Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks

4.5246634 out of 5 stars
4.5
4.5246634 out of 5 stars
223 reviews
Activity provider:EcoColors Tours
Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks
4.5246634 out of 5 stars
4.5
4.5246634 out of 5 stars
223 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 - 8 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

Z
Zoe – United Kingdom

The activity was amazing!!! So incredible to see and swim with two whale sharks! Miguel and Yuri were fabulous and so caring. I would advise bringing sea sickness tablets as it is very choppy! A once in a lifetime experience! Thank you!

P
Paul – Norway

Ariann and her team did a great job on this activity. And we’re so happy with this amazing tour. We definitely recommend them.

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:

    Súper Akí Tulum, Akumal, Calle Polar Pte. 18, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Puerto Xtabay | Marina & Cantina de Mar, Costa Mujeres, Blvd. Kukulcan 210, Cancún, IMEMSA YAMAHA CANCUN

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 Xtabay 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
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Cash

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Smoking

Know before you go

  • It is important to mention that there is no sighting guarantee in this tour because the main purpose is to find them.
  • In case the weather does not allow us to go on the tour on that day, which is very seldom, we will put it off until another day. If for any reason you can’t participate anymore, we will refund 100% of your payment.
  • 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
  • AIRBNB STAYS .-
  • We fully accept tours with Airbnb reservations, the pick-up will take place in a nearby public place or a more central meeting point in order to speed up the arrival times to the tours.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 223 reviews

Review summary

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

Customer photos

+41
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Z
Zoe – United KingdomJune 11, 2025 – Verified booking
The activity was amazing!!! So incredible to see and swim with two whale sharks! Miguel and Yuri were fabulous and so caring. I would advise bringing sea sickness tablets as it is very choppy! A once in a lifetime experience! Thank you!

Response from provider

June 12, 2025

Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re so happy you got to swim with two whale sharks — what an unforgettable experience! Miguel and Uri will be thrilled to hear your kind words; they truly care about making each tour special. Great tip about the sea sickness tablets too! We’re grateful you joined us and hope to see you again someday for another adventure.

P
Paul – NorwayJune 11, 2025 – Verified booking
Ariann and her team did a great job on this activity. And we’re so happy with this amazing tour. We definitely recommend them.

Response from provider

June 12, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and that Ariann and the team made it a great experience. Your recommendation means a lot to us — we hope to welcome you again soon!

R
Ruth – United KingdomJune 8, 2025 – Verified booking
We had a once in a lifetime experience today with Omar. You can tell his passion for animals and his experience. We had a fantastic day with so many whale sharks it was hard to count, maybe more than 6!! The most beautiful ceviche served up on the boat anchored at Playa Norte. Couldn’t fault a single aspect. Thank you so much

Response from provider

June 10, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled you had such an unforgettable day with Omar and the whale sharks. So glad you enjoyed the ceviche too—hope to see you again soon!

Product ID: 4165

Activity provider:EcoColors Tours

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