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

684 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 684 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

Loading Options
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

  • Snorkel equipment & Life Jacket.
  • Fish or Shrimp Ceviche with totopos & guacamole(please advise of dietary restrictions)
  • Coffee Break
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs (available to purchase)
  • HD videos and pictures of your whale shark watching experience available in digital package.
See 4 moreSee 5 more

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

Show on Google Maps

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

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Isla Contoy National Park

Boat Ride: Enjoy a scenic boat ride to whale shark hotspots. Whale Shark Snorkeling: Swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Marine Life: Look for dolphins, turtles and manta rays. Encounter vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish while snorkeling at the reef. Expert Guides: Learn from our knowledgeable guides who ensure your safety.
Read more

1 hour • 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.
Read more

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Show 1 more stop

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

(12)

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

4.83
684 reviews

Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 684 traveler reviews collected by Cool Cancun and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
620
4 stars
36
3 stars
12
2 stars
6
1 star
10

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

Similar Tours & Activities

Zipline jungle adventure

Zipline jungle adventure

New To The Site!
3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$58

Jump in the air like a dolphin with the Flyboard extreme activity in Cancun
30 minutes Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$119

The best ATV tour with ziplines and Cenote swim day!
5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$29

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Cancun ATV Jungle Adventure, Ziplines, Cenote and Tequila Tasting
4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$48.75

Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour
12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$49

Jungle Tour with Snorkel in Cancun
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
2 hours Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$49.50

5-in-1 Cancun Snorkeling: Turtles, Reef, Musa, Shipwreck, Cenote
2 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
$79

What's Included

Activity name

  • Snorkel equipment & Life Jacket.
  • 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

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Activity name

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.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Cancun wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Cancun over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

Activity name

Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.