Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya

783 Reviews 4.85 out of 5 stars Based on 783 reviews collected by Cool Cancun and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 96% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Cancun, Mexico

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

6 to 10 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 9 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Czech

Overview

Join us at one of the world’s top destinations for whale shark encounters in the warm, open waters of the tropics. Experience the awe of seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat a true marvel of the ocean. With over 15 years of experience, our expert team offers unmatched knowledge, comfortable boats, and exceptional service to prepare you for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Get ready to witness whale sharks up close! While swimming alongside them is an unforgettable thrill, it cannot be guaranteed. Your safety and the well-being of the whale sharks are our highest priorities, so swimming will only be allowed when conditions are ideal. Even if the experience is limited to viewing from the boat, the sight remains breathtaking and deeply memorable.

What's Included

  • Fish or Shrimp Ceviche with totopos & guacamole(please advise of dietary restrictions)
  • Coffee Break
  • Round-Trip Transportation (Meeting Point at the Pier Excludes Round Transportation)
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs (available to purchase)
  • HD videos and pictures of your whale shark watching experience available in digital package.
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We offer pick up from any hotel, airbnb or private residence:Pick up Tulum between 04:00-05:00 am.Pick up from Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya 05:30-06:30 amPick up from Cancun between 06:00-07:00 amPick up from Isla Mujeres is at the Black Pearl Pier, please contact us to arrange the pick up details

OR
Meeting point

Carr. Puerto Juarez Carretera a Punta Sam Km. 3.5
Juárez, 77520 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Puerto Juarez Cancun Mexico

Your adventure begins at our private pier in Puerto Juárez. Upon arrival, enjoy a light coffee break while meeting your guide and the rest of the group. Before boarding, your guide will provide a safety briefing, explain the day's itinerary, and share useful tips for swimming with the whale sharks. Once everyone is ready, it's time to board the boat and head out in search of these magnificent gentle giants.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Isla Mujeres (pass by)

After departing from our private pier in Puerto Juárez, you'll cruise across the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean. Along the way, you'll pass the beautiful coastline of Isla Mujeres before heading farther offshore, where the sea transforms into deep, vibrant shades of blue. During the journey, keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and seabirds, which are often spotted along the route. As you approach the whale shark feeding area, your guide will help you look for the first signs of these magnificent gentle giants, making the anticipation part of the adventure itself.
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Isla Contoy

Once we arrive at the whale shark area, the captain and guide will search for the best opportunities to safely approach these magnificent animals while respecting all conservation regulations. When it's your turn, you'll enter the water in pairs with your certified guide for an unforgettable snorkeling experience alongside the world's largest fish.Our small-group tours maximize your chances of enjoying up to two swims per person, depending on sea conditions, wildlife activity, and park regulations. Between swims, relax on the boat and watch the incredible action as whale sharks, giant manta rays, and other marine life feed in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters. This is a truly unique wildlife encounter and one of the most memorable experiences the Mexican Caribbean has to offer.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Playa Norte

On our last stop, we'll anchor in front of the world-famous Playa Norte beach from Isla Mujeres. This idyllic spot is renowned for its soft white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant atmosphere.We'll share a typical Caribbean lunch featuring delicious ceviche, creamy guacamole, and crunchy totopos. Afterward, celebrate the day by wading in the shallow, warm waters or simply relax and soak up the sun on the pristine beach.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking (Vegetarian & Gluten free Options available under request)
  • Seasonal tour operating from June to mid-September
  • The total duration of this tour can vary, typically influenced by factors beyond our control. On average, the boat activity lasts about 5 hours. However, this duration may extend due to weather conditions, the location of the whale sharks, and the number of swimming opportunities. Additionally, the transfer time from your hotel to our pier varies based on your location and current traffic conditions. Including transfers, expect the entire tour to last between 7 and 12 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

(13)

Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?

A: Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage. Read more Jan 2022

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-12861P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.85
783 reviews

Average 4.85 out of 5 stars based on 783 traveler reviews collected by Cool Cancun and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
718
4 stars
37
3 stars
12
2 stars
6
1 star
10

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Fish or Shrimp Ceviche with totopos & guacamole(please advise of dietary restrictions)
  • Coffee Break
  • Round-Trip Transportation (Meeting Point at the Pier Excludes Round Transportation)
  • Bilingual Guide
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs (available to purchase)
  • HD videos and pictures of your whale shark watching experience available in digital package.
  • Wetsuit Rental
  • Conservation of the Marine Fauna -

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • minimum age as of 3 years old
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking (Vegetarian & Gluten free Options available under request)
  • Seasonal tour operating from June to mid-September
  • The total duration of this tour can vary, typically influenced by factors beyond our control. On average, the boat activity lasts about 5 hours. However, this duration may extend due to weather conditions, the location of the whale sharks, and the number of swimming opportunities. Additionally, the transfer time from your hotel to our pier varies based on your location and current traffic conditions. Including transfers, expect the entire tour to last between 7 and 12 hours
  • Sunscreen, even biodegradable, harms the coral reefs and other sealife, please apply only on exposed skin, beforehand (in your hotel) and after water activitie
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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