Just off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is one of the best summer destinations for an unforgettable bucket-list experience: swimming with whale sharks. From June through September, these gentle giants migrate to the warm, plankton-rich waters between Isla Mujeres and Holbox, creating a rare opportunity to snorkel alongside the largest fish in the world. Mornings begin with a short boat ride across turquoise Caribbean waters, and before you know it, you’re slipping into the sea for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Pair the adventure with Isla Mujeres’ laid-back island charm, white sand beaches, and fresh seafood, and you have the perfect mix of thrill and tropical escape.
Places to STAY
Casa de los Suenos
Near Parque de los Suenos
$360/night for a family of four
Make yourself at home in one of the 11 individually decorated guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Dip into one of the 4 outdoor swimming pools or enjoy other recreational amenities, which include a complimentary water park. Enjoy a meal at Kin Ha, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel’s room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary full breakfast is served daily from 8 AM to noon.
Ixchel Beach Hotel
Near North Beach
$475/night for a family of 4
Make yourself at home in one of the 111 guestrooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Spend the day on the private beach or dip into one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools. Grab a bite to eat at Kalak, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the poolside bar. Local cuisine breakfasts are available daily from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM for a fee.
Whale Shark Adventure
Get up close and personal with the world’s largest congregation of whale sharks during this small-group snorkeling excursion, available only from May until September. Travel comfortably on a well-equipped boat into the Caribbean Sea, with snorkeling masks and gear included. Let staff guide you to the whale sharks’ meeting points, then hop into the water for a unique immersion.
- A small-group, swimming and snorkeling whale shark tour
- Enjoy a unique wildlife encounter in the world’s largest migration of whale sharks
- Get a chance to spot manta rays, tropical fish, and other marine life
- Travel comfortably in a group capped at only 10 participants
What’s Included
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentUse of Snorkelling equipment
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- Soda/Pop
- All Fees and Taxes
- Alcoholic Beverages
- GoPro files (available to purchase)
- Transportation on Isla Mujeres
Experience swimming alongside the largest fish on the planet on a whale shark snorkeling adventure, explore the caribbean sea in the search for whale sharks in their own habitat while spotting dolphins, manta rays and flying fish jumping and thriving along the way. From June to September hundreds of whale sharks congregate north side of Isla Mujeres forming the largest whale shark congregation in the world!. On this trip, you will have the chance to experience swimming alongside of whale sharks… the thrill that comes from snorkeling so close of the largest fish in the sea is just something you will never forget! After a 50 minutes boat ride aprox we will get to the area, once you reach the whale shark area you will snorkeling and swimming with the whale sharks; 2 people per turn accompanied by a certified guide at all times, Our idea is that you enter the water 2 times, however, it all depends on the sea conditions, how many sharks there are and your own swimming skills. They’re not trained or caged and you go to visit their home. You also don’t feed them so there’s no way to guarantee that we will find the whale sharks out there, even though we have a high success rate.
Back on Isla Mujeres, the charm continues. Rent a golf cart to explore the island, visit Punta Sur for dramatic cliffside views, stroll through colorful streets lined with local shops, or enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant as the sun sets. The island offers a more relaxed and intimate vibe compared to Cancun’s hotel zone, making it an ideal balance of adventure and tranquility.
Swimming with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres isn’t just another excursion — it’s a bucket-list experience that connects you to the ocean in a powerful way. If you’re planning a summer trip to Cancun, consider adding a few nights on Isla Mujeres. You’ll come home with stories you’ll tell for a lifetime — and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of marine life.
