All-Inclusive, Three Languages
This all-inclusive seven-hour trip from VIP Holbox Experience pairs a whale shark swim with snorkeling and lunch, all arranged from Holbox town.
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Holbox Island Whale Shark Tours: Swim With Whale Sharks From May To September
Compare Holbox whale shark tours and island trips: 26 outings in four groups, with prices, ratings and trip lengths.
- $38lowest per-person from-price in the lineup
- 15 May to 17 SepOfficial Season · 2026 season for observing and swimming with whale sharks in Yum Balam and the Caribe Mexicano reserve ran 15 May to 17 September under SEMARNAT's notice, and is now closed; 2027 dates are not yet announced
- 146Permits Authorized · CONANP permits for the 2026 season: 48 in Holbox, 92 in Isla Mujeres and 6 in Chiquila, spread over 14 tourism cooperatives
Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya
only 10 travelers per boat
from $199 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with dates and prices. Book there; nothing is charged on this site.
- Duration
- 7-12 hours
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Run by
- Ocean Tours Mexico
- Excludes
- government fees, US$25 per person
Holbox Island Whale Shark Tours By The Numbers
15 to 20
Boats On A Busy Day · boats leaving Holbox daily in July 2026, at about 50 percent capacity according to the president of the Holbox tourism cooperatives
11 m
Longest Boat Allowed · authorized boats must be 11 metres (36.3 feet) or shorter, which is why Holbox tours run on small lanchas
30 min
Time Per Boat With A Shark · only one boat stays around a shark or group of sharks, for a maximum of 30 minutes; other boats wait 50 metres away
2 m / 3 m
Minimum Distance In The Water · swimmers keep at least 2 metres to the sides of the head and 3 metres from the tail fin; the boat stays at least 5 metres away
330 MXN
Chiquila Ferry · adult one-way fare on the roughly 25 minute crossing to Holbox, boats every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM
about 230 MXN
Yum Balam Access Fee · protected-area access fee per visitor, quoted by a Holbox cooperative representative in July 2026 as higher than other Caribbean protected areas
Holbox Island Whale Shark Tours By Trip Type
Whale Shark Swims From Holbox Island
6-Hour Swim, VIP Holbox Experience
A six-hour swim outing from VIP Holbox Experience, rated 4.6 across 243 reviews, with free cancellation.
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7-Hour Group Adventure
This seven-hour group trip run by Holbox Whale Shark Tours heads out from the island in shared boats during the whale shark season.
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Eco Tour, Pickup Included
This seven-hour eco tour with Xtreme Holbox combines a whale shark swim with reef snorkeling and lunch, setting out from Isla Holbox and returning the same afternoon.
Check availabilityWhale Shark Tours From Cancun And Isla Mujeres
7-12 Hour Trip, Pickup
Ocean Tours Mexico runs this 7-12 hour trip with pickups from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and the Riviera Maya.
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Swim and Snorkel Adventure
This six-hour Isla Fun Tours trip runs to the whale shark waters north of Cancun and Isla Mujeres, with snorkel gear and lunch included in the day.
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Isla Mujeres Beach Stop, 5 Hours
Contoy Adventures runs this five-hour trip, pairing a whale shark swim off Isla Mujeres with beach time on the island afterward; dock fee and federal tax are paid separately.
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Ocean Safari, All Included
Isla Sea Tours runs this all-included ocean safari, a six-and-a-half-hour day built around swimming with wild whale sharks.
Check availabilityAll 7 Whale Shark Tours From Cancun And Isla Mujeres on one page →
Holbox Island Day Trips From Cancun And Playa Del Carmen
From Puerto Morelos, 12 Hours
EKINOX Tours runs this twelve-hour day trip from Cancun or Puerto Morelos, covering the crossing to Holbox, a boat circuit of the surrounding islands and sand bars, lunch, and a swim stop.
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Full Day, Yalahau Cenote
Travel Cancun Experts runs this twelve-hour day from Cancun combining a boat crossing to Holbox, a stop at the Yalahau cenote, island time and lunch; a conservation tax is payable on the day.
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Passion Island Combo, 15 Hours
This fifteen-hour Coba Tulum Tour Operator day fits the Yalahau cenote, Passion Island and Holbox into one trip, with transport and lunch.
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Punta Mosquito Day Trip
This full-day trip run by pata de peek travel leaves from Cancun and pairs the crossing to Holbox with island stops including Punta Mosquito, plus lunch; a preservation tax applies per person.
