Swim with this pacific giant from May 15 to September 17!

Whale Shark

Enjoy our boat tour and live a unique experience, where you can get up close and swim with a whale shark, admire turtles, dolphins, giant manta rays all as you visit a beautiful reef by Cabo Catoche and relax on the beaches of Santa Paula.

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Come and swim with giants

Experience the thrill of seeing or swimming next to the world’s largest fish. The whale shark is the tamest giant on the planet.

  • Eddie and Christian are wonderful guides, wouldn’t book with anyone else! People from other groups actually stopped to listen to Eddie!

    Tracy Sullivan Tracy Sullivan
  • Excelentes tours, profesionalismo y atención. Mis respetos para Vicente y Alex; lo disfrutamos muchísimo!. No se pierdan la salida a Cabo Catoche y el tour de la Bioluminiscencia en Holbox

    Tania Rodriguez Tania Rodriguez
  • Excelente servicio, excelente puntualidad, la atencion del guia y del capitan fue de 100, por supuesto que regreso con ustedes!

    Liliana Ramos Liliana Ramos
  • Amazing Whale Shark Tour

    Andreas Leicht Andreas Leicht

Live an unforgettable experience,

Swim with a peaceful and majestic giant, the largest fish in the world!

The route

Your adventure begins at our Office at 6:30am where you can enjoy a delicious light continental breakfast to start your day, same time our team will give you an informative talk, and supply all the necessary equipment as you prepare for your trip.

Once ready we will head to the pier, where we will set sail and begin our search.

On the journey, we will encounter other incredible species: manta rays, dolphins and turtles. If the situation allows, we will stop to swim and enjoy these beautiful animals as well.

Once we spot the whale shark the excitement begins, it’s now time to admire, dive in and swim with the Pacific giant, swimming in groups of 2 at all times and always with an expert guide, ensuring you enjoy the experience with confidence and safety.

On our return, we will visit a small reef in the Cuevones, at Cabo Catoche, where you will enjoy some snorkeling in an area renowned for cat sharks, octopus, squid and many more marine life.

Last stop we will dock in Santa Paula, time to stretch your legs, enjoy the beach as we serve the most exquisite and fresh ceviche you will ever tasted.

We will then return to Holbox, a 45 minute trip.

Swim with the whale shark!

Experience Holbox Tour No. 1 up close

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Itinerary

Duration

Between 6 and 8 hours

Departure

Vip Office at 6:30 am

Arrival

The tour ends at the main whale shark pier

What to bring

• Cap/Hat
• Towel (optional)
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent
• Water Bottle/Thermos to refill

Includes

• Light breakfast
• Certified, bilingual guide
• Transportation; Boat with real-time satellite tracker for security.
• Snorkeling equipment, mask, fins etc
• Ceviche
• Guacamole and mango for those who do not eat fish
• Cold water. Refreshments.

Not included

• Taxi to/from meeting point
• Bottle/Thermos (recommended)
• Tips / Gratuity

Aditional Information

This tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old or recommended for pregnant women, the elderly, or people with spinal problems, as we cannot control the pressure produced by sea waves. Please consult your doctor ahead of booking should you be susceptible to injury or have an existing condition.

We want to preserve and protect the ecosystems we visite by not disturbing the animals, watching not to pollute protected areas.

Questions and Answers

Where do we meet? Do you pick us up at the hotel?
Meeting point is at VIP Office. We do NOT offer a pick up or shuttle service from your hotel to the meeting point. You must arrange your own way.
Is the use of a life jacket mandatory?
Yes. It does not matter if you are a professional swimmer, the law specifies all customers must wear life jackets.
Can I do the tour if I don’t know how to swim?
Yes. You will have a life jacket on at all times and be supervised by our guides.
Please notify your guide at the start of your tour if you’re not a confident swimmer.
How long will I swim with the whale shark?
The experience lasts only a few minutes (but they are amazing). There is no set amount of time as it depends on the speed with which the shark passes and remains in our area.
Can we take photos and videos?
Yes. however NO flash can be used and the use of drones is strictly prohibited.
Tip: Remember to enjoy this amazing experience and not over concentrate on your camera. Keep your distance from the whale shark at all times.
Is it dangerous?
No. The whale shark feeds only on small organisms and moves only to feed. However it is important to maintain your distance at all times so as not to disturb or cause it to make any sudden movements. Please always follow the guide’s instructions.
Warning; Never try to swim below the whale shark.
If I don’t see the whale shark, do I get my money back?
NO, please remember that the sharks don’t work for us. We endeavour to do our best to deliver but cannot guarantee the behaviour of a wild creature.
When is the best time to take the tour?
July and August

Reviews

  • Excelentes tours, profesionalismo y atención. Mis respetos para Vicente y Alex; lo disfrutamos muchísimo!. No se pierdan la salida a Cabo Catoche y el tour de la Bioluminiscencia en Holbox

    Tania Rodriguez Tania Rodriguez
  • Amazing Whale Shark Tour

    Andreas Leicht Andreas Leicht
  • Eddie and Christian are wonderful guides, wouldn’t book with anyone else! People from other groups actually stopped to listen to Eddie!

    Tracy Sullivan Tracy Sullivan
  • Excelente servicio, excelente puntualidad, la atencion del guia y del capitan fue de 100, por supuesto que regreso con ustedes!

    Liliana Ramos Liliana Ramos

Gallery

  • Holbox tiburon ballena DPG_8086

Whale shark watching

From May 15th to June 10th. From June 11th to June 30th From July 1st to August 31st. From September 1st. to September 17th
Weather conditions Acceptable Very good Excellent Not so good
Whale shark watching Occasional Frequent Very Frequent Frequent

Cancellation Policy

Time of cancellation More than 7 days from the date of booking Less than 7 days from the date of booking Day before the booking, before 3 pm Day before the booking, after 3 pm and no-show
Type of refund / penalty No penalty. 100% refund. Penalty: deposit $500 mxn per person.
$3000 mxn for private tour 6 people.
$4000 mxn for private tour 8 people.
Refund of the rest.
Penalty: 20% of the cost of the tour. Refund of 80% of the value of the tour. Penalty: 100% of the rate. No refund.
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