Hotel Pickup, 6 Hours

Overview

The day starts early, with hotel or port pickup on Holbox. From there the boat runs fast and open across the water for two hours or more to reach the whale shark feeding area, and several reviewers describe this leg as bumpy and intense. Anyone with back or neck trouble should think twice, and the listing itself advises against the tour for travellers with back problems.

Once the sharks are found, swimmers get into the water with the guide, and the pace is quick, since whale sharks move steadily and you swim hard to keep up. Reviewers also describe passing manta rays and sea turtles during the search on some trips. Back on board, the crew serves sodas, sandwiches and fish ceviche.

With a maximum of 8 travellers per departure, the group stays small. The tour lasts 6 hours in total, suits reasonably fit swimmers, and runs only in good weather. A departure tax is collected at check-in and is not part of the listed price.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup on HolboxPickup from a hotel or port on Holbox, with an early-morning departure reported by one traveller.
2. Boat run to the whale sharksA fast, bumpy open-water ride that reviewers describe as lasting roughly two hours or more.
3. Swim with whale sharksSnorkel alongside whale sharks with the guide.
4. Possible extra stopsSome trips add a second snorkelling stop and an island stop, based on traveller accounts; these are not fixed itinerary items.
5. Lunch and returnSodas, sandwiches and fish ceviche are included, and one reviewer described fresh ceviche being prepared at a stop, before the return run.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in traveller accounts of this tour.

• Long, rough ride. Multiple reviewers describe the boat ride as two or more hours at high speed over choppy water. One reviewer reported two fellow passengers getting seasick, and individual travellers have suggested motion sickness tablets, patches, or both.
• Strong swimming helps. The listing asks for a strong physical fitness level, and reviewers confirm the reason: keeping pace with a moving whale shark and the guide takes real effort. Expect short bursts of fast swimming rather than a lazy float.
• Small boat, mixed group. The departure is capped at 8 travellers with one guide and a captain. One reviewer noted the guide spoke mostly Spanish when most guests were Spanish speakers, so English commentary is not guaranteed on every trip.
• Food and drink. Sodas, sandwiches and fish ceviche are included, but breakfast is not. One reviewer wished breakfast were provided and described the ham and cheese sandwich snack as unusual, so it is wise to eat before pickup or bring snacks.
• Dry bags and seasickness aids. A reviewer recommends a waterproof bag for belongings, motion sickness tablets or patches taken early, and something in your stomach before the early pickup.
• Weather and numbers. The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers. If either condition is not met, the operator offers a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.

Common issues. The run out is long and rough, and the listing warns against the tour for pregnant travellers and anyone with back problems. One reviewer wished for more time in the water with the sharks, since individual swim time is limited. A departure tax is collected at check-in and is not covered by the listed price, gratuities are extra, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible. One reviewer felt left out when instructions were given mainly in Spanish.

Common Questions