Whale Shark Group Adventure from Isla Holbox
Overview
Swim with whale sharks, the world's largest fish, and see other amazing sea creatures such as sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins in the waters where the Caribbean meets the Gulf of Mexico. Despite its name, the 45-foot-long (14-meter-long) whale shark is an animal that allows for an up-close experience with your expert bilingual guide. After a light breakfast, head out from Isla Holbox to swim with the whale sharks, then back to the mainland to snorkel and enjoy fresh ceviche made with the day's catch. Snorkel gear is included along with a light breakfast, lunch, beverages, and ceviche.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Our famous ceviche
- In case you do not eat the included food, you can take fruits from the breakfast table to the tour
- Government Fees
- Snorkeling equipment
- Light breakfast : coffee, tea, fruits, yogurt and sweet buns
- Boat with GPS
- Soft drinks
- Guacamole and mango for those who do not eat fish
- Bilingual guide
- Gratuities
- Do not include taxi to meeting point
Meeting Location
Calle Palomino
Av. Caleta Esq, 77310 Holbox, Q.R., Mexico
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Meet your guide and group at our VIP HOLBOX OFFICE, located one block from the main ferry pier. Receive a short briefing and all the necessary equipment and enjoy a light breakfast before you head off to the pier and board the boat. Head out into the Gulf of Mexico on a 1 to 2-hour ride to find the whale sharks. On the way, might watch giant manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Once you reach the whale shark area, enter the water two at a time with your guide to get to see these extraordinary giants. The whale shark is the biggest fish in the world at 45 feet long (14 meters). Your guide will show you how to observe and even swim with these wonderful creatures while respecting their habitat.
On the way back, stop near Cabo Catoche, the northernmost point of the Yucatan Peninsula where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. Snorkel the “cuevones” reef and look for sea turtles, nurse sharks, lobsters, squids, octopi, and other reef fish.
Finally, head back to Boca Santa Paula, where you can stretch our legs, have a pleasant swim, and enjoy the delicious ceviche.
A 45-minute journey brings you back to Isla Holbox.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children under 6 are not allowed
- Note: Whale shark season is from mid-May to mid-September, but whale sharks might come later to the area
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- Operated by a business
Frequently Asked Questions
(14)Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-34907P1
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Reviews
Average 4.59 out of 5 stars based on 68 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (14)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
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Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage.
Jan 2022Yes, this is possible, as long as you are comfortable going into the water. All Cool Destinations snorkeling tours adhere to strict safety regulations and have been designed to be enjoyed by all.
Your safety is our #1 priority, which is why:
- You will be wearing a flotation device at all times.
- On many tours, there is a stairway from the boat into the water so you won’t have to “jump” in!
- There are trained staff in the water and watching from the boat at all times.
For these reasons, we believe that even non-swimmers can have a wonderful time on our snorkeling trips, however, the final judgment call is yours to make. Please note we do not give refunds if you decide not to snorkel on the trip.
Oct 2021The snorkel gear we use on Cool Destinations tours is high quality and for your protection, the equipment is sanitized after each use. However, if you feel more comfortable using your own snorkeling equipment, feel free to bring it on the tour. Please note, there is no discount for providing your own equipment and we can’t be responsible for any lost or damaged items.
May 2023As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Whale Shark Group Adventure from Isla Holbox. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022First-time snorkelers can be assured of one-on-one instruction and assistance. We find introducing folks to our world very rewarding!
Oct 2021There are no legal age limits for snorkeling. We have found that age 5 or 6 is a good age to learn the basics of snorkeling, however, it’s entirely up to individuals to make the best choice for their family.
Sep 2021If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Bottled water.
- Our famous ceviche.
- In case you do not eat the included food, you can take fruits from the breakfast table to the tour.
- Government Fees.
- Snorkeling equipment.
- Light breakfast : coffee, tea, fruits, yogurt and sweet buns.
- Boat with GPS.
- Soft drinks.
- Guacamole and mango for those who do not eat fish.
- Bilingual guide.
- Gratuities.
- Do not include taxi to meeting point.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 6..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Whale Shark Group Adventure from Isla Holbox is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Whale Shark Group Adventure from Isla Holbox will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Bottled water
- Our famous ceviche
- In case you do not eat the included food, you can take fruits from the breakfast table to the tour
- Government Fees
- Snorkeling equipment
- Light breakfast : coffee, tea, fruits, yogurt and sweet buns
- Boat with GPS
- Soft drinks
- Guacamole and mango for those who do not eat fish
- Bilingual guide
- Gratuities
- Do not include taxi to meeting point
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children under 6 are not allowed
- Note: Whale shark season is from mid-May to mid-September, but whale sharks might come later to the area
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- Operated by a business