Check availabilityAll 5 Holbox Island Day Trips From Cancun And Playa Del Carmen on one page →
Holbox Island Kayak, Boat And Bioluminescence Tours
Bioluminescence Plus Stargazing
Eco Adventure Holbox runs this two-hour evening paddle, pairing bioluminescent plankton in the shallows with a stargazing stop far from the lights of town.
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Sunrise Mangrove Paddle, 3 Hours
Kayaking Holbox leads this three-hour sunrise paddle through the mangroves of the Yum Balam Reserve, an early start with quiet water before the day heats up.
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Three Islands, Pickup Included
This three-and-a-half-hour boat circuit from Xtreme Holbox covers the three island stops around Holbox.
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Bioluminescence Kayak, 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Xtreme Holbox runs this evening kayak trip, paddling out from the island in search of bioluminescent plankton.
Check availabilityAll 8 Holbox Island Kayak, Boat And Bioluminescence Tours on one page →
Narrow The Holbox Island Whale Shark Tours To Your Trip
A starting shortlist of the best-reviewed options. Answer a question below and it rebuilds around you.
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Holbox Island Whale Shark Tours Compared Side By Side
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All 26 tours, most reviewed first. Tap a sort chip twice to flip the order.
| Tour | Length | Meets | From | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-12 Hour Trip, PickupOcean Tours Mexico | 7-12 hours | Punta Sam Ferry Terminal and Marinas | $199 | ★ 4.81,291 reviews | Check availability |
| Swim and Snorkel AdventureIsla Fun Tours | 6 hours | Isla Mujeres Downtown Docks | $155 | ★ 4.91,193 reviews | Check availability |
| Isla Mujeres Beach Stop, 5 HoursContoy Adventures | 5 hours | Punta Sam Ferry Terminal and Marinas | $220 | ★ 4.8437 reviews | Check availability |
| Bioluminescence Plus StargazingEco Adventure Holbox | 2 hours | Sent after booking | $49 | ★ 4.6360 reviews | Check availability |
| All-Inclusive, Three LanguagesVIP Holbox Experience | 7 hours | VIP Holbox Office, Calle Palomino | $209 | ★ 4.9267 reviews | Check availability |
| Sunrise Mangrove Paddle, 3 HoursKayaking Holbox | 3 hours | Holbox Town | $47 | ★ 4.8244 reviews | Check availability |
| 6-Hour Swim, VIP Holbox ExperienceVIP Holbox Experience | 6 hours | VIP Holbox Office, Calle Palomino | $178 | ★ 4.6243 reviews | Check availability |
| Three Islands, Pickup IncludedXtreme Holbox Island | 3 hours 30 minutes | Holbox Town | $39 | ★ 4.5217 reviews | Check availability |
| Ocean Safari, All IncludedIsla Sea Tours | 6.5 hours | Isla Mujeres Downtown Docks | $146 | ★ 4.8207 reviews | Check availability |
| Bioluminescence Kayak, 1 Hour 45 MinutesXtreme Holbox Island | 1 hour 45 minutes | Holbox Town | $47 | ★ 4.6197 reviews | Check availability |
| No tours match that combination. Set the Show or Meal chips back to Any and all 26 tours come back. | |||||
Best Months For Holbox Island Whale Shark Tours
Sea Temperature (C)24.624.825.526.527.628.228.929.429.328.526.625.4
Whale SharksSeason opens 15 May, few sharks earlyBuildingPeakPeakLate season, season ends 17 Sep
- Under 25 C
- 25 to 27 C
- 27 to 29 C
- Over 29 C
- Season opens 15 May, few sharks early
- Building
- Peak
- Late season, season ends 17 Sep
- Season closed
- This month
January
Typical figures for January
Sea Temperature (C): 24.6 · Whale Sharks: None in season
February
Typical figures for February
Sea Temperature (C): 24.8 · Whale Sharks: None in season
March
Typical figures for March
Sea Temperature (C): 25.5 · Whale Sharks: None in season
April
Typical figures for April
Sea Temperature (C): 26.5 · Whale Sharks: None in season
May
Typical figures for May
Sea Temperature (C): 27.6 · Whale Sharks: Season opens 15 May, few sharks early
June
Typical figures for June
Sea Temperature (C): 28.2 · Whale Sharks: Building
July
Typical figures for July
Sea Temperature (C): 28.9 · Whale Sharks: Peak
