Whale Shark and Snorkeling Adventure from Isla Holbox
Overview
Can you imagine swimming with a 14-meter-long animal? Whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world, come every year to visit Holbox. They are totally harmless, so you will be able to swim by their side in an amazing and life changing experience. During the boat trip, you may see turtles, giant manta rays, dolphins, flamingos and/or many other species.
Inclusions
- Cool water and sodas.
- Snorkeling equipment.
- Light breakfast in Luuma: coffee, tea, fruits, yoghurt and sweet buns.
- Our famous ceviche.
- Guacamole or mango for those who do not eat fish.
What to expect
Itinerary
You will meet with your guide and group at the local Restaurante Mandarina Seaside, in Isla Holbox at 6:30 am, is located two blocks from the dock where we will board the boats. There, you will have a small briefing and get all the necessary equipment. You will also enjoy a light breakfast to have a great start.
Then, you will walk to the pier, where the boat is waiting to start the journey to find the whale sharks. The trip will take you between one and two hours and you may find different species on the way (if you see a giant manta and its behavior permits it, you can also swim with this harmless creature). Once in the area, you will swim by the whale shark in groups of two plus the guide, for safety reasons and to ensure you get the best experience.
On the way back, you will stop near Cabo Catoche to snorkel the "cuevones" reef and maybe see sea turtles, nurse sharks, lobsters, squids, octopuses, and different reef fish. During the journey, we will prepare the freshest ceviche you'll ever have. Finally, you will go to Santa Paula, where you can stretch your legs, have a pleasant swim and enjoy the ceviche. From this point, you have a 45-minute journey back to Holbox.
Stop At:
• Yum Balam Reserve, Holbox Island Mexico
You will meet with your guide and group at the local Restaurante Mandarina Seaside, in Isla Holbox at 6:30 am, is located two blocks from the dock where we will board the boats. There, you will have a small briefing and get all the necessary equipment. You will also enjoy a light breakfast to have a great start.
Then, you will walk to the pier, where the boat is waiting to start the journey to find the whale sharks. The trip will take you between one and two hours and you may find different species on the way (if you see a giant manta and its behavior permits it, you can also swim with this harmless creature). Once in the area, you will swim by the whale shark in groups of two plus the guide, for safety reasons and to ensure you get the best experience.
On the way back, you will stop near Cabo Catoche to snorkel the "cuevones" reef and maybe see sea turtles, nurse sharks, lobsters, squids, octopuses, and different reef fish. During the journey, we will prepare the freshest ceviche you'll ever have. Finally, you will go to Santa Paula, where you can stretch your legs, have a pleasant swim and enjoy the ceviche. From this point, you have a 45-minute journey back to Holbox.
Stop At:
• Yum Balam Reserve, Holbox Island Mexico
Additional information
- Children under 6 years old are not allowed.
- Season starts officialy May 15, but the arrival of whale sharks to the area vary each year.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
LythiaT
July 2019
We went on the whale shark tour and had a great experience. Alex was a great guide and we saw many whale sharks. The lunch and ceviche were delicious. Would really recommend!
We went on the whale shark tour and had a great experience. Alex was a great guide and we saw many whale sharks. The lunch and ceviche were delicious. Would really recommend!sogo
July 2019
I went with 5 friends (One celebrating her birthday and swimming with the whale sharks was her dream). We met at Luuma (Restaurant) just before 7 AM for check-in, orientation, equipment distribution ( I brought a mask and snorkel. They provided fins and flotation device for me. Others got ever...
