If you're visiting between May and September, get ready for one of the ocean’s most jaw-dropping adventures—because the whale sharks will be back!
Every year these gentle giants glide into the waters near the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, turning the region into a hotspot for one of the coolest wildlife encounters on the planet.
Despite their enormous size (they’re the largest fish in the world), whale sharks are famously calm and friendly. In fact, local fishermen first discovered them years ago when they noticed how peacefully these huge, spotted creatures behaved around boats and people. That discovery eventually led to the unforgettable whale shark tours that we offer today.
The sharks visit the nutrient-rich waters where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico around mid-May until mid-September. During this short window, visitors have the rare chance to jump into the sea and snorkel alongside these magnificent animals—an experience many people call a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list moment.
Getting there is part of the fun. Travelers can head over from Cozumel by ferry and ground transfer, or upgrade to a VIP option with a 20-minute scenic flight over the dazzling coastline of the Riviera Maya. Either way, the journey ends at the marina where your boat—and adventure—awaits.
Once on board, experienced guides track down the whale sharks at the surface. When they’re spotted, small groups enter the water to snorkel near them while keeping the experience safe and respectful for the animals. Floating beside a creature the size of a bus is both thrilling and humbling.
After your swim, the day often winds down with a relaxing stop near a beach at Isla Mujeres . Think sunshine, fresh seafood ceviche, and big smiles all around before heading back to Cozumel./p>
One thing’s certain: swimming with whale sharks isn’t just a tour—it’s a story you’ll be telling forever.
Whale Shark Tour by Land/Ferry from Cozumel - $239 per person.
This tour starts from the ferry dock at Playa del Carmen, you should take the 7am ferry (not included) from Cozumel so you are at the meeting point on the Playa del Carmen ferry pier at 7:45am.
A van will transfer you in about 1 hour to Punta Sam where your fast boat from Isla Mujeres is waiting to take you on an unforgettable whale shark tour. The way back is the same in reverse, but you stop at Isla Mujeres if time allows, then cross to Punta Sam before the transfer back to Playa del Carmen for your ferry.
VIP Private Whale Shark Tour by Air from Cozumel - from $659 per person
The tour includes transfers to/from Cozumel Airport and takes off with a 20 minute scenic flight over the coast of the Yucatan peninsula in a small aircraft, from Cozumel to Cancun airport. You fly low enough to enjoy spectacular views!
If you're visiting on a cruise ship and due to dock before 7am local time (Central Time) then this tour should work for you, contact us for more information.
After landing at Cancun's domestic terminal, you have a 20 minute transfer to Punta Sam where your fast boat from Isla Mujeres is waiting to take you on an unforgettable whale shark tour. The way back is the same in reverse, but you stop at Isla Mujeres if time allows, then cross to Punta Sam and head to Cancun airport for your flight back to Cozumel.
Can I swim with whale sharks in Cozumel?
No, not in Cozumel itself as the whale sharks don't migrate this far south, they prefer to feed in the waters about 70 miles (110 km) north of the island. It's still easily doable as a day-trip though, either with our tour by ferry and land, or the VIP option by air.
If you don't want to leave Cozumel Island, don't worry, there is still plenty of amazing sea life to see underwater here too!
