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 get up close and personal with these gentle giants. We require all participants to follow rules and behave in a manor that respects the whale sharks and creates a safe and fun experience for all. Once the group tires out you will head back to Isla and enjoy a snorkel/swim just off the island and some fresh prepared ceviche. You can expect a lot of excitement and story sharing on the trip back! You’ll probably want a siesta once you get back and the excitement wears off!
For detailed information please review our Tour Information page.
27 reviews for Whale Shark Tour
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Whale Shark Tours
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.
Kristian W (verified owner) –
Swimming with the whale sharks was a dream come true for my two daughters! We had an amazing time. – From Google Reviews – June 16, 2025
tiffanybz722101 (verified owner) –
Ramon and his crew is AAAmazing! They were knowledgeable about the area and animals. And they made sure you got the best experience with the sharks. After swimming with the sharks they took us to snorkel another spot and chill in some shallows with food and drinks. Absolutely the high light of my trip. Would book with them again.
We even got recommendations for dinner places and they did not disappoint! – Posted on TripAdvisor 8/24/24
SHRAJM (verified owner) –
We booked this trip with great excitement and were not disappointed. The trip was fantastic- swimming with the whale sharks is an experience we will all treasure.
The day started meeting Ramon for breakfast at Muelle 7
We then boarded our boat with our 2 guides a father and son who were so attentive and respectful of us and the marine life .
All equipment was provided and before long we arrived at the whale sharks feeding area – what a spectacular sight. they are absolutely beautiful, graceful, majestic and gentle not seeming to mind our presence at all
In one pair at a time with our guide we were in the water Wow!!! We each had two swims and any weaker swimmers were assisted
We had some sandwiches and fruit after leaving the whale shark area.
On the way back to Isla Mujeres we stopped at a reef site for some snorkelling- beautiful fish and corals
Next the boat was anchored off Playa Norte where we swam whilst our guides prepared fresh ceviche. The boat was kept clean and tidy at all times.
All round a fantastic experience 👍highly recommend!
Thank you so much. – Posted on TripAdvisor 8/10/24
793kaitlina (verified owner) –
Isla Whale Sharks gave us an incredible experience! Highly recommend.
Everyone was extremely personable and professional, especially Ramon and our guide Lalo. Ramon knows his stuff and Lalo was just as excited about the sharks as we were.
This company clearly cares deeply about the well being of the sharks. We saw other boats going way too close to the animals and cutting off swimmers, and Isla Whale Sharks felt very safe and conservation focused. – Posted on TripAdvisor 8/8/24
Alison T (verified owner) –
This was one of the best experiences of my life! The guides were extremely knowledgeable, taught us about the whale sharks, and showed respect to them the entire time. We all got plenty of time in the water and felt very safe. I wasn’t planning on buying the photos and videos, but after seeing them I had to because they were so good. 100% recommend this experience! – Posted on Google on 7/23/24
aligeorgia (verified owner) –
Our whale shark experience was completely unique and one of a kind. We will never forget it! All the instructions were very clear and our guides took great care of us. They educated us about the animals and were very respectful of the whale sharks throughout the whole experience. We got plenty of time in the water and loved every minute of it. I was not planning on buying the videos, but after seeing them I had to because they were so good. We were safe and so happy afterwards! – Posted on TripAdvisor 7/22/24
jac0bak (verified owner) –
We went to swim with whale sharks with this company. We saw 40 plus whale sharks. Everyone got two jumps to snorkel with them. It was an amazing day!!! I remembered my water proof phone case but forgot to install the cord. There was no way I was jumping into open water without my phone secured. I also forgot my son and his friend’s water proof phone pouches. UGH!!! I was so disappointed we would only be able to take photos from the boat. 🙁 Our guide came to our rescue by taking AMAZING videos and photos which we were able to purchase for a very reasonable price. The pics and videos were airdropped right to my phone when we got back to the dock. THANKS for an amazing once in a life time experience!!! — Posted on TripAdvisor July 26 2023
ouitaj (verified owner) –
It was a last minute change of plans that led me to Ramon. Communication was very quick and easy. Ramon is a knowledgeable and experienced operator, and his crew was phenomenal. We had a bit of a rough ride but the experience was unlike anything I had ever experienced and I’ve been diving since 2000. The video I captured was made possible by the guide literally holding my life vest and helping me kick to stay on pace while filming. – Posted on TripAdvisor July 23, 2023
Izzy Beverly Mueller (verified owner) –
Awesome experience!! – Google Reviews July 2023
j3timez (verified owner) –
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 TripAdvisor July 11, 2023
