Whale Shark Swimming and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour
Active
4h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Come join us in this once in a lifetime experience and live the most incredible adventure swimming beside this ocean’s gentle giants. Your encounter will be supervised by our very experienced guides not to mention you’ll be wearing our snorkeling gear certified by National Geographic Snorkeler.
We start the adventure picking you up from any hotel in Cancun, Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen to take you to our new private marina in Punta Sam in Cancun. After a light breakfast we board and head to the Whale Shark protected area where, after finding them, we will start the dives, 2 to 3 per person, always in couples and with our certified guide.
Before we head back to our marina we will visit beautiful Playa Norte beach in Isla Mujeres where you will have an hour to relax and enjoy the best ceviche prepared in sight by our crew.
Available options
Tour from the Marina
Without Hotel Pickup
Tour from Riviera Maya
Pickup from Riviera Maya: Includes a hotel pickup from most hotels in the area of Riviera Maya, Akumal, Xcaret and Puerto Aventuras.<br/>Pickup included
Tour from Tulum
Meeting Point Pickup: Pickup at Súper Aki supermarket on the main road in Tulúm.<br/>Pickup included
Tour from Cancun
Hotel Pickup in Cancun Area: Includes a pickup from hotels in Cancun Downtown, Hotel Zone & Costa Mujeres.<br/>Isla Mujeres Pickup: Includes a pickup from the main pier at Isla Mujeres.<br/>Pickup included
Tour from Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen & P. Morelos<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Sodas & bottled water
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Snacks
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Coffee and/or Tea
Light breakfast
Detailed itinerary
1
Our Whale Shark Encounter begins early in the morning where, depending on the hotel or condominium you're staying at, our experienced van drivers will pick you up right at the lobby or entrance to take you to our new marina located in the ferry terminal in Punta Sam in Cancun. All of our vans are comfortable A/C units in perfect conditions and all of our drivers are licensed and certified to operate tourism in the highway. Once you arrive to our marina you will be welcome by our ground staff and, after a quick check in, where you will be assigned to your boat, you will have the chance for a light breakfast before boarding. We leave at 7:50 am and head straight into the whale shark protected area, life vests are mandatory from the minute you board, this always for your safety which is a mayor concern to us. After an hour we arrive and find the whale sharks, our captain will choose one and do the proper manouvers with the boat to start the swims, always in couples and with our certified guide, 2 by 2 you will go in the water to swim beside this beautiful creatures, there are 10 people on each boat, after 2 to 3 dives per person, making sure everybody gets their chance,you will all board and start the return but, before we reach Cancun we have one final stop, Playa Norte beach in Isla Mujeres. Playa Norte is the nicest beach in Isla Mujeres and, it's considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, here you will have an hour to relax or, if you want, do some more snorkeling. Our captain will prepare his famous ceviche while you enjoy your favorite non alcoholic drink, sandwiches will also be available. Then we head back to our marina in Cancun where our vans will be expecting you ready to go back to your hotels after this wonderful adventure. Pickups in hotels start at 5:30 am depending on the hotel and area you're staying at and the boats are usually back at our marina between 1:00 and 2:00 pm.
2
Stop 2
Following the whale shark adventure, relax at paradisiac Playa Norte, where you also get to enjoy fresh ceviche prepared by the captain.
What's not included
Dock fee and Federal Tax
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
22 reviews
5★
14
4★
4
3★
1
2★
2
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.8
377 reviews
5★
339
4★
18
3★
5
2★
7
1★
8
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for child aged 3 and under.
Pregnant women are not allowed for safety reasons and as per federal regulations.
Even though the probability of seeing whale sharks is very high, we cannot guarantee sightings.
Meeting point
Our marina is located right next to the Punta Sam Ferry terminal to Isla Mujeres and next to the Villa del Palmar hotel.
Important notes
• The listed price does not include a $15 usd per person deck federal tax, payable at the time of tour check-in.
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time
About Cancun, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan
Cancun, Riviera Maya, and the Yucatan offer a captivating blend of stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant culture. This region is renowned for its turquoise waters, lush jungles, and rich history, making it a top destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Top Attractions
Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city featuring the iconic El Castillo pyramid.
Historical
Half to full day
Moderate (around $15 USD entry fee)
Tulum
A stunning coastal Mayan ruin overlooking the Caribbean Sea, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
Historical/Beach
Full day
Moderate (around $10 USD entry fee for ruins)
Xcaret Park
An eco-archaeological park offering a mix of cultural performances, wildlife exhibits, and adventure activities.
Adventure/Cultural
Full day
Expensive (around $120 USD for full-day ticket)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cochinita Pibil
Slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and achiote, wrapped in banana leaves.
Main Course
Contains pork, not vegetarian
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish cured in lime juice, mixed with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
Appetizer
Gluten-free, can be made vegetarian with tofu
Sopa de Lima
A traditional Yucatan soup made with lime, chicken, and tortilla strips.
Soup
Contains chicken, not vegetarian
Popular Activities
Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Zip-lining
ATV tours
Cenote exploration
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Yoga retreats
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the most popular time to visit due to pleasant weather and lower humidity. It's ideal for beach activities and exploring ancient ruins.
24-30°C
75-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4) during daylight saving time
Electricity
127VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Cancun, Riviera Maya, and the Yucatan are generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Stay alert and take precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
Getting there
By air
- Cancun International Airport • 20 km from Cancun city center
By bus
Cancun Bus Station, Playa del Carmen Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and efficient, but can be crowded during peak times.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Hotel Zone
Downtown Cancun
Playa del Carmen
Day trips
Isla Mujeres
20 km from Cancun • Half to full day
A small island known for its beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and relaxed atmosphere.
Valladolid
150 km from Cancun • Full day
A colonial town with a rich history, known for its beautiful architecture and nearby cenotes.
Holbox Island
150 km from Cancun • Full day to overnight
A car-free island known for its pristine beaches, bioluminescent waters, and wildlife.
Festivals
Carnaval de Cancun • February/March (dates vary)
Festival de la Música Mexicana • June
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) • November 1-2
Pro tips
- Visit Chichen Itza early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
- Explore the cenotes for a unique and refreshing experience
- Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interaction with locals
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
