Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya
Description
Join us at one of the world’s top destinations for whale shark encounters in the warm, open waters of the tropics. Experience the awe of seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat a true marvel of the ocean. With over 15 years of experience, our expert team offers unmatched knowledge, comfortable boats, and exceptional service to prepare you for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Get ready to witness whale sharks up close! While swimming alongside them is an unforgettable thrill, it cannot be guaranteed. Your safety and the well-being of the whale sharks are our highest priorities, so swimming will only be allowed when conditions are ideal. Even if the experience is limited to viewing from the boat, the sight remains breathtaking and deeply memorable.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your adventure begins at our private pier in Puerto Juárez. Upon arrival, enjoy a light coffee break while meeting your guide and the rest of the group. Before boarding, your guide will provide a safety briefing, explain the day's itinerary, and share useful tips for swimming with the whale sharks. Once everyone is ready, it's time to board the boat and head out in search of these magnificent gentle giants.
After departing from our private pier in Puerto Juárez, you'll cruise across the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean. Along the way, you'll pass the beautiful coastline of Isla Mujeres before heading farther offshore, where the sea transforms into deep, vibrant shades of blue. During the journey, keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and seabirds, which are often spotted along the route. As you approach the whale shark feeding area, your guide will help you look for the first signs of these magnificent gentle giants, making the anticipation part of the adventure itself.
Once we arrive at the whale shark area, the captain and guide will search for the best opportunities to safely approach these magnificent animals while respecting all conservation regulations. When it's your turn, you'll enter the water in pairs with your certified guide for an unforgettable snorkeling experience alongside the world's largest fish. Our small-group tours maximize your chances of enjoying up to two swims per person, depending on sea conditions, wildlife activity, and park regulations. Between swims, relax on the boat and watch the incredible action as whale sharks, giant manta rays, and other marine life feed in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters. This is a truly unique wildlife encounter and one of the most memorable experiences the Mexican Caribbean has to offer.
On our last stop, we'll anchor in front of the world-famous Playa Norte beach from Isla Mujeres. This idyllic spot is renowned for its soft white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant atmosphere. We'll share a typical Caribbean lunch featuring delicious ceviche, creamy guacamole, and crunchy totopos. Afterward, celebrate the day by wading in the shallow, warm waters or simply relax and soak up the sun on the pristine beach.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We offer pick up from any hotel, airbnb or private residence: Pick up Tulum between 04:00-05:00 am. Pick up from Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya 05:30-06:30 am Pick up from Cancun between 06:00-07:00 am Pick up from Isla Mujeres is at the Black Pearl Pier, please contact us to arrange the pick up details
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking (Vegetarian & Gluten free Options available under request)
- Seasonal tour operating from June to mid-September
- The total duration of this tour can vary, typically influenced by factors beyond our control. On average, the boat activity lasts about 5 hours. However, this duration may extend due to weather conditions, the location of the whale sharks, and the number of swimming opportunities. Additionally, the transfer time from your hotel to our pier varies based on your location and current traffic conditions. Including transfers, expect the entire tour to last between 7 and 12 hours
- Sunscreen, even biodegradable, harms the coral reefs and other sealife, please apply only on exposed skin, beforehand (in your hotel) and after water activitie
- minimum age as of 3 years old
Reviews(1,054)
Fantastic experience! Luis was an amazing and very helpful guide. There were loads of whale sharks and we got great photos and videos. What an incredible time.
LUIS was just Amazing! very informative and full of energy. He was so helpful making our experience memorable.
