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If you’re hoping to swim with the world’s biggest fish (AKA whale sharks!), you’ve come to the right place!
Swimming with whale sharks in the wild is an unforgettable, bucket-list-worthy experience that you certainly won’t forget. In fact, it was the best tour we did while living in Tulum!
There are lots of whale shark tours available from Tulum, and deciding which one is right for you is no easy task. You want to make sure you choose a tour that is safe, eco-friendly, and worth your time and money. This is where we come in; we’ve done many tours and completed the research, and below, you’ll see the three best (and most highly rated) whale shark tours in Tulum!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this small-group whale shark snorkeling experience! It includes multiple swim stops, a light breakfast, all your snorkeling gear, and a delicious lunch at Isla Mujeres. Plus, there’s even a photographer on board to capture all those unforgettable moments!
Check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book your spot here!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- The Best Whale Shark Tours in Tulum
- About Whale Sharks
- How far in advance should you book a whale shark tour in Tulum?
- Is swimming with whale sharks in Tulum worth it?
- Other Activities to do While You’re in Tulum
- Where to Stay in Tulum, Mexico
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Mexico
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
The Best Whale Shark Tours in Tulum
1. All-Inclusive Whale Shark Tour from Tulum
- Duration: 6 to 10 hours
- Time: Around 4:30 am (confirm with tour operator)
- Highlights: Cruise along Isla Blanca’s stunning coastline, swim with whale sharks and other marine creatures, and soak up the sun on Isla Mujeres
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, professional guide, lunch, water/soft drinks, snorkelling equipment
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 740+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We were lucky enough to do this all-inclusive whale shark tour the last time we were in Tulum, and it was absolutely incredible!
The day starts bright and early with pick-up from your Tulum accommodation between 4-5 am, but don’t worry, you can sleep on the bus on the way to Cancun! Once there, you will get some coffee and snacks and head out to the open seas in search of these gentle giants.
After about an hour on the boat, our guide spotted the first whale shark! We jumped in the water and swam next to it for around 15 minutes. The whale sharks swim slowly, so it was surprisingly easy to keep pace and swim alongside them—talk about a bucket-list moment!
What really impressed us was how efficiently the guides used real-time coordinates to track the whale sharks. Instead of cruising aimlessly, they knew exactly where to go, which meant more time in the water. We ended up seeing several whale sharks, plus dolphins, colorful fish, and even a manta ray!
We love that this tour has a max of only 10 people, so the boat felt spacious and relaxed. It also includes hotel pick-up, snacks, snorkel gear, and a delicious lunch at Isla Mujeres. You just have to bring some cash for the dock fee and optional photos (we got them and they were totally worth it!). Just be sure to book early—this one sells out fast!
Read all of the 5-star reviews and secure your spot here!
2. Small-Group Whale Shark Tour with a Biologist
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: Around 5 am (confirm with tour operator)
- Highlights: Swim alongside the world’s largest fish, learn from a biologist guide, and enjoy lunch on the boat
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, biologist guide, lunch, water/soft drinks, snorkelling equipment
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 860+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re interested in not just seeing whale sharks but actually learning about them, this small-group tour is a fantastic choice!
You’ll make your way to the pick-up point in Tulum, then head to Cancun before hopping on a boat with your naturalist guide. From there, you’ll spend the next few hours searching for whale sharks in open water.
What makes this tour stand out is the onboard biologist who not only knows exactly where to go but also shares tons of fascinating info about these gentle giants while you cruise. It’s such a great way to turn an already epic experience into something even more meaningful.
This highly-rated tour (check out the great reviews here!) doesn’t guarantee a whale shark sighting, but you’ll get to dive in at least two different swimming spots, increasing your chances of seeing these majestic fish. You’ll also get to indulge in an included lunch, which will either be served up on a beach on Isla Mujeres or on the boat, depending on the weather and how you’re doing for time.
Just don’t forget to bring some cash for the dock fee ($20 USD per person), biodegradable sunscreen, seasick meds if needed, and of course, your sense of adventure!
