Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya | 6 hours to 10 hours

737 Reviews | Cancun
From $209.00 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
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You can select up to 10 travelers in total.
Adult (12-75) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 10
2
Child (3-11) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 10
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: Czech, German, Russian, Portuguese, English, Italian, Polish, French, Dutch, Spanish
  • Round Transportation with AC (Meeting Point at the Pier Excludes Round Transportation)
  • Snorkel equipment & Life Jacket.
  • Fish or Shrimp Ceviche with totopos & guacamole(please advise of dietary restrictions)
  • Coffee Break, sandwiches, water and softdrinks
  • The Natural Reserve Fee 15 USD per person is payable upon pick-up in cash
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs (available to purchase)
  • HD videos and pictures of your whale shark watching experience available in digital package.
  • Wetsuit Rental

Overview

Join us at one of the premier spots for whale shark sightings in the tropical oceans' open waters. Witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment is truly a natural spectacle. Dive into the excitement of getting up close with Mexico’s whale sharks, guided by our expertise gained over 15 years. We provide the most comfortable boats, highly trained guides, and top-notch service to ensure you’re fully prepared for this unforgettable adventure. Witness the majestic whale sharks up close! While swimming with them is an awe-inspiring experience, it is not guaranteed. Your safety and the wellbeing of the whale sharks are our priority, and swimming will only occur under favorable conditions. If conditions allow only viewing from the boat, rest assured that the sight is still spectacular and memorable.

Pickup points

Select a 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 am and pick up from Cancun between 06:00-07:00 am. Pick up from Isla Mujeres is from the Gasstation Pemex in Isla Mujeres. ... Read more â–¼

OR

Meeting points

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

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If you book without transportation (option meetingpoint pier) we will meet you at Flamingos Seafood Kitchen | Restaurant on Carr. Puerto Juarez Carretera a Punta Sam Km. 3.5, Juárez, 77520 Cancún, Q.R.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

  • Caribbean Sea

    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.

    1 hour

  • Yum Balam Reserve

    Our boats track whale shark gatherings by checking coordinates where they were last spotted. This could be near Isla Mujeres, the Yum Balam Reserve, Isla Contoy, or elsewhere in the Caribbean Sea.

    1 hour

  • Isla Blanca

    While searching for whale sharks around Isla Blanca, clients will experience: Pristine Waters: Cruise through the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Scenic Coastline: Admire the untouched beauty of Isla Blanca's coastline, with its white sandy beaches and lush greenery. Marine Life: Spot diverse marine life, including colorful fish, rays, and possibly dolphins. Bird Watching: Observe various bird species, such as pelicans and frigatebirds, soaring above the waters. Serene Atmosphere: Enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of this relatively secluded area

    1 hour

  • 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.

    1 hour

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • 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
  • minimum age as of 3 years old

Free Cancellation

May 31100% refund
June 01No refund

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

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

4.8

737 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    655
  • 4 stars
    42
  • 3 stars
    15
  • 2 stars
    12
  • 1 star
    13

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 655 reviews with 5 stars

Highlight of Our Holiday

Published on Nov, 2024

Concerns of what we were going to do we're quickly quashed when we met Rachelle. Focus on animal welfare & their environment we're clear from the start & didn't detract from the most incredible experience swimming alongside these magnificent animals. Memories for a lifetime for my 15 year old daughter & her Dad. Thank you.

This is the company to book with!

Published on Sep, 2024

This tour exceeded our expectations in every way. Alex and the rest of the crew were fantastic. Everything went smoothly and we saw many whale sharks, despite it being the end of the season. I would absolutely recommend this tour and we will be using them again in the future! Thank you for such a memorable day. We will never forget it!

Outstanding whale shark experience

Published on Sep, 2024

Outstanding experience with Ocean Tours. We were picked up in a comfortable van with snacks and drinks for the ride to Cancun. Our guide was a French Canadian who did a fantastic job explaining the habits of the whale sharks and the strategy for getting the best look at them. The boat was really fast and the driver was very experienced and was able to put us in the water at just the right spot. We opted for the video which looks so cool and is fun to show off to friends. After the whale sharks, they took us for coral snorkeling and then a tasty ceviche lunch with beer. After the trip, I realized that I had left my phone on the boat. The company acted immediately, found my phone, and returned it the next day. I could not ask for a better experience.

Amazing day swimming with the whale sharks!

Published on Sep, 2024

We had an amazing day out with our fantastic guide, Luisa! My husband was eager to swim with the whale sharks while I went along for the day (I am not very confident in the water). From pick up at our hotel, through a day full of activities and our return at the end of the day, we felt totally looked after and accommodated. Luisa was very knowledgeable and engaging, George, our bus driver was excellent, and the boat team were amazing. They made the most delicious sea picnic for us while we enjoyed the shallow waters of Isla Mujeres. Swimming with the whale sharks was definitely a bucket list item (for hubby at least) and the whole day out was just wonderful.

Amazing!!!!!!!

Published on Sep, 2024

I had low expectations after reading other whale shark tour reviews, but THIS excursion exceeded my expectations!! Raul, our guide was amazing!! He was knowledgeable. I felt safe, and he made the trip fun!! From start to finish, this excursion was amazing!!!!!! I highly recommend Raul and this particular tour operator!!!!!

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