We had the most amazing experience with our guide, Margot. She was very focused on the respect for the whale sharks and their environment. She grieve extensive and clear instructions and was patient to ensure that we all were able to have two jumps with the whale sharks. Additionally, the snorkeling at the reef and the time at the beach for the lunch just added to the experience.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that your whale shark adventure with Margot was such an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s especially wonderful to hear that you appreciated her commitment to respecting the whale sharks and their natural environment, as well as her clear instructions and patience in ensuring everyone had two opportunities to swim alongside these magnificent animals. We’re also glad you enjoyed the reef snorkeling and relaxing beachside lunch. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Margot. Thank you for choosing Ocean Tours, and we hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure! Warm regards, Laura Ocean Tours
We traveled to swim with the whale sharks with Ocean Tours & had an unforgettable experience. Our tour guide Cora and her team were friendly, punctual and made our 10 hour journey truly memorable.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that your whale shark adventure was an unforgettable experience and that Cora and the rest of the team made the journey enjoyable from beginning to end. We truly appreciate your recommendation and will be happy to share your kind words with Cora and the team. Thank you for choosing Ocean Tours—we hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure! Warm regards, Laura Ocean Tours
Nìls was a great tour guide. Got us right up to the whale sharks, guided us over a coral reef and feed as a really good fish dip on the beach.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you had a great whale shark experience and enjoyed swimming near these magnificent animals, snorkeling over the coral reef, and the delicious fish ceviche by the beach. We’ll gladly share your kind words with Nils. Thank you for choosing Ocean Tours, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure! Warm regards, Laura Ocean Tours
Vanessa was so knowledgeable and helpful! Safety was her priority and made it fun! We had the pleasure of having father and son caption and skipper (gato and Matias … spelling of names?) whom were very respectful to all and ensured we were always in the best position. They were quick to help everyone in and out of the boat. Great food, great team great day!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing whale shark adventure with us. It's fantastic to know that Vanessa's knowledge, enthusiasm, and focus on safety helped make the experience both fun and memorable. We're also delighted that Captain Gato and Matías took such great care of everyone on board. Their teamwork, professionalism, and dedication to ensuring every guest has the best possible experience are something we're very proud of, and we'll be sure to share your kind words with them. We're so glad you enjoyed the food, the crew, and the entire day. Thank you for choosing Ocean Tours Mexico and for recommending our team. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in the Riviera Maya! Warm regards, Laura Ocean Tours
It was great. We were able to see the whale sharks and swim with them. Our tour guide Nils led us through the tour perfectly. Highly recommended!
Vielen Dank für Ihre tolle Bewertung! 💙 Wir freuen uns sehr, Ihre netten Worte an Nils weiterzugeben. Er wird sich sehr darüber freuen zu hören, dass er Ihre Tour zu einem so besonderen Erlebnis gemacht hat. Vielen Dank für Ihre Empfehlung. Wir hoffen, Sie bald wieder zu einem neuen Abenteuer begrüßen zu dürfen! 🐋 Herzliche Grüße, Valentina | Ocean Tours
We paid around $250 total per person for the whole thing. Loved the entire experience. Before we even got on the boat to leave, we met the staff, and they were very friendly. The entire time we spent on the boat was great, the boat driver was fun, Raul and the rest of the staff were very kind, knowledgeable and patient. They gave us different kinds of snacks, water, and soda, before lunch. When we finished seeing the whale sharks, we went to the beach, had a great swim, delicious lunch experience, and went back to the docks. A really nice experience, around 5–6 hours. They kept our stuff safe the whole time.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 💙 We'll be delighted to share your kind words with Raul and the rest of the crew. They’ll be thrilled to know they helped make your experience so enjoyable from beginning to end. Thank you for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon! 🐋 Warm regards, Valentina | Ocean Tours
What an amazing experience! Nicolas has given our family a great day! Truly a day to remember. The pick-up time was right, we got breakfast and explanations on the bus to Cancun. The boat trip was also a good experience with sandwiches, snorkeling and even lunch on isla mujeres Really great!
Hartelijk dank voor uw geweldige review! 💙 We zullen uw mooie woorden met veel plezier doorgeven aan Nicolas. Hij zal erg blij zijn te horen dat hij uw gezin een onvergetelijke dag heeft bezorgd. Bedankt voor uw aanbeveling. We hopen u snel weer te mogen verwelkomen voor een nieuw avontuur! 🐋 Met vriendelijke groet, Valentina | Ocean Tours
Had an amazing day with Pepe our tour guide and his amazing crew.
Hello Shane, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 💙 We'll be delighted to share your kind words with Pepe and his amazing crew. They’ll be thrilled to know they helped make your day such a memorable experience. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon! Warm regards, Valentina | Ocean Tours
