Swimming with whale sharks off the coast of Isla Mujeres was an unforgettable experience for our family—and one of the highlights of our time in Playa del Carmen. Sharing the water with these ocean giants felt surreal, but this adventure isn’t for everyone. Between the rough waters, strict timing, and deep offshore conditions, it’s important to be prepared—especially if you’re bringing kids.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide if this bucket list item is right for you—and how to make the most of it.
Get Ready for an Early Start
Unless you’re staying on Isla Mujeres, expect a very early pickup. We were the last stop at 5:50 a.m., joining a van full of travellers already on the road. The hour-long drive from Playa del Carmen to the marina in Cancun gave us time to doze, chat with the guide, and go over the plan for the day. Once at the marina, the tour company welcomed us with a light continental breakfast—muffins, fruit, juice, and coffee—before we boarded the boat.
Leave the Sunscreen at Home
Sunscreen—even reef-safe varieties—is not permitted. Whale sharks are sensitive to chemicals and fragrances, including sunscreen and deodorant. These are harmful to whales and can cause sharks to dive deeper, making them harder to spot.
We understand the stress this can cause, especially with kids under the hot Caribbean sun. If you must apply something, do it well before pickup, and opt for a mineral-based, unscented sunscreen. But your best bet? Wear long-sleeved UV-protective swimwear, rash guards, and hats for boat time. Thankfully, our boat had a shaded canopy area, which provided a welcome break from the direct sun during the long ride out and wait for our turn to jump in.
Prepared for a Wild Ride
This is open ocean. Whale sharks feed in the deep waters where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea, and the ride out is notoriously choppy, with swells coming from all directions. Our trip was intense—the front of the boat would lift high and crash down hard. This can be scary for little ones.
If you’re concerned about the bumps (or your kids are), sit at the back of the boat, where the ride is smoother. Know, too, that spotting whale sharks isn’t instant. Guides won’t stop until they find a pod, which means you could be on the boat for up to three hours, each way. It’s part of the adventure, but something to be prepared for.
Take Motion Sickness Seriously
We’ve done plenty of boat trips—including a two-week sailing trip in Croatia—and never had issues. But this? This was different.
The rolling waves feel stronger once the boat slows near a whale shark. And since only two to three swimmers can be in the water at a time, you’ll spend a lot of time on the rocking boat waiting for your turn. We saw more than a few people leaning over the side on other tours.
Our company offered Dramamine before departure, but we brought our own medication and opted for dimenhydrinate (Gravol). It worked perfectly, and we were glad we took it.
Make Sure Your Kids Are Ocean-Ready
This may seem obvious, but swimming with whale sharks is nothing like splashing in a pool or snorkelling in a shallow reef. These gentle giants are found in deep, open water—about 35 km (22 miles) offshore—where the sea is rough and the currents are strong. Add to that their sheer size, measuring up to 10 metres (33 feet) long, and the experience can feel overwhelming, especially for younger swimmers.
Timing Is Everything — Jump When They Say “Jump”
There’s a real strategy to getting the best view of a whale shark. The goal is to enter the water just ahead of its pectoral (front) fin so you can ride the shark’s momentum and swim alongside it. Jump too late, and you’ll land near the tail, where the force will push you backward, making it hard to keep up.
When it’s your turn, you’ll sit on the edge of the boat, flippers on, waiting for the signal. The moment your guide yells “JUMP,” don’t hesitate. Jump immediately. Your sighting depends on how well you time your entry and how quickly you can move.
Short Swims, Big Smiles
The national park limits each swimmer to two jumps to protect the animals. Each turn lasts only as long as you can keep pace with the shark, often just 20 to 30 seconds. That’s why following your guide’s instructions is so important.
Your time in the water may be brief, but it’s unforgettable. In those few seconds, you’ll see their speckled spots, wide mouths, and the smooth sway of their giant tails. It’s a moment you won’t forget.
Choose a Kid-Friendly Tour Company
Not all tours are created equal when it comes to families, so it’s worth choosing a company that’s used to working with kids. Ocean Tours had child-sized life vests and snorkel gear, and were incredibly patient and kind with our boys.
When it was Mason’s turn, our guide, Juan, held him gently at the waist while he waited to jump. The boat was rocking heavily, and Mason was nervous about losing his balance and falling in too early. Having someone steady him made a big difference. In the water, our other guide, Jose, offered to hold the kids’ hands to help them keep up. That kind of support made all the difference, helping to turn nerves into confidence.
Snacks Save the Day
The tour included a basic breakfast at the marina and lunch after our swim on the boat – fresh ceviche, guacamole and tortilla chips. While delicious, it wasn’t exactly a hit with our kids, except for the chips! We were glad we packed peanut butter sandwiches and granola bars to bridge the gap.
From breakfast at 7 a.m. to returning to our Airbnb at 4 p.m., it’s a long day to survive on chips alone.
Was It Worth It? Absolutely
Swimming with whale sharks was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for our family. There’s something deeply humbling about opening your eyes underwater and seeing one of these gentle giants glide past—its speckled back, broad gills, and seemingly smiling mouth just feet away.
It may not be a tour for everyone, but if you come prepared, trust your guide, and manage expectations, it’s an experience you and your family will never forget.
Ready to Explore Mexico?
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• Two-Day Cozumel Itinerary with Kids