Don’t miss out, book this tour online in advance!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
3. Swim with Whale Sharks and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: Around 5 am
- Highlights: Get 2 to 3 chances to jump in the water with whale sharks, enjoy lunch and free time on Playa Norte beach in Isla Mujeres
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, professional guide, light breakfast, lunch, snacks, water/soft drinks, snorkelling equipment
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 370+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
This particular tour includes breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a stop at Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, regarded by many as one of the best beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula!
You will need to meet at the Super Aki supermarket in Tulum, where you will be picked up early to start your day of adventure. But don’t worry, before boarding the boat, you will be provided with a light breakfast and coffee to fuel you up for a big day out on the water.
Our friends did this tour recently and had only great things to say about the experience (check out all of the reviews here)! They had such a fun captain who knew exactly where to go to find the whale sharks, and they ended up seeing close to 20 whale sharks from the boat and in the water!
After 2 to 3 chances to swim with the whale sharks, the boat will take you to Playa Norte to enjoy the white sand beach while indulging in a ceviche lunch. You can swim and snorkel here before heading back to shore with full bellies and tons of new memories!
We think this tour is the perfect combo of thrilling marine adventure and laid-back beach time. Just bring $20 USD in cash for the dock fee, and you’re set for an unforgettable day!
Reserve your spot here now and don’t pay a cent until closer to your departure date!
Related Read: Be sure to check out the best cenotes in Tulum or take a catamaran ride while you’re here, too!
About Whale Sharks
Whale sharks are gentle giants, and they can’t bite – they’re actually very large filter-feeding fish that swim slowly and peacefully at around 3 miles (5 kilometers) per hour. This means that it’s super safe and easy to swim alongside them. They also have remarkably long lives, living up to 150 years!
On average, whale sharks grow to be between 5.5-10 meters (18 – 33 feet) long and weigh around 18 metric tonnes, making them the world’s largest fish. Their backs are covered in a mosaic pattern of white spots and stripes, which are unique to each individual, kind of like a fingerprint!
Whale sharks are also sadly endangered, with a global population that’s thought to be between 200,000-240,000. This makes the Quintana Roo region special as it is one of the remaining spots where you can see them in the wild. For this reason, it’s important to protect them by choosing an environmentally-friendly tour operator (such as the ones we listed above) and respecting the rules when you’re in the water.
How far in advance should you book a whale shark tour in Tulum?
Tulum’s status as one of the most popular tourist spots in Mexico has been firmly cemented of late. Yep, this bohemian coastal resort is buzzing throughout the year but especially in the summer months, and this also happens to be whale shark season (mid-May to mid-September). Therefore, as you can probably guess, the good whale shark tours (such as the ones listed above) tend to book up quickly. For that reason, we recommend booking at least a couple of days in advance, if not sooner.
What’s great is that if you book through Viator, you can reserve your spot and not have to pay until just before your departure date. You will also get free 24-hour cancellation, meaning if your plans happen to change and you need to rebook or cancel your tour, you can do so for a full refund. This is a huge bonus, and is why we always book with this reliable company!
Related Read: While you’re staying in this bohemian town, why not check out the best restaurants in Tulum?
Is swimming with whale sharks in Tulum worth it?
YES! Swimming with whale sharks in Tulum is 100% worth it!
Just imagine swimming next to these gigantic, gentle creatures (some of which can be up to 33 feet/10 meters long) in the deep blue waters of Tulum. You’ll see the world’s biggest fish up close, an experience only a few people get to do. You’ll even get to see the unique mosaic patterns on their backs from a short distance away. So cool! And just imagine the underwater photos you can take!
Honestly, I could talk all day about how amazing our whale shark tour in Tulum was. But, to summarize, swimming with whale sharks is certainly an experience that will remain ingrained in your mind forever!
