About this experience
Swim alongside the largest fish in the world and experience whale sharks in their natural habitat during their seasonal visit to the Caribbean Sea. With the support of a bilingual guide, learn about these remarkable animals, including their behavior, migration, and feeding habits, before entering the water in small groups.
Depending on natural conditions, you may encounter groups of whale sharks and even giant manta rays, adding another wildlife encounter to the experience. After your time in the water, return to the boat and enjoy fresh fish ceviche and refreshing drinks while taking in the Caribbean surroundings.
Whale shark encounters, marine wildlife, and guided snorkeling come together in a unique Caribbean experience.
At a glance
- Duration: 7 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 7 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Wear comfortable clothes and bring your swimsuit, towels and Extra Change of clothes
Local guides to help you plan
Cancun Whale Shark Tours Guide
Before booking Cancun Whale Shark Tours, discover the season, costs, and boat realities that can make your dream swim unforgettable—or something else entirely.
Private Whale Shark Tour From Cancun
A private whale shark tour from Cancun offers a boat reserved for your group during the reserve’s May 15 to September 17 season. Learn what private really means, the conservation rules, timing, accessibility questions, a
Small Group Whale Shark Tour From Cancun
Plan a small-group whale shark tour from Cancun with clear advice on season timing, group sizes, open-water snorkeling, wildlife rules, and questions to ask before booking.
What is included
- light breakfast (coffee, juice and bread)
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- 2 to 3 dives per person with the whale shark
- Snaks, Water and soft drinks
- Use of Snorkelling equipment and Life Vest
- 36 foot speed boats ride & Bilingual Guide
Not included
- Tips and Pictures.
- Dock tax
Itinerary and highlights
Get ready for an exciting whale shark snorkeling experience in the Caribbean Sea. Before departure, enjoy a light breakfast with coffee, juice, and bread. Once on board, you’ll receive your snorkeling equipment and life jacket before heading out in search of whale sharks.
The adventure takes place in a designated area of approximately 260 hectares of water, where your certified guides will look for whale sharks. Once they are located, you’ll have the opportunity to enter the water in small groups of two guests accompanied by a guide, with approximately three to four snorkeling sessions depending on the conditions and activity.
Wearing a life jacket is mandatory throughout the activity. After snorkeling, rinse off with fresh water and enjoy lunch on board, including fish ceviche, ham and cheese sandwiches, water, and soft drinks.
Meeting and pickup information
- Meeting points for travelers that are in downtown hotels and Airbnb’s or any location that we can't reach: Playa Del Carmen: Coco bongo at Playa Del Carmen The pick-up time is set according to your location, pick up start at 7:30 am and depending on the location the pickup time will be set, the travelers that doesn't provide pick up location will need to get in contact with us as soon as possible, otherwise we will be not be able to provide the service If the Customer wants to arrive at the marina by its own, they need to take in mind that the parking near the marina is limited. They would have to arrive early in order to find a near parking spot.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Cancun Mayan Travel
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour is not available on the 30th of each month
- Mandatory use biodegradable sunscreen.
- Wear comfortable clothes and bring your swimsuit, towels and Extra Change of clothes
- 2 people per dive, Please do not touch the whale shark and keep your distance
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?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Playa Del Carmen: Coco bongo at Playa Del Carmen
The pick-up time is set according to your location, pick up start at 7:30 am and depending on the location the pickup time will be set, the travelers that doesn't provide pick up location will need to get in contact with us as soon as possible, otherwise we will be not be able to provide the service
If the Customer wants to arrive at the marina by its own, they need to take in mind that the parking near the marina is limited. They would have to arrive early in order to find a near parking spot.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
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