Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Cancun, Mexico
- 6 to 10 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Swimming with whale sharks on your own can be daunting, from finding the best locations to ensuring safety in open water. This small-group tour solves that by guiding you to prime spots with experienced instructors, letting you snorkel safely alongside these sea creatures (conditions permitting). Enjoy snacks, coffee, and a Caribbean lunch on board to keep you fueled during your experience.
- Receive personalized attention in a small-group setting
- Relax with included round-trip transportation
- Choose from a selection of pickup points to suit your needs
- Upgrade to a fully private trip for an even more intimate experience
What's Included
- Round-Trip Transportation (Meeting Point at the Pier Excludes Round Transportation)
- Coffee Break
- Fish or Shrimp Ceviche with totopos & guacamole(please advise of dietary restrictions)
- Bilingual Guide
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs (available to purchase)
- HD videos and pictures of your whale shark watching experience available in digital package.
- Wetsuit Rental
- Government Fees$25.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.6:00 am
Itinerary
1
Puerto Juarez Cancun Mexico
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Isla Mujeres (Pass By)
2
Isla Contoy
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
3
Playa Norte
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q:How long is the boat ride to the Whale Sharks?
A:Around 1 hour on a scenic speedboat ride to the whale shark area.
Jul 2025
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Anthony_W
We were promptly picked up at out hotel in Playa Del Carmen by Pepe and our driver. Pepe is a wealth of knowledge and incredible energy. Our guide was Pia who was incredible. We saw many whale sharks and the day was beautiful.
Reviews
4.8
based on 1,054 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Vasu_E, Jul 2026
The boat ride to the whale sharks will be bumpy and if you get motion sickness you will most probably get it here but the people are very nice and helpful if you do end up getting seasick, just something to keep in mind. Other than that the experience was amazing. Everyone got to see the whale sharks even if you were staying on the boat. If you didn’t know how to swim you were still able to do the snorkeling with the guides help. Isla Mujeres was beautiful, and the food and people were so amazing. Overall it was really a once in a lifetime experience!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! 💙
We truly appreciate you sharing these helpful tips for future travelers. We're delighted to know our team helped make your experience comfortable and memorable.
Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure! 🐋
Warm regards,
Valentina | Ocean Tours
Heather_N, Jul 2026
Don’t be too proud to take the Dramamine!!
Make sure you have SPF clothing.
Be prepared to have a once in a lifetime experience!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your great review!
We're so happy to hear you had a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the whale sharks! Thank you as well for sharing those helpful tips with future travelers—seasickness medication and sun-protective clothing can definitely make the day even more enjoyable.
It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in the Riviera Maya!
Laura OCEAN TOURS
rebs, Jul 2026
The waves were a little crazy but how can you calm down mother nature.. I’m so glad we did it, these giant creatures were amazing.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your review! 💙 We’re so happy you decided to join the adventure despite the waves. Mother Nature can be unpredictable, but seeing these gentle giants up close is truly unforgettable. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Regina | Ocean Tours 🌊
Laura_A, Jul 2026
Once in a lifetime beautiful memories! The morning boat ride was very bumpy - people with back problems or poor balance would struggle. Swimming with those enormous creatures is awe-inspiring though! Just be prepared to be sore and sunburned after! The reef snorkel was also 10/10, and our guide was great!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your review, Laura! 💙 We're delighted to hear that swimming with the whale sharks was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and that you also enjoyed the reef snorkeling. We'll be sure to share your kind words with your guide. Thank you as well for your helpful advice to future travelers. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure!
Regina | Ocean Tours 🌊
Matthew_H, Jul 2026
One the greatest experiences of our lives. There is absolutely nothing to fear with these majestic animals. The crew (especially Alma) was amazing! They were also very organized and professional. You are missing out on the fruits of life if you do not take this trip.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your incredible review! 💙
We're truly honored to hear that this was one of the greatest experiences of your life. Swimming alongside these magnificent whale sharks is something truly unforgettable, and we're so happy you felt safe and comfortable throughout the adventure.
We'll be sure to share your wonderful compliments with Alma and the rest of the crew—they'll be thrilled to know they helped make your day so special.
Thank you for choosing Ocean Tours and for your heartfelt recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Mexico! 🦈🌊😊
Jennifer_H, Jul 2026
Everything and everyone were great! Seeing all the different sea life was amazing but the whale sharks were surreal. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between the captain and his first mate, Jimmy!! Raul’s knowledge was top notch! Thank you!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 💙
We'll be delighted to share your kind words with Raul, Jimmy, and the rest of the crew. Knowing you had such a memorable experience means the world to us.
