Swimming With Whale Sharks in Isla Holbox, Mexico

Each May through November, a remarkable event occurs in the waters north of Cancun. Whale sharks arrive at their summer breeding grounds in the warm, plankton-rich waters off Isla Holbox. If you’re planning a visit to this area, don’t miss the chance to swim with these magnificent creatures—the largest fish in the ocean, weighing up to 20 tons and reaching lengths of 40 feet—during a tour that departs from Holbox.

However, the opportunity to see whale sharks can be somewhat unpredictable. Since whale sharks are fish, unlike mammals that frequently resurface for air, they may follow the currents deeper into the ocean when the plankton they feed on is carried away from the surface, making them less visible to snorkelers.

What to Expect

To experience close encounters with the sharks, it is advisable to make an advance reservation with a tour operator. During the journey, the tour guide will outline important trip rules, which include: no touching the whale sharks, maintaining a 10-foot distance, and limiting the number of swimmers to three at a time. These safety measures are designed to protect the whale sharks, as they arrive in significant numbers, and the local community on Holbox is committed to their preservation.

The tour from Isla Holbox takes you past the northernmost point of the Yucatan Peninsula, navigating through turquoise shallows where blush-pink flamingos gracefully wade through the mangroves, and into deeper waters far from the coastline. If you’re fortunate, you might even spot dolphins playing as they leap in and out of the water. Keep an eye on the horizon; a cluster of boats often indicates the presence of whale sharks.

Swimming With the Sharks

Once you arrive at the location, it’s time to gear up with fins and snorkel and enter the water to witness the world’s largest fish. As the sharks glide effortlessly with their enormous mouths wide open filtering plankton, you can observe their small black eyes. Typically, they regard snorkelers with calm indifference, recognizing you as just another creature of the sea.

As you snorkel alongside these giants, watch as they turn their beautifully spotted bodies while pursuing their tiny prey. The powerful movement of their large gills is mesmerizing. If you manage to get close, you’ll experience the immense strength of their bodies propelling through the water. With a sudden flick of their massive tails, they can propel themselves forward at astonishing speed, leaving swimmers behind.

If luck is on your side, you may find yourself surrounded by up to 100 whale sharks feeding at the surface. Although you may get several opportunities to swim, each session could only last a few minutes, as these speedsters outpace most snorkelers. Nevertheless, time can feel suspended underwater; encountering such extraordinary creatures in their natural habitat creates an unforgettable and enchanting experience.

Getting There

Regular bus services operate daily from the main bus station in Cancun to the quaint port town of Chiquila. Subsequently, you can take one of the ferries to Isla Holbox.

How to Swim With Whale Sharks

Tour packages typically include snorkeling gear (snorkels, fins, wetsuits), meals, and guiding services. While it’s possible to simply show up in Holbox and join one of the many tour outfits that advertise their services—ranging from highly professional to rather informal—one reputable option is Willy’s Tours, managed by a lifelong resident of Isla Holbox. Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot.