Whale Shark Encounter Experience from Cancun

Cancun, Mexico

8 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Cancun, Mexico

3.5

(4)

Full-Day Sailing Isla Mujeres with complimentary Transportation

from $90

Cancun Private Classic Sailboat Cruise with Beers and Sodas

Cancun, Mexico

5.0

(1)

Cancun Private Classic Sailboat Cruise with Beers and Sodas

from $579

Enjoy The Spanish Galeon with a Romantic Night Dinner in Cancun

from $95

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Mexico's Yucatan peninsula is one of the few places in the world where you can share the water with the largest fish in the world, the whale shark. Make the most of this opportunity by joining this small-group cruise in search of the creatures. Enjoy the opportunity to dive into the water and have an encounter with wildlife that few people can experience. Includes a Mexican ceviche lunch.

Opportunity to swim next to whale sharks: Once-in-a-lifetime experience
Small-group tour (maximum 10): Ensures a more personal experience
Stay fueled for adventure with a delicious lunch and bottled water
Learn about whale shark behavior from your guides

What's Included

Use of Snorkeling equipment

Use of Snorkelling equipment
Box Lunch: sandwich, fruit, ceviche
Soft drinks and water
Whale shark sightseeing (subject to natural and weather conditions)
Round-trip boat excursion from Punta Sam

Government Fees

MX$250.00 per person
Ground transportation from hotels in Cancún (extra cost)
Photo package (optional with extra cost)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

77420 Punta Sam, Q.R., Mexico
Please arrive between 7:00 to 7:15 am for check in. The exact meeting location and directions will be provided once your reservation is confirmed. We do not have departures on the 31st of each month due to Whale Shark Conservation Day.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Start time
.7:50 am

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers

No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Whale shark sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed
This tour is not recommended for children under 11 years old.
Swimming skills are required to participate in this tour.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.3

based on 4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

No whale shark tour trip of a lifetime!

Dennis_O, Aug 2023

Paid over $200 for a boat ride for about a hour, saw about 40 boats I heard there was 1 whale shark never got a chance to see it. 2 people before me saw one whale shark, when it was my turn the whale shark disappeared, very congested with people trying to see it. I never seen anything. Called company they never got back to me for refund. 4 out 8 people got seasick not me. Would not recommend several other people were disappointed too!

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Dear Dennis! We are sorry to hear that you were not lucky enough to see the whale shark. In the description of the activity, it says "The swims can be 1 or a maximum of 3 times per couple, clarifying that depending on the number of sharks in the area is the number of times the swim will be performed. In case we find less than 5 whale sharks, we will do only the sighting". We thank you for sharing your experience with us and we invite you to know the other excursions available. Thank you for visiting the state of Quintana Roo. And receive cordial greetings.

AMAZING!!!

Rhenda_B, Aug 2023

This was an amazing trip! Our guide was the best!!! I would highly recommend having this experience. The views were hands down stunning.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Dear Rhenda! We are pleased for your comment, thanks for the preference and it's wonderfull that you had an amazing trip with us. The Whale Shark Encounter always is an unique experience. Keep enjoying the different attractions that the Mexican Caribbean has to offer and we send you our best regards.

Swimming with Sharks!!

Leslie_L, Jun 2023

Fabulous views!! Up close views of the whale sharks. Better than we all expected. The tours guides were fantastic and knowledgeable. We all would do again. Thank you!!!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Hello Leslie! We are glad to know you enjoy swimming with whale sharks . Remember this activity is a matter of luck and you got it. We look forward to seeing you again for more incredible experiences at Mexican Caribbean. Thank you for your preference and your comments. Have a nice day!

Amazing

Vanessa_V, Aug 2021

It is a once in a lifetime tour to take. The whale sharks are incredible. Pros: Our tour guide was great, even when I got a little scared in the water, not of the whale shark, just the water in general. Lunch was nice at the Island. Cons: It does feel a little rushed and breakfast was a little small. Overall the whole experience was amazing.