Private Whale Shark Tour
$1,850.00
If you have a group or just want to enjoy a private tour this option is for you. Typically private tours host from 1-6 guests and provide more personal attention, flexibility and (most importantly) more time in the water with these amazing creatures.
If you have a group or just want to enjoy a private tour this option is for you. Typically private tours host from 1-6 guests and provide more personal attention, flexibility and (most importantly) more time in the water with these amazing creatures. The tours still provide the same tour plan as our shared tours…. pre-tour meet up and education/orientation along with coffee a morning treat, guided swim/snorkeling with the whale sharks, reef snorkeling and north beach swim time on your return to the island. On board you’ll be provided with all equipment, water/soft drinks and sandwiches during the tour. Private tour guests are also treated to the fresh ceviche prepared right on the boat when arrival at north beach for a snack and a dip in the crystal clear waters of our favorite beach.
More time in the water with the whale sharks is probably the most attractive part of a private tour. Participants still enter the water 2 at a time with your guide, but you won’t be sharing water time with other guests on the boat and you have more say in how long you’ll stay out or when you come back.
Ramon prefers private tours to head out before the rest of the tours to give you more time with the sharks before the other boats begin to arrive and give you more chance to appreciate the number of whale sharks out there. If your group prefers to get a later start that is also possible with a private tour that isn’t available to shared tours.
**Private tours still follow all restrictions and rules as regular tours for your own safety and protection as well as that of the whale sharks. Private tours do not allow breaking rules.
11 reviews for Private Whale Shark Tour
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Whale Shark Tours
Book a seat on one of our daily whale shark tour boats. Start the day with an informative talk about the whale sharks, what to expect and all kinds of useful information. Then board one of our safe comfortable boats to head out for your adventure. Groups of 2 will snorkel with a guide to [...]
Tim R –
My family and I scheduled a private whale shark tour with Isla Whale Sharks and had a great experience. We met Ramon and his family in the morning where we were treated to coffee/milk and pastries while Ramon described the evolution and behavior/biology of whale sharks and went over some basic etiquette about swimming with the sharks. We then boarded the boat and went in search of the whale sharks. It took us about 45 minutes to find them, but once we did the experience was incredible. We took turns in groups of two diving off the boat and swimming with the sharks, which were beautiful, majestic and very peaceful creatures that swam so close to the surface that you got a really good look at them. Ramon’s crew jumped in as well to guide us and take video that they were able to send to us with increíble images of the sharks. Afterwards, we got back on the boat where we were offered sandwiches and drinks and drove back towards Isla Mujeres. We stopped at a shallow reef closer to the island and got to snorkel some more and see an incredible number of fish. We then anchored close to Playa Norte and spent some time bathing into the shallow water while Ramon’s crew prepared fresh ceviche for lunch. We then headed back to the dock. Ramon and his crew were incredibly thoughtful and attentive throughout, including caring for my son who was seasick (if you think you may be prone to seasickness I would highly recommend bringing Dramamine or even some ginger to chew). The boat was comfortable and well maintained, the crew were professional and knowledgeable and everyone clearly had great love and respect for the sharks themselves and balanced their well-being with the desire to see them up close. I highly recommend Ramon and his crew! -From TripAdvisor June 15, 2025
Passport18759522254 –
Amazing experience! 100% professional organisation, from start to finish. Ramon and his team (Lalo Sr and Jr) answered every question we had and made sure we had a fantastic time. They made sure our kids also got the most out of it. Definitely recommend booking with this organisation. – Posted on TripAdvisor 8/19/24
E5805OZlindsaya –
We had the most amazing experience swimming with the wake sharks. I highly recommend booking a private boat. The captain and co captain were a father and son duo. They made us feel safe and pulled out all the stops to ensure we had a the best time possible! We saw many sharks and were able to get a lot of time in the water – Posted on TripAdvisor 8/4/24
Hannah P –
