Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks

4.5538464 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.5538464 out of 5 stars
195 reviews
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Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks
4.5538464 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.5538464 out of 5 stars
195 reviews

Tick another thing off your bucket list and swim with whale sharks off the coast of Cancun on a thrilling guided trip. Witness whale sharks that can get up to 12 meters long and enjoy a local lunch.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 7 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English, Spanish
Pickup optional
You will be picked up from your hotel (Please provide the hotel's name). If you are staying in an Airbnb, the activity provider will arrange a nearby pickup point.
Small group
Limited to 10 participants

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

A
Andrii – United Kingdom

Unforgettable experience, everything was organised really well. Santiago was our guide and he was fantastic. On our way to whale sharks we also managed to see group of dolphins and to swim with them, it wad breathtaking. Finally, after long search we managed to find one whale shark, which was a dream come true, really recommend this experience.

C
Carrie – United States

We had such a wonderful time on this excursion! We went on the last day of the season, so we were a bit nervous, but we were able to swim with a pod of dolphins and a whale shark by the end of the day. Our guide and all the staff were really great, and the transportation was smooth and clean. We also appreciated the number of snacks and meals provided that we didn't expect! The tour did end up being about twice as long as we expected, which wasn't great due to the no-sunscreen rule, but definitely worth the money!

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting/pickup location

    Depends on the selected option

  • Van

    (1.5 hours)

  • Cancún

    Safety briefing (15 minutes)

    Extra fee

  • Speedboat

    (30 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Isla Mujeres

    Guided tour, Sightseeing, Swimming, Snorkeling, Marine life viewing, Scenic views on the way, Whale watching, Wildlife viewing (1.5 hours)

  • Isla Mujeres

    Break time, Lunch, Free time, Regional food (45 minutes)

  • Speedboat

    (30 minutes)

  • Van

    (1.5 hours)

  • 12 drop-off locations:

    Blvd. Kukulcan 210, Costa Mujeres, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Carretera a Punta Sam, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Súper Akí Tulum, Akumal, Calle Polar Pte. 18, Puerto Aventuras, IMEMSA YAMAHA CANCUN, Puerto Morelos

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • See whale sharks with a company that's been around almost a decade
  • Go with professional naturalist guides who speak your language
  • Enjoy the feeling of being in a small group of no more than 10 people
  • Look out for dolphins playing and sea turtles swimming

Full description

Snorkel with whale sharks on this day trip from Cancun (from May to September). Take a boat out whale shark reserve in the waters surrounding Isla Contoy follow your naturalist or marine biologist guide for once-in-a-lifetime experience. Savor a delicious lunch and drinks on the boat.

Be picked up early (There's an option that you can arrive by your own) in the morning from your hotel in Cancun and hop aboard a comfortable van for the drive to Puerto Juarez (Marina Xtabay). Listen to an informative briefing to help you understand whale sharks and the area's ecosystems.

Depart from Marina Xtabay on a boat and head towards the whale shark reserve in the waters surrounding Isla Contoy. Use high-quality snorkel gear to see whale sharks. Feel confident snorkeling with the help of your guide.

Sit down to a filling lunch on the boat with stunning views of the coast of Isla Mujeres. Afterwards, cool off with a swim in the clear turquoise waters. Travel back to Marina Hacienda del Mar and transfer by van back to your accommodation.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned Club Wagon or Suburban
  • Tour guide
  • Swimming equipment
  • Whale shark swim
  • Boat cruise
  • Lunch
  • Drinks
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Personal Expenses
  • Environmental tax and dock use ($20.00 USD in cash per person payable on the day of the activity)
  • Tips

Not suitable for

  • Children under 5 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems

Meeting point

Marina Xtabay: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rtiJdxMGhF5tHfKZ9

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Sun hat
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Sandals
  • Cash

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Smoking

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable clothes such as a long sleeve cotton shirt, long cotton pants and an impermeable jacket.
  • The use of sunscreen is limited in order to protect the whale shark and the water from pollution.
  • It is recommended to take some medication in order to avoid seasickness.
  • If your hotel is in tulum, the pickup will be at SUPER AKI TULUM MARKET (https://maps.app.goo.gl/pT95WUz9hKN1amYCA) at 5:00 am

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 195 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.2/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
A
Andrii – United KingdomSeptember 17, 2024 – Verified booking
Unforgettable experience, everything was organised really well. Santiago was our guide and he was fantastic. On our way to whale sharks we also managed to see group of dolphins and to swim with them, it wad breathtaking. Finally, after long search we managed to find one whale shark, which was a dream come true, really recommend this experience.
C
Carrie – United StatesSeptember 20, 2024 – Verified booking
We had such a wonderful time on this excursion! We went on the last day of the season, so we were a bit nervous, but we were able to swim with a pod of dolphins and a whale shark by the end of the day. Our guide and all the staff were really great, and the transportation was smooth and clean. We also appreciated the number of snacks and meals provided that we didn't expect! The tour did end up being about twice as long as we expected, which wasn't great due to the no-sunscreen rule, but definitely worth the money!
J
Joanne – United KingdomSeptember 14, 2024 – Verified booking
What an amazing experience!! There were 10 people on the boat and we had to take it in turns to jump in pairs. We were able to complete 2 jumps and both times we were able to swim with the whale shark. On the way to the jump area, make sure to look into the water as there is plenty to see, such as turtles, star fish and manta rays. Food and drink were provided on the trip. The staff were amazing and our safety was their priority. All equipment was provided. Would 100% recommend this experience.

Product ID: 4165

Activity provider:EcoColors Tours

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