Swim with whale sharks on the Mayan Riviera

The dive sites sit around Isla Contoy in the far north of Quintana Roo. While tours leave from throughout the Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox are the closest departure points (with the shortest boat rides).

You will be at the snorkel site for around 3 hours as swimmer enter the water in pairs, with a guide. Snorkellers are prohibited from getting closer than 2m from the sharks.

Snorkel sites are in the open sea – too deep to see the bottom. Snorkellers must be confident swimmers as there can be a light ocean swell.

The water can be choppy on the rides out – especially late afternoon so bring anti-nausea tablets. Sharks arrive during the rainy season, and if there’s a rainshower it can be chilly when the boat is moving.

Tours run seven days a week between mid-May to September only. They usually depart around 7.30am-8am (pick-ups will be earlier, e.g. from Playa del Carmen at 6am). They return mid to late afternoon.

Try to avoid the July high season, when there can be many boats which spoils the experience and distresses the sharks.