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Whale shark swimming at the surface near Holbox

Whale shark

Swim with whale sharks in Holbox

Swim next to the biggest fish in the sea, with rules that protect it.

Book6 to 8 hours

Photo: Charlie Marchant (CharlieOnTravel), CC BY 2.0

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Swim next to the biggest fish in the sea, with rules that protect it.

Every summer whale sharks come to feed on plankton off Holbox. You head out by boat with a local guide and swim with them in small groups. It is a protected area, so there are clear rules and we follow them.

Season
Mid-May to mid-September (CONANP season; dates change every year)
  1. January: —
  2. February: —
  3. March: —
  4. April: —
  5. May: Season
  6. June: Season
  7. July: Best time
  8. August: Best time
  9. September: Season
  10. October: —
  11. November: —
  12. December: —

Best time

Duration
6 to 8 hours
Meeting point
Holbox pier; your operator confirms the exact spot

Whale shark

What you will see

How we protect it

How we protect it

These rules are part of the tour. Your guide follows them and we ask you to do the same.

  1. At most 2 swimmers and 1 guide in the water per shark

  2. Life vest on at all times

  3. About 2 m from the body and 5 m from the tail; never touch it

  4. No flash and no scuba gear

  5. Limited time in the water per turn

  6. Licensed boats only, in the CONANP season, inside the Yum Balam protected area and the Caribe Mexicano biosphere reserve

What to bring

Book

Book your spot

  • Free cancellation 24 h. Cancel up to 24 h before for a 100% refund.
  • Weather guarantee. If the Port Captain or the operator cancels, choose a new date or a full refund.
  • Secure payment. By card on a secure page, or on site when the tour says so. Price includes IVA (VAT).

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Whale shark

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