Swimming with Whale Sharks: Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Trip Highlights
Swim alongside the world’s largest fish—gentle, polka-dotted giants—in warm, crystal-clear Caribbean waters.
Enjoy two unforgettable offshore whale shark excursions timed to peak season, when hundreds of sharks may gather.
Stay just steps from the ocean at a quiet beachfront hotel, with easy access to Playa Norte, one of Mexico’s top beaches.
Explore the island’s vibrant charm at your own pace—by bike, golf cart, or foot—on a relaxed leisure day.
Support a local economy transitioning from fishing to eco-tourism and gain insight into shark conservation efforts.
Location:
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Dates:
August 2–6, 2026
Limit:
6–9
Trip Details
Each summer, just off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, hundreds of whale sharks gather to feed on plankton-rich waters—making Isla Mujeres one of the best launch locations in the world to swim with these massive, yet gentle creatures. With their mouths wide open and bodies gliding just beneath the surface, whale sharks are not only awe-inspiring but surprisingly accessible to snorkelers.
On this 5-day adventure, our small group of women will have two dedicated days on the water to swim with whale sharks, led by experienced, conservation-focused guides. No two days on the water are the same and we hope each day brings exceptional conditions and sightings. In between, you’ll have time to explore the colorful, laid-back island of Isla Mujeres—from snorkeling at the nearby underwater sculpture museum to relaxing on the powdery sands of Playa Norte. With comfortable, oceanfront accommodations at Playa La Media Luna and the Caribbean’s turquoise waters all around you, this trip strikes the perfect balance between adrenaline-pumping encounters and beachside leisure.
This trip is ideal for nature lovers, ocean enthusiasts, and anyone who’s dreamed of coming face to face with the ocean’s largest (and docile) fish.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Planes, Ferries, and a Cold Drink
Arrive at Cancún International Airport (CUN), where you’ll be met and transferred by road and ferry to Isla Mujeres. Settle into your beachfront hotel and soak up the island vibes. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner to meet the group, go over the plan for the week, and toast to the adventure ahead.
Accommodations: Playa La Media Luna
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Rise and Glide
We rise early for our first whale shark excursion. After a scenic boat ride 25 miles offshore, we’ll jump into the deep blue sea and swim alongside these plankton-feeding giants. Expect up-close encounters and powerful moments as these peaceful sharks pass within feet of us. Lunch is served from the boat at Playa Norte before heading back to shore. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.
Accommodations: Playa La Media Luna
Meals: Boxed Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 – Choose Your Own Island Adventure
Today is all about your pace. Rent a golf cart or bicycle to explore the southern end of the island, snorkel at the Underwater Museum, visit the turtle sanctuary, or simply lounge on Playa Norte. Want more wildlife? Optional excursions can be arranged.
Accommodations: Playa La Media Luna
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – Last Dance with the Dominoes
Back to the open sea for round two of whale shark encounters. Conditions vary daily, and no two outings are alike—so this is your chance to dive in again, maybe spotting even larger groups or catching a magical moment alone with a shark. After lunch, enjoy a relaxed afternoon. This evening, we’ll gather for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Accommodations: Playa La Media Luna
Meals: Boxed Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5 – So Long, Sharks
After a final breakfast by the sea, we’ll assist with ferry and road transfers back to Cancún for your flight home. Depart with salt in your hair, sand in your bag, and unforgettable memories of swimming with the largest fish in the ocean.
Meals: Breakfast
Your Guide
Naara Arroyo
Naara Arroyo is a naturalist guide with a deep love for wildlife, movement, and mystery. Born in Mexico City and now based in Playa del Carmen, she studied linguistics before following her heart into the wild. Naara has always felt nature as something alive and sacred, especially in moments like standing among monarch butterflies, which she describes as spiritual. Her guiding style blends empathy, adventure, and quiet observation, and she’s especially drawn to jaguars and other felines. Physically skilled and always in motion, Naara swims in cenotes, practices yoga, and trains in aerial dance. Her go-to field snacks are chocolate and fruit, and after a long day outside, she craves hot soup. If she weren’t guiding, she’d be performing on stage or exploring new ways to connect through art and movement. Whether in the forest or floating beside whale sharks, she finds joy in sharing the quiet magic of the natural world.
What to Expect
Every Her Wild Life expedition is designed to offer full, active days for women traveling together seeking authentic, immersive wildlife experiences. This often means being active when wildlife is most active. The trips are carefully planned to put you in the right place at the right time, while acknowledging that unforgettable wildlife encounters require both a bit of luck and the expertise of your guide team.
This Mexico expedition involves:
- Swimming in deep ocean water alongside large, peaceful marine animals, so swimming and snorkeling ability and general comfort in the water are important. Life jackets or a wetsuit to add buoyancy are required.
- Early morning departures for whale shark excursions to get ahead of the day’s boat traffic and maximize our chances of quality encounters.
- Boat rides that may be smooth or choppy depending on ocean conditions. Seasickness happens to the best of us so motion sickness remedies are recommended if you’re sensitive.
- Be prepared: Pack your sense of adventure, wonder, flexibility, and humor!
Accommodations
- 4 nights at Playa La Media Luna
What's Included
- Lodging for 4 nights as listed. A private room is included in the trip cost. If you’d like to share a room with a travel companion, double-occupancy pricing is available.
- 2 private charter whale shark excursions.
- Expert naturalist guide plus local host.
- Meals as listed: 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.
- Airport transfers (road and ferry) on arrival and departure days.
- Activities and entrance fees as listed.
- Conservation donation to Marine Megafauna Foundation.
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Passport/visa fees
- Travel insurance (quotes available)
- Meals not listed in daily schedule
- Optional activities
- Pre- or post-trip hotels
- Room upgrades
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Cost
$2975 per person for private, single-occupancy accommodations, with a discount available for travelers sharing a room.
Conservation Impact
The Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) is an international nonprofit dedicated to researching and conserving the world’s most endangered large marine species, including whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and dugongs. Since its founding in 2003, MMF has combined scientific discovery with community partnerships to promote ocean health and protect marine biodiversity. By working with governments, businesses, and local communities, MMF fosters sustainable solutions that safeguard these majestic ocean giants and their habitats. A conservation donation supporting their work will be made on behalf of all trip participants.