angelaq875 (verified owner) –
Ramon and his team were fabulous. They provided coffee and cake in the morning and told us about the whale sharks and what to expect (they do not promise you will see whale sharks because animals in nature are unpredictable). You will jump two people at a time from your boat with your guide. Our captain and guide Lalo did a wonderful job in taking us out to find whale sharks. We saw at least five. And everyone got three jumps in the water. Lalo had a GoPro and he filmed each of us jumping in. After we were done seeing the sharks, we rode back and were given beer, drinks, and sandwiches. We stopped at another area near the shore where people could get out and snorkel (near a reef) for about 15 minutes. Then we went to a shallow area for almost 45 minutes where Lalo served us delicious ceviche and drinks and shared the GoPro videos with us. Having the videos of us jumping in and seeing the sharks so clearly underwater makes the price worth it. Take Dramamine because it’s a ROUGH 60-90 minute ride (fast) out and then another 60-90 min back. As much as we loved it, I am giving the company a four star rating for a few reasons: 1) No one explained to us how to jump in or how fast the jumps would be. My son and I swallowed a lot of sea water and kept coming up to cough it out. By the time we could get our breathing straight it was time to get back in the boat (you’re in the water for about 2 minutes). We couldn’t jump in again because we felt so sick from the salt water and the rough waves that were being created by the other 20+ boats in the same area. The boat swayed so much because of the waves and people getting off and on so quickly that I did get sea sick over the side of the boat. Luckily it went away after about 30 minutes. 2) There were way too many boats and too many people jumping in around the sharks. Even though only two people can jump in per boat at once, it’s really 3 because you’re with your guide and if several boats are jumping in at once, that means a lot of people are snorkeling near the sharks at once. I don’t know how the sharks don’t get nervous or scared with all the boats and people jumping in at random times. 3) I didn’t like having to bring 75% of the fee in cash to an electronics store the night before. It was an inconvenience to have to get there at a certain time when we were staying in a hotel 20 min away. It also made me nervous to leave so much money (for four people) with a person I had not spoken to before. I would have preferred to pay with a credit card but it was legit and everything worked out fine. 4) When we were driving on the boat out to see the whale sharks, there was a Carnival cruise liner in the distance going full speed perpendicular to our boat. There were two other small boats, one on either side of us, and those boats started to go faster to make sure the cruise ship didn’t collide with them. We kept at the same speed, maybe because that’s as fast as the boat can go. We made it fine but I would say the cruise ship was about a football field length away from us. To me that was too close for comfort and a bit risky by the boat captain. I know that we couldn’t wait for it to pass or we would have been caught in the ship’s wake which could have really made the boat sway but still I didn’t like feeling we were trying to outrun a large cruise ship. — Posted on TripAdvisor July 9, 2023
Jasmine, Philadelphia, PA (verified owner) –
Incredible experience with Isla Whale Sharks! Not only are the owner (Ramon), boat captain, and guide (Lalo) caring, professional, and friendly, they are also deeply committed to the welfare and protection of the whale sharks. We saw many many sharks feeding on fish eggs. It was very special. Lalo took GoPro videos during our swims and shared them with us over WhatsApp for no additional fee.
Ramon was very considerate and accommodating of multiple dietary restrictions in our group. Also, we were a group celebrating 2 birthdays, so in addition to the beautiful experience swimming with whale sharks, our birthday girls were surprised with a cake and song upon returning.
Two important notes for planning your trip:
(1) Sunscreen of any kind was not permitted because it ends up on the ocean surface and in the mouths/gills of the sharks. We purchased long-sleeved swim shirts with SPF 50 protection to wear and were very glad we did — the sun is intense. Wear a hat and put something over your legs on the boat too.
(2) The waves can cause seasickness. Bring wristbands or medication if you think there’s even a small chance you’ll need it. And look at the horizon if you start feeling ill. – From Trip Advisor Aug 2022
Jole, Ghent Belgium (verified owner) –
Amazing day Thanks to Ramon, Lalo and the captain!! A lot of drinks and food are inclusief. First we got to see dolphins, then we got to swim with the whalesharks and after that we got to snorkel for a bit: perfect ending to a perfect day! – From TripAdvisor – Sept 2022
Pat Wilhelm –
What a wonderful experience. Ramon is a true nature lover and full of enthusiasm for the whale sharks and his customers. Capt Lalo and first mate Lalo were so helpful while on their boat. They truly wanted each of us to have a wonderful experience swimming with these phenomenal sharks! We loved every second of our trip! Do not miss this experience of a lifetime! I highly recommend Isla Whale Sharks!!!
