Whale Shark Adventure

(16 Reviews)
Whale Shark Adventure Ecotour

Tour description

An incredible opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience is waiting for you in the crystal clear Caribbean waters. Every summer between June and September hundreds of whale sharks gather to peacefully graze on plankton in what becomes the world’s largest congregation of these animals.

Swimming with these gentle giants, holder of the title of world’s largest fish, is an amazing experience that only happens in a privileged few spots around the world, and nowhere else is this easy to find them or has this many whale sharks at once. 

Be a part of this tour to join a select number of people that have witnessed firsthand the grace and beauty of the whale sharks in a fun, exciting and safe adventures. 

Itinerary

7:00 AM – Hotel Pick-ups Begin
Pick-up times vary depending on your hotel location.

8:00 AM – Tour Begins
We depart from the Delphinus dock in Playa Mujeres, ready for an unforgettable adventure in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.

Swim with the Whale Shark
Dive into an exhilarating experience as we swim alongside the ocean’s gentle giant — the majestic whale shark.

Visit to Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres)
Before heading back, we stop at Playa Norte, one of the most stunning beaches in the region, perfect for a refreshing swim and some relaxation on its soft white sands.

Return to Cancun – Approximately 1:30 PM
We head back to Cancun with unforgettable memories and a once-in-a-lifetime marine experience that will stay with you forever.
 

What's included

  • Round trip transportation from your hotel to dock 
  • Round trip dock to whale shark zone
  • Breakfast (box lunch)
  • Non alcoholic drinks
  • Playa Norte stop at Isla Mujeres
  • Swim with whale shark
  • Safety vest
  • Snorkel
  • Certified guide


Not Included:

  • Videos and photos
  • Federal dock fee: $20 USD per person (paid upon arrival).
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Gratuities

What to bring

  • Bring your swimsuit, we will provide life jacket and snorkel.
  • Please bring your own towel, sunscreen, hat or cap, money for souvenirs, and a change of dry clothes.

Good to know

  • Minimum age to swim with the whale shark: 8 years old
  • For safety reasons, pregnant women are not allowed.
  • Not recommended for individuals with respiratory conditions, back or neck injuries, or heart problems.
  • Participants must know how to swim.
  • The whale shark season is from June 1 to September 15.
  • Available from Monday to Saturday from 08:00 am to 2:30 pm. (approx.)
  • The recommended minimum age to swim with the whale shark is 8 years old. Any ages can come and stay at the boat. All passengers pay for the trip.
  • The activities are not suitable for pregnant women and people suffering from diabetes, heart problems, epilepsy, asthma, hypertension and claustrophobia.
  • Pickup is available at most hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Your exact pickup time will be provided via email after booking.
  • In case we don't have pick-up for a specific hotel or location will be sent you the nearest meeting point where pick-up is available

Frecuently Asked Questions

What exactly is a whale shark? 

Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish, growing beyond 10 meters in length and weighing more than 19 tons. Despite their name they are not whales, but they are sharks, however similarly to many whales these sharks are filter feeders and not predators. 

Are whale sharks dangerous?

They are not; while they remain wild animals and are technically capable of harming us given their immense size and strength, they are known for their gentle nature. Whale sharks pay no mind to us swimming with them and continue to feed in our presence, so long as we respect them they will not interact with us. 

Am I harming the environment or the sharks by being here?

You are not. This activity is strictly regulated and the guidelines we follow when watching them from the boat or in the water with them are designed to ensure both our and their safety. If we follow these rules, that include a no diving and no touching, we can all coexist happily.

Can I touch the whale sharks?

No you may not, it is strictly prohibited. Touching the sharks risks stressing them causing them to leave the area and stop feeding them for that day. We ask everyone to remain at least 10ft from these animals at any time when in the water with them.

Do I need to wear a life jacket? 

Yes, this is not optional. Regulations stipulate that you must wear a flotation device at all times.

How can I prevent seasickness?

If you are prone to seasickness we advice that you consult your doctor for the best medication possible for you. They will present you a range of options that you can take and the proper ways of taking them to prevent any seasickness. 

What Our Guests Are Saying

Fantastic experience Score: Recommended: YES Frank from Miami
The boat captain and helper are very helpful and try their best to fulfill customer's expectations. However, finding the whale sharks is a challenge and the sighting is not sure. I would suggest to use drones to survey the area before the boat Score: Recommended: YES Andres Espina from Tampa, FL
The tour was amazing! We saw plenty of whale sharks and even got the chance to spot dolphins and a manta ray. Go Visit Cancun was always available before the tour, responding quickly to all my messages. Highly recommended! Score: Recommended: YES Paolo from Italy
incredible experience Score: Recommended: YES Valery and Rudolf from Slovakia
Although our guide, Narie, was AWESOME, ultimately, we did not spot any whale sharks after four hours of searching. I understand that whale sharks are in their natural habitat and they are unpredictable. However, I have received a voucher good for three years, so even though we weren't successful this time around, I'm immensely thankful that Cancun Adventure issued us a voucher to use in the next few years! Score: Recommended: YES David Glenn from Austin, Texas
The crew members were kind and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip! Score: Recommended: YES Erika from St. Louis, MO
This was by far my favorite experience while I was in Cancun! Score: Recommended: YES Zane from Atlanta Ga
Was a very strong and extreme experience, totally recomended Score: Recommended: YES Carlos from Santiago, Chile
Breathtaking! Score: Recommended: YES Anonymous from
I have to admit when I arrived at the dock I thought omg . It was right next to the building site which had appeared to have overflowed to the jetty area. But after meeting the guys Alex and Roman our guides and getting out on the boat it was truly amazing they did everything they could to ensure we saw and swan with whale sharks . The early start was so worth it and I will go back to Mexico and do it again with these guys thank you so much Score: Recommended: YES Zonja from Ipswich uk
My family and I had a wonderful time. Score: Recommended: YES Tony Shaw from San Diego, CA
This was such a fun filled day. The crew were courtious and sweet, always concerned about our wellfare and if we were enjoying our adventure. They did all humanly possible to find the Whale Sharks and get us in the water in time. This was a huge unique experience that is well worth the money. If we come back to Cancun we will definately do this again. Make sure you don't get sea sick, and your in shape to jump in and out of the water and swim, swim, swim. You will be attempting to keep up with these beautiful giants for this incredible opportunity. Our family was in AWE to be able to share such a beautiful adventure together. Score: Recommended: YES Anonymous from Ventura County, California
They are so large it is amazing Score: Recommended: YES Melanie from Elk Point, SD
Very good tour, the staff was very friendly and professional. Score: Recommended: YES Rodrigo Garcia from México, D.F.
The experience with the Whales was great. It took a long time to find the first on because seas were rough. We did not finish until 2 pm and I was very hungry by the time we were fed. If you do this tour bring snacks or eat before. I felt like the guides could have made the tour more interactive. --I do not speak spanish and the only guide who spoke english was more interested in the japanese customers. They could have given us some facts about the Whale Sharks to make the HOURS of searching pass a little easier.Instead, we sat in the baking sun being beaten by the ocean for several hors, not knowing if this was normal, if we should expect to search for hours. I enjoyed the diving experience and DO recommed it, but they could make the time searching more interesting. Score: Recommended: YES Tim C from Orlando,FL

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