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    Playa El CieloAttraction in Cozumel, Mexico

    Contoy IslandAttraction in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

    Chankanaab ParkAttraction in San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico

    Xcaret ParkAttraction in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

    Xplor ParkAttraction in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

    Maroma Beach ClubAttraction in Solidaridad, Mexico

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    Things to do in Playa del Carmen

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    Things to do in Holbox

    Things to do in Puerto Aventuras

  • Explore Cancún
  • Places to see
  • Things to do
  • Top sights
  • Attraction types
  • Outside Cancún

Coco Bongo, Cancún

Cancún Underwater Museum

Ventura Park Cancún

Mandala Beach Club

Chocolate Factory

Aquaworld Cancun

La Gran Rueda Cancún

Playa Mujeres, Cancun

Mayan Museum, Cancun

Nichupté Lagoon

Interactive Aquarium, Cancún

Dolphin Discovery, Cancún

Day trips

Archaeology

Theme & amusement parks

Religious & spiritual activities

Neighborhood tours

Multi-day trips

Viewing points

Theater

Zoos & aquariums

Wellness & spas

Garden & park tours

Nearby destinations

Playa del Carmen tours

Akumal tours

Puerto Morelos tours

San Miguel de Cozumel tours

Holbox tours

Puerto Aventuras tours

Nearby sights

Playa El CieloAttraction in Cozumel, Mexico

Contoy IslandAttraction in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Chankanaab ParkAttraction in San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico

Xcaret ParkAttraction in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Xplor ParkAttraction in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Maroma Beach ClubAttraction in Solidaridad, Mexico

  • Top experiences
  • Interests
  • Traveler type
  • Outside Cancún

Cenote tours

Snorkeling

Boat parties

Quad & ATV tours

Water taxis & ferry tickets

Swim with dolphins

Horse riding

Shark diving

Dolphin & whale watching

Water parks

Parasailing

Jet Skis

Explore more things to do in Cancún

Nature & adventure

Water sports

Sightseeing

Outdoor sports

Marine life

Food & drinks

Culture & history

Extreme sports & adrenaline

Educational activities

Driving experiences

Nightlife & bars

Music activities

Explore more things to do in Cancún

Wheelchair accessible

Good for groups

Family-friendly activities

For adults

Solo travelers' tours

Explore more things to do in Cancún

Things to do in Playa del Carmen

Things to do in Akumal

Things to do in Puerto Morelos

Things to do in San Miguel de Cozumel

Things to do in Holbox

Things to do in Puerto Aventuras

Explore more things to do in Cancún

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

Participants

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
Save up to 10%

From $165.00 $148.50 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

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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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
  • Mexico
  • Quintana Roo
  • Things to do in Cancún
  • Tours in Cancún

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