Tours & experiences

Cancun Whale Shark Encounter from Cancun

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. After the dives it is not over, 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 by our crew!

Then we go back to our marina in Cancun where our a/c vans will take you back to your hotel or condo.

At a glance

  • Duration: 4 hr–5 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Tour from the Marina
Without Hotel Pickup: Meet us directly at our marina in Punta Sam.
Tour from Cancun
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour4 hr–5 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

Set aside 4 hr–5 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Local guides to help you plan

What is included

  • Meeting point pickup for vacation rentals
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from most Cancun hotels
  • Light breakfast and sterilized snorkeling gear
  • Bottled water and soft drinks
  • Professional and certified bilingual guide
  • Visit to Playa Norte beach in Isla Mujeres
  • Fish ceviche & snacks

Not included

  • Dock fee and Marine Park Federal Tax

Itinerary and highlights

After the dives, we will head to this beautiful beach in Isla Mujeres where you can do some more snorkeling, and taste the famous Captain Ceviche!

Meeting and pickup information

  • Our own private marina is conveniently located in Punta Sam right next to the Isla Mujeres ferry terminal and the Villa del Palmar hotel. Please arrive 30 minutes before the schedule departure time.
  • We will confirm the exact pickup time and location on the day before the activity.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Contoy Adventures

Accessibility and practical details

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Dress code casual, don't forget your swimsuit!
  • Operated by a bilingual guide
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • 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.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 4 hr–5 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
What are the pickup arrangements?
We will confirm the exact pickup time and location on the day before the activity.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 5–11; Adult tickets: age 12+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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