This tour was an absolute dream come true! I would strongly recommend booking a tour with Isla Whale Sharks. We scheduled our trip around the full moon, for the best chance at seeing the sharks. Unfortunately, the sharks were dispersed by the tropical storm that was coming through at the same time. Ramon was very transparent with us about our odds of seeing the whale sharks and gave us the option to cancel the tour, as he didn’t want us to waste our money. We really appreciated this honesty and professionalism! Luckily, we chose to take the chance and continue with the tour. And we got to see the sharks!!! And as a bonus, we saw a manta ray, a sea turtle, and a pod of dolphins that swam with the boat. Ramon and his boat crew were very friendly, knowledgeable, and fun. Plus, our freshly made boatside ceviche and guacamole was the best we had on our entire trip. I cannot thank Ramon, his staff, and the whale sharks enough for providing such a memorable and special vacation! – Posted on Google 9/4/23
112steviel –
What an amazing experience! The guides were amazing and went out of their way to ensure we had the best experience possible while also respecting the safety and well-being of the whale sharks. – TripAdvisor 8/12/23
Nancy F –
We did the private tour, and I would say this is the best experience we’ve ever had! We were the first boat to the area and had about 50 whale sharks all to ourselves for about 30 minutes. Our guides were extremely knowledgeable and so friendly! Every detail of the whole trip was perfect, right down to the grilled seafood lunch afterward at Muelle 7. Truly an unforgettable day! – Posted on Google 8/7/23
Safaril156476 –
Incredible day!!! Excellent service from the moment we arrived. We saw too many whale sharks to count. Our guide, Lalo Jr, literally took me by the hand and directed me to the best views, all while filming our adventure. We also saw a beautiful manta ray during our swim. It was absolutely amazing to see the ray and the sharks up close, in their natural habitat. I cannot recommend Ramon and his crew (we had Lalo Sr as our captain and Lalo Jr as our guide) enough. And I highly recommend the private tour as we were able to spend over an hour swimming with these magnificent creatures. We also spent time snorkeling on the reef, which was so pretty – wonderful experience. And our day was capped off with conch ceviche that Lalo Jr prepared on the boat while we enjoyed a little time at North Beach. We hope to be back again someday soon. – Posted on TripAdvisor 8/2/23
jeffery james –
It was an amazing experience, the staff and guides were very professional and knowledgeable. We got to dive in with the whale sharks multiple times, each time was just so awesome. After swimming with the whale sharks, we went and snorkeled near a reef which was an added bonus to an already amazing time. All around I would recommend this to anyone, it is a great experience that you won’t forget. I recommend Dramamine or something along those lines if you are prone to seasickness. — Posted on Google Reviews July 2023
CJWheelan Hanover, NH –
We booked a private tour with Isla Mujeres Whale Shark Tours and had a great time! We swam with the whale sharks multiple times over in groups of two. Lalo was very good about getting us into the water and directing us towards the sharks while also maintaining a respectful distance. After the whale sharks we snorkeled a reef closer to the island and then our final stop was anchoring offshore in beautiful water. There we swam and enjoyed some fresh ceviche. Overall the tour was an absolute blast with lots of whale sharks and lots of fun! – From Trip Advisor July 2022
Zane Homesly –
We reserved a private tour with Ramon. He is extremely knowledgeable about whale sharks and all things conservation. I think the private tour is well worth paying the extra money, even if it means forgoing another tour or two while on your trip. There was so much extra value for the private tour. We were able to leave the docks earlier than other tour boats. Our guide located whale sharks fairly quickly. And while we were swimming with whale sharks the captain radioed our location to the other tour boats. We were able to spend almost an hour in the water with our guide and the whale sharks before the mass of tours boats (maybe as many as 50) showed up. The experience alone with the guide and whale sharks was so much better than with 50 other boats around. Chris was easy to communicate with via email during the reservation process and preparation for our departure. The boat captain and his son (guide) were the ultimate professionals too. This was a double 5-star experience and checked off one of the bucket list items for my wife. Private tour with Ramon’s group is the only way to go. – Google – July 2022
Youri (verified owner) –
This is more than a Tour. It is a unique experience. Others can take you to swim with these incredible sharks, but Ramon and the Isla Whale shark team can really make you feel the passion, the history and how fragile these whale sharks are. I wouldn’t go with anyone else. – TripAdvisor Aug 2021