Thank you for choosing Ocean Tours, and we hope to welcome you back again soon! 🐋🌊
Warm regards,
Valentina | Ocean Tours 🌴
David_C, Jun 2026
An absolutely great tour to see the whale sharks. Got to jump in 3 times with these majestic fish with my kids. I would recommend this tour also because the guides and all were absolutely terrific!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 💙 I'm thrilled to hear you and your kids had such an amazing experience swimming with the whale sharks. It's great that you were able to enjoy three jumps! I'll be sure to share your kind words with our guides and crew. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome your family back for another unforgettable adventure!
Regina | Ocean Tours 🌊
Jennifer_S, Jun 2026
Everything I dreamed it could be and more, the whale sharks were everywhere and a massive manta Ray came gliding through!!. We had three opportunities to go into the water. The guided snorkel tour was amazing, the food served fresh on board was great. Vanessa was our guide and she kept everyone safe and informed the entire time.
I can say that there are some experiences that will stay with you forever-this was absolutely a top five.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your amazing review!
We're thrilled to hear that your Whale Shark experience exceeded your expectations and that you were lucky enough to see not only whale sharks, but also a magnificent manta ray! What an unforgettable encounter.
We'll be sure to share your kind words with Vanessa, who will be delighted to know she helped make your day so special.
Thank you for choosing Ocean Tours. Knowing this adventure is one of your top five lifetime experiences truly means the world to us!
Warm regards,
Laura OCEAN TOURS
Simon_G, Jun 2026
Wonderful day with these amazing creature. Max the guide was informative and knowledgeable. Managed to go in four times, at one point saw three Whale sharks.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review!
We are thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing experience swimming alongside these incredible creatures. Seeing multiple whale sharks, especially three at the same time, is truly unforgettable!
We'll be sure to share your kind words with Max, who will be delighted to know that his knowledge and guidance helped make your day even more special.
Thank you for choosing Ocean Tours, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
Warm regards,
Laura
Ocean Tours Team
Aarti_D, Jun 2026
This whale shark tour was the best for our group of 8, with 4 kids ranging from 4 to 13. The experience was made even more wonderful by our guide Alma who was nothing short of magical, talking us through and teaching us and coaching us the whole way. We were so lucky to each get two wonderful swims each with a whale shark! Once in a lifetime experience and we bought all the pictures to capture the memories! The snorkel and boat float time were also really nice and we enjoyed our snacks and time in the water.
It was a beautiful day, one we won’t soon forget. Also, take the Dramamine!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your beautiful review! 😊
We're absolutely delighted to hear that your family had such an unforgettable whale shark experience. It’s wonderful to know that Alma helped make the day so special for both the adults and the kids with her care, knowledge, and positive energy throughout the tour.
How amazing that everyone was able to enjoy two swims with the whale sharks — truly a once-in-a-lifetime memory! We’re also so happy you enjoyed the snorkeling, time on the boat, snacks, and photos to remember such a special day.
And yes… Dramamine is always a great tip 😄
Thank you for choosing Ocean Tours Mexico. We hope to welcome your family back again for another incredible adventure! 🌊🐋📸✨
Valentina | Ocean Tours
Ive_C, Jan 2026
We got lucky and had the most INCREDIBLE day! It’s easy to say trust the tour when we were the lucky ones to see what we saw. Vanessa is an incredible guide (I do hope my memory isn’t failing me, but she’s Portuguese, and she’s a naturalist BEAST!). Her passion for the rules and care of the animals was unparalleled, for which I’m thankful. The swim and the whole experience was just magical. We got so lucky and had a few whale sharks, and just a little boats. We got multiple swims, incredible pictures (yes, it was a worth it add on!), and the most amazing team. We were so happy with our full experience. My husband and I went back to the hotel so happy we couldn’t even. Strongly recommend if you set your expectations straight
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your amazing review!
We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a magical experience and that the day exceeded your expectations. Vanessa will be so happy to know that her passion for marine life, respect for the rules, and dedication to the animals made such a strong impression — we couldn’t agree more!
We’re also delighted that you enjoyed multiple swims, incredible sightings, and the photo package. It’s wonderful to know that our team helped make this a truly unforgettable experience for you and your husband.
Thank you for trusting us and for your strong recommendation. We hope to welcome you again for another incredible adventure!
Warm regards,
Regina
Daniel_T, Nov 2025
I had a truly wonderful day with the whale sharks.
There were plenty of whale sharks, and there were lots of opportunities to take photos and snorkel with them. A truly unique experience!
I highly recommend it if you're in Cancun.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🌊🐋
I’m thrilled to hear you had such an amazing day with the whale sharks — it truly is a one-of-a-kind experience, and I’m glad you enjoyed the many opportunities to snorkel and take photos.