I went with 5 friends (One celebrating her birthday and swimming with the whale sharks was her dream). We met at Luuma (Restaurant) just before 7 AM for check-in, orientation, equipment distribution ( I brought a mask and snorkel. They provided fins and flotation device for me. Others got everything). A continental breakfast was available as were anti sea sickness meds (I brought my own but was pleased to see them made available). Our guide Eddie then led us to the dock and our boat. The boat was clean and there was ample space for the guests (10 passengers) and their belongings, the equipment, the coolers, our illustrious guide Eddie and our driver. We had about 1.5-2 hours in the boat before we got to the site. The excitement upon viewing several of these gentle giants was palpable. Eddie reviewed the viewing strategy and off we went. The boat is positioned and 2 swimmers at a time have the opportunity of a lifetime to be within 3 meters of the whaleshark. My first encounter was terrific. i was within 3 meters and was watching the gills and studying the polka dots. My partner was not as fortunate. She was late getting off the boat and only saw the tail disappear into the waters ahead. 2 by 2 we took turns. Our driver positioned our boat to create ideal encounters and our guide Eddie did an superb job of timing our entry into the water, making sure even weak swimmers got close encounters and we were safely returned to the boat. My second encounter was a prizewinner!! I jumped in , got in close proximity and then the whaleshark stopped at about a 45 degree angle and just filter fed. MAGICAL!! Everyone was given the opportunity for a 3rd encounter. I passed since I'd had an amazing experience. After everyone was back on board we headed to Cabo Catoche for 20-30 minutes of snorkeling. There were a myriad of reef fish, several starfish, crabs and at least 2 eels. Next stop was Santa Paula to eat our freshly caught and prepared barracuda cerviche, a short walk on a beach and more time in the water if desired. On our way there, we spotted turtles mating in the ocean (we circled back and were able to see the 1 female and 2 males. Eddie spoke about the mating habits of the turtles a bit). Then we saw a pod of dolphins with a baby among them. Again we slowed and got a respectful distance from the pod but were able to see them and marvel at the beauty of nature. When we got to the beach, we all enjoyed iced coke, iced water, chips and a delectable fresh cerviche all provided as part of the tour. The cerviche was out of this world! We also spotted a horseshoe crab in the water near the boat. From here, it was about a 45 minute boat ride back to the pier. Our group of 6 left the dock completely amazed and grateful to Eddie, the driver and the powers that be for this incredible experience. NOTE: you are exposed to the elements during this entire adventure. Bring cover up, BIODEGRADABLE sunscreens, sunglasses, hats, snacks (If you don't eat cerviche or have dietary desires or restrictions) etc. HAVE FUN!!jaedral
November 2021
To begin, the whale sharks are located in an area 2.5 - 3 hours boat ride away from Holbox. So you take an incredibly rough trip to get out there with literally nowhere to hold on on the boat. Once you find them, the whale sharks are hounded by literally hundreds of other boats, but they hang aro...
To begin, the whale sharks are located in an area 2.5 - 3 hours boat ride away from Holbox. So you take an incredibly rough trip to get out there with literally nowhere to hold on on the boat. Once you find them, the whale sharks are hounded by literally hundreds of other boats, but they hang around because they have to feed. Each guest get to get in the water a few times, along with hundreds of others clamoring to get near the fish. In addition, there is literally nothing educational about this trip. Neither the guide or boat captain shared any information about the whale sharks. The trip is rounded tout with some unhygienic boat side ceviche and snorkeling. Again, avoid this activity if you have any respect for wildlife.Dream262243
September 2021
This was probably the most amazing thing I've done in my life. I was celebrating my 50th birthday and told my friends we need to do this and they went along. It was just incredible. There were so many and so many different sizes. We even saw babies! Our guide and captain were great. The only reco...
This was probably the most amazing thing I've done in my life. I was celebrating my 50th birthday and told my friends we need to do this and they went along. It was just incredible. There were so many and so many different sizes. We even saw babies! Our guide and captain were great. The only recommendations are to bring dramamine, a few of us got sick. Also leave the picture taking to the guide, unless you have experience with GoPros or underwater photography, just enjoy the moment.Sandro_G
September 2021
George was an excellent guide and the trip was wonderful. We were snorkeling with a whale shark, have had a delicious lunch (the beach there was not the nicest) and all were happy
George was an excellent guide and the trip was wonderful. We were snorkeling with a whale shark, have had a delicious lunch (the beach there was not the nicest) and all were happyEleS688
June 2021
Definetly an activity to do at least once in a lifetime! We took the Tour at 03th June. The guide was Edier, the Captain was Cristian. Really helpful and joyful both of them! They explained in English and Spanish the safety rules (both for us and for the Whaleshark) and made the trip a really fu...
Definetly an activity to do at least once in a lifetime! We took the Tour at 03th June. The guide was Edier, the Captain was Cristian. Really helpful and joyful both of them! They explained in English and Spanish the safety rules (both for us and for the Whaleshark) and made the trip a really fun and exciting experience! We found the Whalesharks a bit more than a couple of hours sealing. Was it worthy? TOTALLY!!! We were able to jump and snorkel with this amazing animals twice. We did not have our camera, so Edier was really kind and snapped some pictures and video with his. Follow the instructions, and you will have the best view! After the Whaleshark encounter, they drove us to Cabo Catoche (amazing place to snorkel). It is beautiful to see how the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean! They prepared delicious Ceviche and Guacamole to eat in a small beach. Be prepared for a day of adventure. It began with a nice light breakfast in one of the nicest restaurant/bar of the island, before 7am. And we were back way after 2pm. We will come back! That is for sure!!!! Thank you for everything!