore in the open sea.

The duration of the tour is typically between 8 and 10 hours (including travel from Tulum), with the actual whale shark swimming session lasting around 2 to 3 hours. Departures happen early in the morning since the whale sharks tend to be most active at the surface during the cooler early hours.

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to glide through the water next to a creature the size of a school bus? Imagine floating alongside one of these majestic animals and watching their enormous spotted bodies move effortlessly beneath you.

"One of the most moving experiences of my entire life. The whale sharks are simply breathtaking. You feel completely humbled in front of the wonders of nature."

Like any activity that brings people into ecosystems that belong to other animals, it is important to keep in mind certain guidelines to carry out the encounter in a responsible manner without disturbing the whale sharks.

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There is an Official Mexican Standard NOM-059-SEMARNAT and specific CONANP regulations governing whale shark interactions in Mexican waters, which establish guidelines and specifications for the development of whale shark swimming activities, related to their protection and the conservation of their habitat.

To guarantee the conservation of these magnificent animals and to continue enjoying their presence in the Caribbean waters of Mexico, it is important to comply with the following regulations when taking a tour:

• Do not touch or chase the whale sharks
• Do not separate individuals from feeding groups
• Do not use flash photography underwater
• Do not apply sunscreen within 30 minutes before entering the water (use reef-safe alternatives)
• Approach slowly and calmly from the side
• Stay at least 3 meters away from the head and 4 meters from the tail
• Maximum 10 swimmers per whale shark at one time
• No more than 2 guides plus 8 tourists per animal
• Maximum 30 minutes of continuous interaction per group

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We all love to enjoy a great vacation in contact with nature, observing the biodiversity that each destination has to offer.

The Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo has an extraordinary natural wealth that is the responsibility of everyone — locals and visitors alike — to care for and preserve so that future generations can experience it too.
So now you know: if you visit Tulum during whale shark season, do not miss the whale shark swimming tour. Just remember to do it responsibly.