August
Typical figures for August
Sea Temperature (C): 29.4 · Whale Sharks: Peak
September
Typical figures for September
Sea Temperature (C): 29.3 · Whale Sharks: Late season, season ends 17 Sep
October
Typical figures for October
Sea Temperature (C): 28.5 · Whale Sharks: None in season
November
Typical figures for November
Sea Temperature (C): 26.6 · Whale Sharks: None in season
December
Typical figures for December
Sea Temperature (C): 25.4 · Whale Sharks: None in season
Open the full month table
| Month | Sea Temperature (C) | Whale Sharks | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24.6 | None in season | Closed |
| February | 24.8 | None in season | Closed |
| March | 25.5 | None in season | Closed |
| April | 26.5 | None in season | Closed |
| May | 27.6 | Season opens 15 May, few sharks early | Whale shark season |
| June | 28.2 | Building | Whale shark season |
| July | 28.9 | Peak | Whale shark season |
| August | 29.4 | Peak | Whale shark season |
| September | 29.3 | Late season, season ends 17 Sep | Whale shark season |
| October | 28.5 | None in season | Closed |
| November | 26.6 | None in season | Closed |
| December | 25.4 | None in season | Closed |
Holbox Island Whale Shark Tours Vs Cancun And Isla Mujeres Departures
| Holbox Departure | Isla Mujeres Departure | Cancun Departure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical group size | 8 to 10 guests on a small lancha | up to 10 guests | about 10 guests, some larger vessels |
| Boat ride to the whale sharks | 1 to 2 hours or more to the Afuera zone, depending on where the sharks feed | varies by departure point | Varies with where sharks are feeding |
| Total tour length | 6 to 8 hours | about 6 hours | 6 to 10 hours |
| Getting to the boat | stay on the island; the Chiquila ferry adds 25 minutes plus the road from Cancun | island marinas, or ferry from Punta Sam or Puerto Juarez | hotel pickup from the Cancun hotel zone, marina departures |
| CONANP permits in 2026 | 48 in Holbox plus 6 in Chiquila | 92 in Isla Mujeres | no separate count in the CONANP figures reported |
| Water in peak season | shared Afuera zone, about 15 to 20 boats a day at mid-season, fewer guests per boat | busy in peak season, no count published for Isla Mujeres | highest boat traffic of the three |
| Price band (USD) | Shared swims from about $178 to $210 per person (private boat $1,246) | Prices from about $155 to $220 per person | Prices from about $146 to $199 per person |
Holbox Departure
- Typical group size
- 8 to 10 guests on a small lancha
- Boat ride to the whale sharks
- 1 to 2 hours or more to the Afuera zone, depending on where the sharks feed
- Total tour length
- 6 to 8 hours
- Getting to the boat
- stay on the island; the Chiquila ferry adds 25 minutes plus the road from Cancun
- CONANP permits in 2026
- 48 in Holbox plus 6 in Chiquila
- Water in peak season
- shared Afuera zone, about 15 to 20 boats a day at mid-season, fewer guests per boat
- Price band (USD)
- Shared swims from about $178 to $210 per person (private boat $1,246)
Isla Mujeres Departure
- Typical group size
- up to 10 guests
- Boat ride to the whale sharks
- varies by departure point
- Total tour length
- about 6 hours
- Getting to the boat
- island marinas, or ferry from Punta Sam or Puerto Juarez
- CONANP permits in 2026
- 92 in Isla Mujeres
- Water in peak season
- busy in peak season, no count published for Isla Mujeres
- Price band (USD)
- Prices from about $155 to $220 per person
Cancun Departure
- Typical group size
- about 10 guests, some larger vessels
- Boat ride to the whale sharks
- Varies with where sharks are feeding
- Total tour length
- 6 to 10 hours
- Getting to the boat
- hotel pickup from the Cancun hotel zone, marina departures
- CONANP permits in 2026
- no separate count in the CONANP figures reported
- Water in peak season
- highest boat traffic of the three
- Price band (USD)
- Prices from about $146 to $199 per person
Where Holbox Island Whale Shark Tours Depart
Loading the map. Every place is also listed below.
