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FAQ
Planning your next great experience? Below, we’ve gathered answers to the questions travelers ask us most about our private tours and policies. Because we specialize in exclusive, tailor-made adventures, please contact our team directly if you have a special request or need further assistance. We are happy to help!
WHALESHARK
General
At Mexican Adventure, we are known for our premium, fully private experiences. However, because a completely private whale shark charter in the open ocean carries a very high operational cost, we wanted to find a way to make this bucket-list experience accessible to our guests without compromising our standards.
To achieve this, we have a proud, exclusive partnership with the local boat cooperative at Punta Sam.
By teaming up directly with the local captains who know these waters better than anyone, we are able to offer this experience as a shared tour. This significantly lowers the cost for you while allowing us to completely oversee the logistics, guiding, and service quality so you still get the signature Mexican Adventure experience.
The official season runs from late May to mid-September. The peak months with the highest concentration of whale sharks are usually July and August.
Yes, we offer round-trip transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vans from most major hotels and designated meeting points. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed upon booking.
Absolutely! If you are staying on the island, we can arrange a direct pickup at a designated marina or pier on Isla Mujeres so you can board the boat directly.
Yes, 100%. Despite their name, whale sharks are actually sharks, but they are completely harmless "gentle giants." They are filter feeders that eat only plankton and microscopic nekton. They have no interest in humans and move very peacefully through the water.
No, but you should have a basic comfort level in open water. Life jackets or wetsuits are strictly mandatory for everyone. Additionally, you will always enter the water in pairs, completely accompanied by our certified, experienced professional guide who will assist you the entire time.
The boat ride to the feeding grounds is in the open ocean and can sometimes be choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, we strongly recommend taking a motion sickness medication (like Dramamine) about 30 to 45 minutes before boarding the boat.
No. To protect the animals and ensure their natural behavior isn't disrupted, touching or riding the whale sharks is strictly prohibited by federal marine park laws. We must maintain a respectful distance of at least 6–9 feet (2–3 meters).
No. Regular sunscreens contain chemicals that harm the marine ecosystem and the whale sharks' food source. Only 100% biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen is permitted. For the best sun protection, we highly recommend wearing a long-sleeve UV rash guard (swim shirt) instead.
Because they are wild animals in their natural habitat, we cannot give a 100% guarantee. However, during the peak season months, our success rate is over 95% thanks to our experienced captains and advanced tracking network.
The open waters are full of life! It is incredibly common to spot giant manta rays, pods of wild dolphins, and sea turtles during the journey to and from the whale shark area.
Yes! We provide a light breakfast at the marina, plenty of fresh water and soft drinks on board, sandwiches, and fruit. After the swim, we head to the shallow turquoise waters of Playa Norte to relax and enjoy a freshly prepared, local ceviche.
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