Mexico Whale Shark & Cenotes Freediving Trip
4 full days of underwater adventures exploring the natural crystal-clear cenotes and freediving with whale sharks off of Isla Mujeres. Enjoy meals cooked by a professional chef, luxury accommodation in the heart of Playa del Carmen, and learn about local shark conservation efforts!
Trip Dates:
2024 Trip Dates TBD
Learn more about whale sharks in Mexico
Experience the ultimate underwater adventure by freediving with the world's most giant shark, and snorkeling amidst the stunning coral reefs.
Discover some of the more remote cenotes, perfect for freediving and photography as the light streams in from above.
Meet like-minded adventurers around the world in our small group of up to six divers. With endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, this aquatic paradise is a must-visit destination for all nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Looking for the best places to snorkel in Mexico? Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular diving destinations in Mexico. The cenotes in Riviera Maya are also ranked as one of the top dive destinations in the World! You will get the best snorkeling tour Isla Mujeres has to offer.
The whale shark aggregation off of Isla Mujeres is one of the most incredible places to view double-digit numbers of whale sharks in their natural habitat, as they come to feed on tuna eggs spawned into the water. This aggregation takes place from June to September every year.
This trip will be your last chance to spot whale sharks this year! Come along as we get the opportunity to swim with these gentle giants!
Explore one of the World's Top Freediving Destinations!
Obtain an SSI Freediving Level 1 certification on the trip so you can swim with whale sharks without a life vest, greatly enhancing the experience. You are required by law to wear a life jacket in the water with whale sharks without this certification!
To swim freely with the whale sharks on this freediving tour in Mexico, the marine park mandates that all snorkelers have a professional freediving certification. We have teamed up with the best SSI freediving instructors in Playa del Carmen to give you this certification on the first two days of the trip. This certification does not require any prior experience, only the ability to swim!
Some of the benefits of receiving professional freediving training include:
Learn how to hold your breath comfortably
Explore the underwater world on a single breath
Discover your breath-holding potential
Experience the meditative benefits of breath work
Here at WyldVentures, we want you to have the best experience we can give you, which is why we created this trip to include this certification. It's incredible to swim next to whale sharks and witness their peaceful and majestic nature up close. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with these amazing creatures.
SSI Freediving Certification in Mexico
We offer the best adventure vacation packages especially when it comes to accommodation. If you are looking for luxurious accommodation for your diving trip, look no further! This private house accommodates our small group of up to six divers in style.
With a spacious kitchen, our chef can prepare delicious meals to fuel your underwater adventures. After a long day of diving, relax in the swimming pool or soak up the sun in the outdoor area.
Rooms may be shared with another guest of the same sex. Please note on your booking if you would like your own room for an extra fee.
Accommodation
Education & Conservation
WyldVentures has teamed up with Saving Our Sharks, a community-based organization that aims to raise awareness, conserve, and research local shark species. As part of the trip, we will have the opportunity to meet with an ambassador from the organization who will present research and inform us about the importance of shark conservation.
By joining this trip, we are not only embarking on a fun and exciting adventure, but we are also contributing to a good cause. A percentage of the trip proceeds will go towards supporting the initiatives of Saving Our Sharks. Join us and take a step towards preserving our ocean's ecosystem.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1:
Check in to accommodation. Welcome dinner cooked by our professional chef for the group.
Day 2:
Classroom and pool training for those obtaining Freediving Level 1 certification.
For those already certified, enjoy coral reefs and turtles Freediving trip with the potential to spear lionfish for dinner.
Family dinner cooked by our professional chef.
Day 3:
Everyone heads to the cenotes in the late morning for a day of Freediving and photography. Lunch by the cenotes.
Level 1 Freediving students finish certification in the cenotes.
Optional evening yoga. Head to a local restaurant for dinner.
Day 4:
Whale shark freediving trip on a private boat. Lunch on the boat near Isla Mujeres.
Presentation by Saving Our Sharks on local shark conservation and research efforts.
Family dinner cooked by our professional chef.
Day 5:
Another day of freediving with the Whale sharks off our private boat. Lunch on the boat near Isla Mujeres.
Our group will go out to eat dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6:
Departure day. Check out of accommodation by 11.
Meet your Guides:
Shawn and Elise are a professional diving couple based in Playa del Carmen. Shawn is a dive instructor, professional chef, and underwater photographer.
Elise has a Masters's Degree in sustainable tourism and she has worked hard to ensure your money is supporting the local community and Shark conservation efforts. She is also a dive master, boat captain, and underwater photographer. Both Shawn and Elise will be providing you with photos from the trip.
Cost of Trip:
With SSI Level 1 Freediving Certification: $1950 USD
Without Freediving Certification: $1750 USD
Included in price:
5 nights luxury accommodation with double occupancy room
Transportation to all activities
Coral reef snorkel trip on a private boat or SSI Freediving Level 1 certification
Two days freediving with whale sharks off the private boat with lunch
Entrance fees to premium cenotes for freediving
Three dinners prepared by a professional chef
Equipment rentals for freediving
Wetsuits rentals for freediving
Educational presentation from local shark conservation nonprofit + donation to support their efforts
Professional underwater photos and videos
Not Included in price:
Two meals at local restaurants
Alcohol
Optional evening yoga
Transport to and from the airport
Tips for guides and boat crew
Mandatory travel insurance
What Should I Pack?
For this Isla Mujeres snorkeling and freediving tour, adequate gear is required. If you do not have gear, we can provide it for you!
Mask
The mask is the most important piece of snorkeling gear, as it allows you to see underwater. Look for a mask that fits snugly to your face, preferably labeled "low-volume" for freediving use.
Snorkel
The snorkel is used to breathe underwater. Look for a snorkel that is comfortable to wear. Dry top or J-tube snorkels are used for freediving.
Fins
Fins help you propel yourself through the water. Look for fins that are comfortable to wear and have a good range of motion. Full-foot pockets are recommended, as well as fins with "long blades", optimal for freediving.
Snorkel vest
A snorkel vest can help you float more easily and comfortably in the water. This will be provided on the whale shark expedition for anyone that opts against the SSI freediving certification, as required by law.
Fin socks
Fin socks are recommended to prevent blisters on your feet from your fins.
Sunscreen
Please bring "reef safe" sunscreen, as chemical sunscreen is banned in many parts of Mexico. We do give out full-body wetsuits if you don't have one to wear in the water, which will offer better protection with lower environmental impact.
Hat
A hat can help protect your head from the sun and the elements.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from the sun's rays and the water.
Towel
A towel can help you dry off after you are done snorkeling.
Bag
A bag to carry all of your snorkeling gear.