Daydream420637 (verified owner) –
Fantastic trip where we had the great chance to swim some minutes with whales sharks. An incredibke experience that wd will remember for ever, also thanks to Gopro films shared 🙏❤
The team, Ramon, the captain and Lalo are really very nice and supportive. I had some issues and they did several efforts to solve
After the whale sharks we had the pleasure to enjoy a delicious ceviche from the famous Playa Norte
I highly recommend! – From TripAdvisor Aug 2022
Robbert L, Amsterdam (verified owner) –
Superday. We were put in a boat with a group from, I think, Mexico Divers (does not matter, all operators fill up their boats up till a maximum of 10). Silvana was our guide and she was very on top of everything and made it a superday. We were able to swim 3 times with the whalesharks. Whalesharks were moving not too fast so we could swim with them for quite a few minutes each time. Nice snorkelling at the end of the day and delicious ceviche. A wonderful day. – From Trip Advisor Aug 2022
Yitzhar G (verified owner) –
Perfect tour pretty much from beginning to end. We stayed on Isla Mujeres so we didn’t have to wake up too early, had breakfast with Ramon at the dock while he taught us about whale sharks, then got on the boat. **If you get seasick, take some pills (you can find them at the local 24-hour pharmacies) because it’s a small boat and you’re going out into the open ocean. We all got to swim with the whale sharks as much as we wanted (2-4 times each, 4-5 minutes at a time), they are magnificent. The captain and guide were both brilliant and we felt very well taken care of. On the way back we saw dolphins, snorkeled at a reef, and then had conch ceviche which the crew prepared for us. What a perfect day! – From Trip Advisor July 2022
Vanessa B (verified owner) –
This day trip to swim with the whale sharks was amazing! I definitely would recommend and will do it again when I come back to Isla Mujeres. It was the highlight of my trip! Our guides were amazing and made me feel safe as well as have a great time! – From Trip Advisor July 2022
Rachel Williams –
Bucket list item – check! What a great experience. I would recommend this tour to anyone. Ramon and Chris were both responsive and flexible with us when needed. The boat captain and guide made sure we had the time of our lives, even pulling away from all of the other boats so we felt like we were on a private tour with the sharks. The ceviche was delicious and everyone we encountered was a delight. Just book it! – From Google Reviews – July 2022
The Jakes (verified owner) –
Awesome excursion! Worth every peso!
Bucket-list experience! Our guides Lalo & Lalo were so kind, patient, and showed care for the sharks. They’re amazing! We saw more sharks than we could count. Book with this company! – From TripAdvisor – July 2022
Audrey Marina Barnett (verified owner) –
ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE!
I did this back in 2018 and returned again July 2022 with my boyfriend. This is an incredible experience you will never forget! I felt comfortable and safe with Ramon the entire time, he is extremely knowledgeable and friendly! I loved how much respect this place has for the whale sharks and the other sea life. These people care about you and do everything they can to make this experience incredible! – From Google – July 2022
JJJennson (verified owner) –
It was a pretty cool trip organised by locals. We really enjoyed it and would book with Roman again! Communication and everything was good from the first moment on. – From TripAdvisor – June 2022
Julia Champenois –
We had the most fabulous day! Our guide was Arturo and our Captain was Jesus. They made sure we had a safe amazing day. Jesus was great at being able to move the boat into the best position to get us at just the right spot to swim with the sharks. Arturo was great helping us along and keeping us moving with the sharks and meeting everyone at their swimming and energy levels. We ended up seeing a sea turtle and being able to swim with 4 manta rays as well as two sharks. They had the best fruit and sandwiches during the trip and made delicious ceviche and fresh guacamole for us while we floated around North Beach before taking us back to the pier. This was probably the highlight of our trip. Absolutely fantastic!
Peter V (verified owner) –
My experience with Ramon and his guides was exceptional! They are smart, fun, professional, and provided a great time for our group and the other tourists on our boat. Our guides prepared us well for the whale sharks and we all got up close and swam with them as many times as we wanted (I would say 1-3 times was enough for our people). They met every expectation. 5 stars!! – From TripAdvisor – July 2021
Ramona G (verified owner) –
I loved Ramon! His spirit shined with the radiance of 1,000 suns. Beautiful! The tour was perfectly executed and the two young men who took us out had impeccable manners and a genuine warmth. They took great care of us and made it a perfect experience. Also, the ceviche was the best I’ve ever had! Unforgettable! – From TripAdvisor July 2021
Sandy L (verified owner) –
My initial search was to find a whale shark operator that was knowledgeable about whale sharks, the ocean ecosystem, etc. It did not take long to discover Ramon. He is one of the leading authorities on whale sharks, and he cares deeply about their welfare. Ramon is extremely knowledgeable about the entire ocean ecosystem and freely shares this knowledge with his customers. I highly recommend booking with Ramon and his crew. Not only did we encounter numerous whale sharks, there were also sea turtles, wild dolphins, numerous manta rays, etc. Nobody on our boat was disappointed!! Ramon’s customers are always treated with first class hospitality. That is evident right from the start. Even before boarding, Ramon meets you with freshly made pastries and coffee. This is followed later in the day with fresh fruit, homemade sandwiches, various types of beverages, and freshly prepared ceviche. I highly recommend booking with Ramon and his crew. It’s an unbelievable experience that combines adventure, education, and fantastic service. – From TripAdvisor – June 2021
Biensapeau (verified owner) –
If you spend time researching the whale shark tours operating out of Isla Mujeres, you will come to the obvious conclusion that you should go with Ramon Guerrero. He is the person who made the afuera known to the world. He and his team have a vested interest in following all the laws, and ensuring that the animals are not harassed. You won’t get that from other, cheaper operators. On our boat was a family who hadn’t seen many whale sharks the day before so Ramon, true to his word, took them out again for no charge.
Make sure that you understand the meet-up plans and the legalities (e.g. no sunscreen) before you leave home! – From Trip Advisor – May 2021