Map tiles and place names: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Departure Points
- 7-12 Hour Trip, Pickupfrom $199
- Swim and Snorkel Adventurefrom $155
Holbox Spot
- Bioluminescence Plus Stargazingfrom $49
- Sunrise Mangrove Paddle, 3 Hoursfrom $47
Island Stop
- Three Islands, Pickup Includedfrom $39
- Three Islands, Flexible Timingfrom $38
Mainland Stop
- Full Day, Yalahau Cenotefrom $99
- Passion Island Combo, 15 Hoursfrom $139
- Holbox Town, Main Pier and PlazaDeparture Points
- VIP Holbox Office, Calle PalominoDeparture Points · 130 m from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
- Chiquila Ferry TerminalDeparture Points · 11 km from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
- Punta Sam Ferry Terminal and MarinasDeparture Points · 69 km from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
- Puerto Juarez, CancunDeparture Points · 68 km from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
- Isla Mujeres Downtown DocksDeparture Points · 72 km from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
- Cancun Hotel ZoneDeparture Points · 79 km from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
- Playa del CarmenDeparture Points · 102 km from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
- Punta MosquitoHolbox Spot · 3.5 km from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
- Punta CocosHolbox Spot · 2.2 km from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
- Mosquito Bar and Camino PlayeroHolbox Spot · 1.5 km from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
- Isla PasionIsland Stop · 2.5 km from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
- Yalahau CenoteMainland Stop · 7.8 km from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
- Cabo CatocheMainland Stop · 30 km from Holbox Town, Main Pier and Plaza in a straight line
Where To Stay In Holbox Before Your Swim
Hotel Villas Flamingos
Paseo Kuka, Holbox
Check rates
Mawimbi Boutique Hotel
Avenida Damero, Holbox
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Holbox by Xaloc
Avenida Damero, Holbox
Check ratesHolbox Island Whale Shark Tours FAQ
When does whale shark season off Holbox run, and is it open now?
The official 2026 whale shark season off Holbox ran from 15 May to 17 September and has now ended, with July and August the peak months. The 2027 dates are not announced yet, the SEMARNAT notice usually appears around May, and most operators ran from about 1 June to mid September.
How much does a Holbox whale shark tour cost?
Shared whale shark trips leaving Holbox run from $178 to $210 per person, with durations of six to seven hours. The most reviewed option, the all-inclusive VIP Holbox Experience trip rated 4.9 across 267 reviews, is from $209 per person.
Is swimming with whale sharks off Holbox safe?
Yes, whale shark swims follow the federal standard NOM-171-SEMARNAT-2018, applied by CONANP in the reserve. Swimmers wear a life vest or wetsuit, keep a required distance, and touching the animals is not allowed.
Are extra fees charged on the day?
Sometimes, yes. Some Holbox whale shark trips exclude the taxi to the meeting point, so keep some cash for the ride.
What happens if the weather turns bad on tour day?
All 26 tours listed here offer free cancellation, so you can withdraw before the cut-off stated on each booking page and receive a full refund. Operators typically reschedule or refund rather than run a trip in unsafe weather.
Shared boat or private charter?
A shared boat splits the cost among travelers and suits solo visitors and couples. A private charter, from $1,246 for seven hours with VIP Holbox Experience, gives your group the boat, the guide and the timing.
Whale Shark Guides And Answers
Guides
Best Month To Swim With Whale Sharks In Mexico: Holbox, Cancun And La Paz
Best Time To Visit
Bioluminescence Guide
Cancun Whale Shark Tours
Choosing A Tour
Departure Comparison
Ethics Of Whale Shark Tours
Free Things In Holbox
Getting To Holbox
Holbox Travel Guide
Hour By Hour
Is Holbox Worth It
Isla Mujeres Tours
Playa And Tulum
Sargassum Report
Season Month By Month
Swim Rules Mexico
Things To Do In Holbox
Tour Combos
Tour Cost
What To Bring
Where To Stay In Holbox
Answers
- Are Tours Worth It?
- Holbox Or Isla Mujeres
- Holbox Party Vibe
- Is Holbox Safe
- Kids And Whale Sharks
- No Shark, Now What
- Seasickness Guide
- Season Over In Holbox?
- Sighting Odds
- Swim Safety
- Swimming Ability
- The Holbox Black Hole
- The No-Touch Rule
- Whale Shark Attacks
- Whale Shark Timing
- What Is The Best Month To Swim With Whale Sharks In Holbox?
- Why Holbox Costs