Learn more about our favorite whale shark tour from Tulum here!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Tulum
If you’re staying in Tulum, there are so many fun things to see and do! I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, and I never get tired of visiting. So if you’re looking for some activities, check out some of my favorites below!
- Check out the Tulum Ruins – Honestly, if you don’t do anything else while you’re here, make sure to check out the Tulum Ruins! This is an amazing place to get a glimpse into the area’s Mayan history. For the best experience, I’d recommend going with a private guide, which also includes early access to beat the crowds!
- Explore Tulum’s epic foodie scene – ‘Mexico’ and ‘good food’ might as well be synonyms. You’ll find out-of-this-world food everywhere, and there are awesome restaurants in Tulum. Whether you fancy learning how to cook your own authentic Mexican meal or sampling some of the best local spots on this walking food tour, it’s all up to you!
- Visit Chichen Itza – If you want to see more famous Mayan ruins, take this full-day tour to Chichen Itza! These are the largest and most impressive ruins on the Yucatan, and we learned so much by going with a guide. We also enjoyed the stops in Valladolid and at a cenote!
- Go ziplining – Traveling with kids? Or maybe you’re a big kid like us and still get a huge kick out of swinging through the trees? You’re never too old to let your hair down, and this 4-hour ziplining, rappelling, and cenote tour makes for an epic half-day out.
- Snorkel with turtles at Akumal Beach – This beach is very busy, so we loved this guided tour that included transportation and a stop at Akumal Beach. Here, we snorkeled with sea turtles, which was a true bucket list experience! We also swam in a cenote and relaxed at a beach club. What more could you want?
Where to Stay in Tulum, Mexico
No matter what you’re looking for in a hotel, Tulum has it! Offering everything from hostels to 5-star luxury hotels, there is accommodation for any budget. So to help you narrow it down and pick the best one, I’ve listed my favorite options below:
Luxury – $$$
If you’re dreaming of a luxury all-inclusive getaway in Tulum, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is a top choice. This beachfront property has it all—multiple restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, two pools, and even a kids’ club. The location is a bit more secluded (perfect if you’re looking to truly unwind), but it’s still just a short drive to the Tulum ruins and cenotes.
Rooms start around $400 USD, which is a pretty good deal considering it includes all meals, drinks, and activities. You can check availability and book your stay here!
IKAL Tulum Hotel is a 5-star luxury stay that feels more boutique than big resort. This eco-luxury beachfront property blends minimalist design with lush jungle surroundings, offering gorgeous thatched-roof villas just steps from the sea. There’s an on-site restaurant and beach club, but without the all-inclusive format, you’ll have the freedom to explore Tulum’s incredible dining scene.
Rooms start around only $230 USD per night and can be reserved in advance here.
Mid-Range – $$
Naala Tulum is a stylish and affordable boutique hotel just outside the hustle of downtown. It features a large outdoor pool, clean and modern rooms with comfy beds, and an on-site restaurant and bar for easy meals and drinks. While it’s not beachfront, it’s just a quick drive or bike ride to the beach and nearby cenotes, making it a great base for exploring all that Tulum has to offer without breaking the bank.
Check prices and book this stay here on Booking.com!
Budget – $
Oryx Hostel – Just a few steps from downtown Tulum, gardens surround the property so you’ll feel like you’re staying in a tropical jungle. There are hammocks, a nice outdoor pool area, and tons of fun activities like salsa dancing! Plus, breakfast is included every morning, so you can easily fuel up for the day ahead.
Stays here are as cheap as $20 USD a night in a dorm room or around $70 USD for private rooms, and can be booked on here on Booking.com.
Check out all of the accommodations available in Tulum here!
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this blog post has inspired you to book your bucket-list whale shark tour in Tulum! Honestly, you won’t regret it!
For more, check out our Mexico page. It has all our blogs about Mexico laid out to make planning your trip easy! Or maybe at a glance, you’ll find some of these related guides helpful too!
Is Mexico Safe? Safety Info about Traveling in Mexico
33 FUN Things to do in the Riviera Maya, Mexico