Every year, from mid-May until mid-September, we get 100's of extra visitors to the area.

They range in size from 25 to 40 feet (8 to 12 meters). The average weight for a whale shark is 20,000 pounds (970 kilos) – think of that the next time you complain about your weight!

These gentle giants are agreeable to swimming alongside swimmers and snorkelers. The whales swim slowly and you will be able to observe them up close.

You can read our review of the whale shark tour as well as 10 tips for swimming with whale sharks on our blog.

FUN FACTS ABOUT WHALE SHARK

Every summer, the whale sharks migrate to the islands off of Cancun.

Although considered a part of the shark family, these giants are gentle and docile.

In 2011 the largest aggregation of whale sharks ever recorded was reported from the Yucatan coast of Mexico, in which more than 400 animals gathered in one place to feed on plankton, macro algae and small fish.

Whale sharks have about 3000 tiny teeth that are of little use – they are filter feeders who strain their food through their large gills.

This tour runs daily from June until mid-September.

Exact pick-up times are confirmed upon booking but, depending on where your hotel is located in the Riviera Maya, expect to be picked up between 6am-7am.

The return time will depend on the how the day goes (you can't control nature) and where your hotel is located. You can expect to be back anywhere between 4:30pm-7:30 pm.

WHAT THE TOUR INCLUDES:

✓ Professional PADI guides

✓ Snorkeling equipment

✓ Snorkel with whale sharks

✓ Small breakfast on the boat

✓ Lunch (vegetarian available upon request)

✓ Non-alcoholic drinks

Available extras (optional)

Mandatory