Trip Report: Pro Dive International Whale Shark Safaris

Swimming with the largest fish in the world is an experience that will never be forgotten. There are many places around the globe where in-water sightings of whale sharks are possible, and about a half dozen where encounters take place on a regular basis. But if you are looking for a sure thing, the number one choice is Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, which is home to Pro Dive International's Whale Shark Safari.

If you are unfamiliar with whale sharks, the first thing to know is that they are not whales. They are sharks. But despite having barrel-sized mouths that could swallow a swimmer whole, humans aren't on the menu. Instead, the biggest fish goes after the smallest prey, like plankton clouds, roe, jellyfish and small sardines. When they are in feeding mode, whale sharks open wide and swim slowly as they scoop up a meal. As a result, dinner time is the best time to meet a whale shark.

Which brings us back to the waters just off the northern tip of the Yucatan. Each summer, oceanic currents bring plankton-rich waters to these waters, which in turn attracts whale sharks. Scientists have documented gatherings of up to 400 whale sharks in this area, with numbers peaking when spawning little tunny tuna add millions of fish eggs to the menu.

Local fishermen have known about this gathering for many years, but it wasn't until the early 2000s that the word got out to the world, establishing the northern Yucatan as a top destination for whale shark encounters. Pro Dive International was a pioneer in these encounters and now has more than two decades of experience bringing swimmers to the summer aggregations.

Over the years, their Whale Shark Safaris have become one of the region's most trusted and popular choices for in-water interactions. Pro Dive's success rate with whale sharks has allowed them to offer a guarantee. On the very rare occasions when sharks are not encountered, participants are invited to repeat the Safari for free.

Whale Shark safaris begin with a van shuttle from hotels in the Riviera Maya area to the Cancun Marina. During the ride, Pro Dive's trained guides go over protocols and share information on whale shark biology and the unique aspects of the summer gatherings. Breakfast is served at the marina, then participants board a speedboat for the trip to the site of the aggregation. Rather than the open panga skiffs used by some tour providers, Pro Dive operates modern speedboats with shaded seating areas.

Whale shark encounters in Yucatan waters take place according to regulations created by the Mexican government to ensure the safety of humans and the comfort of the sharks. These include both seasonal and capacity limits, along with protocols operators must follow. Once in the area where whale sharks gather, the boat slows and maintains a distance of 100 feet from the feeding whales. In-water encounters are done two- at-a-time, with each pair of swimmers accompanied by a guide.

While whale shark encounters at many places around the world are done on scuba, Yucatan encounters involve snorkeling. There are several reasons why this can result in more quality time with the sharks. When sharks are encountered at scuba depths, they are often on the move, and sightings tend to be short. When in feeding mode, Yucatan whale sharks move slowly and stay close to the surface – especially when they are gorging on floating fish roe. They are often so involved in eating that they pay little or no attention to swimmers and may pass within close range. Snorkelers are required to keep a distance of six feet from a whale, with no touching. Flash photography isn't allowed, and really isn't needed, as cameras and GoPros work well with the ambient light near the surface.

After everyone on board has enjoyed two swimming sessions with the whale sharks, the boat moves to a shallow reef closer to Isla Mujeres for more snorkeling, followed by lunch on the beach and a return to the marina. The shuttle van brings participants back to Rivera Maya hotels in time to enjoy a shower before happy hour, and a chance to relive a day that will be remembered for years to come.

Caradonna can help you get ready for the 2026 Yucatan whale shark season by reserving your space on a Pro Dive Safari. Agents can create customized dive and snorkel itineraries that add reef, wreck and cenote diving adventures and land excursions. Contact a Caradonna travel specialist to learn more.