Expedition Whale Sharks
Off the coast of Mexico's Yucatan, swim safely with these amazing creatures, which are really the world's largest fish!
Just off the tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is a small island largely untouched by tourism, despite its proximity to Cancún. Isla Holbox might go unnoticed entirely, except for some unique visitors who come to its warm ocean waters each summer. Their presence is hard to ignore, since they average 40 feet long and weigh 15 tons. These are gentle whale sharks -- not whales at all, despite their size, but actually the world’s largest fish. Docile and unafraid, they allow us to swim close enough to observe the checkerboard pattern of pale yellow dots and stripes covering their thick gray skin.
- Join our experienced Expedition Leaders as we swim with enormous, friendly whale sharks – the world’s biggest fish!
- Explore idyllic Holbox Island, a traditional fishing community with white-sand streets and no cars
- Discover rarely visited nature sites, including Isla de los Pájaros – “Bird Island” – teeming with frigates, flamingos, pelicans, herons and egrets
Location of Adventure
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Group Size Limit
Approximately 15 Travelers
A very important feature of our trips is the limited group size as nature expeditions are best experienced with smaller sized groups of travelers.
Included
Van and boat transportation between Puerto Morelos and Isla Holbox, accommodations, meals (except on Day 6), services of NHA Expedition Leaders, most gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, permits and park fees, all taxes (except Mexico’s departure and airport taxes).
Not Included
Travel to and from start and end point of trip, meals on Day 6, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.), airport and departure taxes, optional travel insurance.
Physical Requirements
Moderate / Flexible
To be in the water with the whale sharks you are required to swim a minimum of 150 feet. Less agile swimmers can view the whale sharks from the boat, which is also a wonderful nature experience. Snorkeling is easy to learn, and we expect that most guests have little or no experience.
Important Information
This extraordinary expedition offers the unique chance to snorkel with the gentle whale shark. The little-known area we visit is one of the best places in the world to encounter these incredible creatures.
Getting There & Getting Home
You should arrive in Cancún, Mexico in time for dinner at 6pm on Day 1 and can depart Cancún, Mexico anytime on the final day. We can best serve you if Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk makes these reservations for you as they are intimately familiar with the special requirements of these programs and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel. Please call us at 1-800-543-8917.








