Whale Shark Tours in Cancun, Mexico

Around the summer months from the middle of May until the middle of September in the clear waters off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, whale sharks are one of the main attractions for many tourists and nature lovers.

These majestic marine giants can be viewed off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox, where they come in seek out food during the migration duration of plankton, that is certainly their main supply of nutrition. That is a great opportunity for the tourists, who can swim and snorkel alongside these while they're feeding on plankton and algae behemoths.


The whale shark (Rhinocodon typus) can measure up to 40 feet or over to 75,000 pounds, with some individuals being documented as becoming even larger. This tends to make whale sharks the biggest fish inhabiting the oceans on the entire world. Despite its name and size, the whale shark isn't a whale after all and isn't carnivorous. It's really a filter feeding fish, with plankton and algae being the main part of its diet.

Whale Shark Interacts with

At first, this huge giant generally is a bit scary, but the truth is that it's completely safe to approach and observe. The only risks for the diver come from the fact that this docile sea dweller will get scared and try to quickly swim away. If this takes place, there is a small chance that anyone can get hurt, and whenever swimming with whale sharks, the best thing to do is to try not to scare them

You will find regular whale shark tours prepared by Duende Tours throughout the summer, along with a large number of them begin from Cancun, Mexico. All Whale Shark Tours are organized by licensed companies with boats that depart from the small islands just off the coast, especially Isla Mujeres and Hol Box.
Whale Shark Tour

To keep the eco-system of the whale shark and make sure that the tours are secure for both tourists and whale sharks, some very strict rules utilize when organizing and participating in whale shark tours. Here is what you should look forward to from your whale shark tour if you want to join one:

The tours start early. Be ready to leave around seven o'clock in the morning in order to return in the early afternoon. Most tours can be a half-day long, which an impressive tours lasting longer. The boat crew that may take you to the sharks' spot provides you with all equipment, as well as some soft drinks and lunch.


Not everyone from the boat can swim with the sharks simultaneously. This is a preventative measure, because the whale sharks can be easily scared if too many people are around them. Most boats take up to 10 tourists on the tour, and when the boat reaches the desired destination, the tourists alternate to get into the water and swim and snorkel with the whale sharks.


Once within the water, you'll be able to approach the whale shark, have pictures and observe it, but you are not allowed to touch it or make an effort to feed it, as it could be dangerous for yourself if ever the giant fish gets alarmed.

The sun in this part of the world can be very strong, so you really should use sun lotion. If you've planned to go on a whale shark tour in Cancun, remember that only eco-friendly lotions may be used by tourists. This is very carefully inspected, as polluting the ocean while swimming with these majestic animals could be unhealthy for their health.

Whale shark tours in Cancun, Mexico are some of the most favored tours for the summer season, as tourists love to be able to get very near to these sea giants and to be one with the nature.

See our whale shark tour to learn more.