What is it like to swim with a whale shark? Everything you need to know about the experience

Despite their potentially intimidating appearance, whale sharks are completely harmless.

For this reason, when you dive into the water to swim with whale sharks, you can observe them up close, within a meter or two, but be mindful not to disrupt their environment.

Swimming with whale sharks offers a chance to witness one of the ocean's largest creatures feeding in the most peaceful manner imaginable, so there's no need to worry—this activity is safe.

Whale sharks are enormous fish

As you read, they are not related to cetaceans and are called whale sharks solely due to their massive size, but they are fish in every sense of the word, which is one reason they pose no threat to humans.

They feed on plankton and occasionally small crustaceans by accident, as their feeding method involves suction through their mouths, sometimes drawing in tiny fish.

They prefer warm waters for living, feeding, and reproducing, but it is not definitively known if they have a specific habitat preference since they travel long distances and often swim along various routes. In Mexico, due to the high concentrations of plankton and the safety these fish find in certain beaches and bays, they tend to gather in larger numbers at some destinations during specific seasons:

• Holbox
• La Paz
• Ensenada
• Playa Mujeres

One of their unique traits is that whale sharks do not sleep, much like most sharks; they only rest part of their brain for a certain period but cannot sleep as they need to keep moving to filter oxygen.

Is it safe to swim with whale sharks?

Absolutely, as we've mentioned, they are harmless giant fish, and neither humans nor other species are part of their diet beyond plankton.

To swim with whale sharks, you'll need to be taken further out to sea and have a certified guide along with safety measures.

Here are some recommendations to consider when booking a tour:

Before

• Consult your doctor about taking medication to prevent seasickness.
• Ensure you get a good night's rest beforehand.
• Avoid wearing jewelry or accessories.
• It's crucial to be comfortable during the journey and in the water, so make sure you have a life jacket, goggles, or snorkeling gear.
• Research the company you plan to undertake this adventure with and ensure they have certified personnel.

During

• Stay calm, as research has shown that whale sharks are comfortable with people nearby. However, avoid surrounding or accompanying them in the water with multiple people at once.
• Be cautious with the boats or transport used to reach the area, as a fast-moving boat engine could potentially harm them.

After

• We hope you remember not to leave any waste or trash behind, though it's best to avoid bringing anything that could become litter from the start of the tour.

Where is the best place to swim with whale sharks?

The ideal location for swimming with whale sharks is where you find the highest safety measures for both you and the sharks, specifically through specialized and certified tour companies.

Additionally, you should consider the concentration of sharks at each site. In Mexico, the southeastern region attracts a larger number of whale sharks due to the presence of plankton concentrations.

Tour WOW Connection: your chance to swim with the whale shark

The Delphinus Wow Tour adheres to all respectful measures, allowing you to experience this majestic natural spectacle safely for both you and the whale shark's environment. We offer departures from Playa Mujeres, Cancún, Puerto Morelos, and Riviera Maya; the package includes:

• Round trip hotel to dock (from Playa Mujeres)
• Round trip dock to whale shark zone
• Breakfast (box lunch)
• Non alcoholic drinks
• Playa Norte stop at Isla Mujeres
• Swim with whale shark
• Safety vest
• Snorkel
• Certified guide
• Duration from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm (approx).

*Round trip hotel to dock from Cancun: $10 USD
*Round trip hotel to dock from Moon Palace - Puerto Morelos: $15 USD
*Round trip hotel to dock from Riviera Maya: $20 USD
*Dock fee: $20 USD

Each prices are per person which is paid upon arrival.