“I don’t want to go.”

“Come on, darling. It’s a friendly whale, not a shark.”

“No way!” He said, as he gripped the rails on the boat.

So I jumped in without him.

A minute later, my 6 year old yelled down at me, “Wait! I wanna go!”

And so my brave little boy stepped to the rail of that small boat, climbed over the side wearing just a snorkel and goggles, then he jumped.

Right into the heart of the Caribbean Sea, to swim with the world’s largest shark.

If he can do it, so can you.

Why Swimming with Whale Sharks Is a Magical Family Adventure

At first, the idea of swimming with a “whale shark” sounds terrifying. Even I was intimidated by the name and especially by their sheer size. But once I saw them from below the water, I realized just how gentle and graceful they are. These aren’t monsters, they’re magnificent, peaceful giants.

What Is a Whale Shark?

Whale sharks are not whales at all; they’re fish, with gills and dorsal fins. They’re the biggest fish on the planet. The longest confirmed whale shark stretched over 12.6 metres (about 41.5 feet), though some unconfirmed sightings suggest even larger sizes. From our little boat, they looked huge, but underwater, it was like swimming beside a spotted school bus.

Will a Whale Shark Harm My Kids?

Their mouths are enormous, around 1.5 metres wide, but they don’t hunt big prey. Whale sharks feed on zooplankton. A young one can eat up to 21 kilograms of plankton a day, so they’re very picky eaters. There was never any risk of them swallowing my kids by accident. Their food is microscopic, and our guides were clear, no touching, no crowding, just watching these gentle giants glide by.

Where to Snorkel with Whale Sharks in Mexico with Kids

We booked a small-group, eco-friendly whale shark snorkeling tour from Cancún, heading out via Isla Mujeres. Guided by experienced naturalists, we spent around 3 hours in the water, swimming in the feeding grounds of the whale sharks in Isla Mujeres.

The whale shark season in the Yucatán is typically from May to September. That aligns with when plankton blooms draw these huge, gentle fish close to Isla Mujeres and Cancun’s coastline.

Whale shark Isla Mujeres tours in 2025 are priced from around US$210 per adult on reputable platforms. Make sure to choose a certified, responsible operator; the right one will limit time with each shark, avoid feeding them, and enforce safe swimming practices.

What to Bring when Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

Before we left, our guide recommended biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen. It’s non-negotiable, some sunscreens can harm marine ecosystems. We also opted for wetsuits to protect against sun and cold, seasickness tablets in case of bumpy rides, and our own snorkel gear just in case. The provided equipment was good, but having our own made me feel more comfortable.

Snacks are a must if you’re travelling with children, though many tours include water, soft drinks, and lunch. And don’t forget your GoPro or underwater camera. Capturing our snorkel with whale sharks ourselves was worth it, as the guides offered photo services, but they were expensive.

How to Swim with Whale Sharks – A Parent’s Guide

When we saw our first whale shark, the guide yelled, “Now!” and we plunged in. As the shark glided by, we swam hard to stay close, matching its calm rhythm.

I made sure my goggles were sealed tight, because waves kept filling my snorkel otherwise. I learned that snorkels with a closing flap work best; they keep water out when you dive below.

Kids over 5 are allowed to participate. My kids were 6 and 7 at the time and I was initially a bit nervous about them. On the first swim, I stayed near Mia, always watching, always ready. By the second, the whale shark guide offered to swim beside her, gently steering her towards the shark’s head for an incredible close-up. He did the same with Caius. The joy on their faces was unforgettable.

On our final swim, we all jumped in together, and we even managed an underwater family selfie.

What Happens After Snorkelling With Whales?

After our swim, we were on a high. Excited, thrilled, and out of breath. And the perfect way to complete that was with lunch in the Caribbean and a more relaxing swim. After the hour ride back to Isla Mujeres, the boat anchored in the shallows, and we hopped out, lazily swimming around while the captain and crew prepared lunch. We enjoyed sandwiches and fresh ceviche with crackers.

It was a wonderfully soporific end to an exceptionally exhilarating day.

Protecting These Gentle Giants: Responsible Tourism Tips

Whale sharks are listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) so we deliberately chose a company that didn’t rush through the feeding grounds. Their tour operators enforced strict rules, no splashing, no shouting, and always staying a safe distance, at least 2 metres from the head, 4 metres from the tail.) Their conservation efforts insisted on using only reef-safe sunscreen, which reassured me that they cared about protecting whale sharks and their habitat, not just the tourists.

Where to Stay with Kids Around Cancún

If you’re planning to do this with your family, staying somewhere kid-friendly before and after the tour makes a big difference. We based ourselves in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, where there are resorts made for families.

One standout was Grand Oasis Palm, which has a huge supervised kids’ area called the KiddO Zone, splash pools, and even a pirate ship adventure zone. It was the perfect base, relaxing for me and full of fun for the kids.

For something even more lush, check out the Moon Palace or Grand Velas.

Other Family Activities in Cancún with Kids

Cancún isn’t just about whale sharks. There’s so much to do once you’re based there. For an unforgettable day, visit Xel-Há Park, an aquatic nature park where you can snorkel, float, and explore cenotes.

If your kids love adventure, there’s Xplor Park, with zip-lines, underground rivers, and caves built into the jungle.

For a cultural touch, check out the Mayan Museum of Cancún, right in the Hotel Zone. It’s compact, kid-friendly, and a great way to introduce them to the rich history of the Yucatán.

Other Places to Swim with Whale Sharks in Mexico

While Isla Mujeres and Cancún are the most popular family-friendly spots, there are several other incredible locations in Mexico where you can swim with whale sharks.

Holbox Island is famous for calm waters and small-group tours, making it ideal for kids and beginners. Cozumel also offers snorkeling tours with whale sharks, often combined with coral reef exploration, so you can enjoy a full day of marine life.

Further south, you can find whale sharks in La Paz in Baja California Sur. Whale shark season in La Paz runs between October and April, and tours there are well-regulated to ensure safe encounters for both visitors and these gentle giants.

Swimming with Whale Sharks Around the World

After experiencing whale sharks in Mexico, I couldn’t help but dream about other places around the world where Mia, Caius, and I could swim with these gentle giants. There are so many incredible destinations that offer safe, family-friendly tours. Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is one of the best, with crystal-clear waters and calm conditions perfect for kids. We could imagine floating alongside whale sharks while spotting colourful reef fish.

In the Philippines, Donsol and Oslob provide amazing encounters. Donsol focuses on eco-friendly, non-intrusive tours, and I loved how seriously they protect the sharks while still giving families the chance to get close. Oslob is a little more accessible for younger kids, with calm waters and guided tours that ensure safety at every step.

Belize also caught my eye, especially around Gladden Spit, where whale sharks appear seasonally alongside vibrant coral reefs. It would be a perfect combination of snorkeling and adventure for the whole family. For a more tropical, turquoise-water escape, the Maldives and Seychelles offer stunning backdrops and guided encounters that would make a whale shark swim feel like a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

I love that no matter where we go, each location has a code of conduct to protect the sharks, which gives me peace of mind with Mia and Caius. Knowing these gentle giants are safe while we get to marvel at their size and grace makes every trip magical and unforgettable.

Explore With Erin Wrap Up – Whale Shark Tours with Kids

I had high hopes for that day, swimming with whale sharks, which had been on my bucket list for years, and it exceeded them. Seeing Mia and Caius’s faces as they floated beside those peaceful giants is something I’ll never forget. If you’re traveling with kids along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, booking a family-friendly whale shark excursion should be at the top of your list.

Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.