We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Warm regards,
Regina
Maria_D, Aug 2025
We were picked up right from our hotel and had about a 15 minute ride to the marina. The tour guide made us take Dramamine as soon as we got into the vehicle which was a little off putting since we could not read the label on the pills she gave us. Even after learning what it was, neither of us get sea sick to feel the need to take it.
At the marina we got a good briefing on what to expect for the course of the day. We were given the option for wet suits which, we lucked out on, but they did not have enough for everyone. We also had to pay to rent these which was not included in the excursion cost. Definitely worth having though!
The ride out was about an hour long. It was very pretty. We had a perfect day with almost no clouds. Obviously the ocean was very choppy for our little boat, but it made it very exhilarating and exciting to ride out there. Our boat was the last one to leave, but that was nice because the rest of the boats already found the pod of whales! We were able to see them right as soon as we sailed to meet everyone else.
We jumped in the water in groups of two. My friend and I got to jump in third so we could see others go first which I do think is very beneficial. You had as much time to swim next to the whale shark as long as you were able to keep up. Being able to swim in the ocean is definitely a plus here. The instructors filmed us jumping in into the whale shark which really illustrated our journey as a whole. The instructors were so agile and organized with keeping a system to make sure we all got a fair amount of time and if we wanted to jump in a third time, we had the option to do so!
After our swim, we went and did snorkeling, which I don’t know was completely necessary. It was cool and there was a lot to see, but it made for a long day. I think we could’ve just been fine. Going to the beach and eating the ceviche they made. We were also offered Coca-Cola and water!
Absolutely think everybody should try this! It was the coolest experience!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Sounds like such an incredible adventure! 🐋🌊
From the scenic ride out to meeting the whale sharks right away, to the well-organized jumps and even the extra snorkeling, it all sounds unforgettable. Love how the crew made sure everyone got plenty of time with the whale shark—and ceviche at the beach was the perfect ending!
Angela_M, Jul 2025
Swimming alongside a whale shark is incredible. It’s such a big and beautiful animal! This tour company is very communicative. I received a reminder the night before the tour and a message the morning of. I have dietary needs, and they were very responsive before the tour, through the app, letting me know food options. There was a hiccup in that 2 of us needed a veggie option, though I’m unsure if the other participant had let them know ahead of time. There was one veggie sandwich (cucumbers, lettuce on wheat bread) and one pasta salad (light flavored - I don’t remember what was in it.) the other passenger didn’t want either. We likely would have needed to share, which would have been fine. There were apples on the boat, granola type breakfast bars and bananas for breakfast on the drive to the port area from our resort. Margot also had Dramamine, wristbands, and peppermint oil to help prevent motion sickness. We had huge swells and the captain was careful to slow down to navigate them more carefully for the passengers. Margot is tuned into passenger needs. She overheard me saying I was ready for a snack while on the boat and quickly offered me an apple. The entire crew worked hard to make sure we all had a great experience, including ensuring everyone gets to see the whale shark. One gentleman was turned around and missed the whale shark, so they worked hard to make sure he did on the 2nd jump. There isn’t a bathroom on board, go at the port as it’s an hour and a half - 2 hour ride to get to the whale shark location. They did stop once on the way there and onc on the way back for participants to jump in the ocean to go. The water in July was so warm. I packed my shortie wetsuit as I don’t like being cold. You can also rent them at the port area. You can also go in the water without a life jacket if you have a wetsuit on. They also accommodated a variety of languages and paired people with crew who could communicate with them. Margot did a great job teaching us about the experience and the animals. The ceviche they prepared was amazing! For lunch, we anchored just past the buoys at Playa Norte and hung out in the shallow, warm water while eating and relaxing. We didn’t go to the beach. This will be a top 5 core memory for me and my husband. We highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Angela,
Wow—thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thorough and heartfelt review! We're honored to know that swimming with whale sharks became a top 5 core memory for you and your husband. 🐋💙
We're especially glad to hear that you felt well cared for by our crew throughout the experience. Margot and the team will be thrilled to know their attention to detail, kindness, and professionalism made such a positive impression—from the dietary accommodations and motion sickness support to ensuring everyone got a chance to swim with the whale shark.
We truly appreciate your feedback on the vegetarian meal options—it's very helpful for us to continue improving. And thank you for highlighting important tips for future travelers!
It was a pleasure to have you with us, and we’d love to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures in the future.
Warmest regards,
Laura Ocean Tours Team
Nina_R, Jul 2025
Incredible experience! Swimming with whale sharks was absolutely breathtaking – such a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The crew was so knowledgeable and made us feel comfortable the entire time. After the swim, we enjoyed some delicious fresh ceviche that really hit the spot. I would 100% recommend this to anyone visiting Mexico!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Nina,
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that swimming with whale sharks was such a breathtaking and unforgettable experience for you.
Our crew always strives to ensure our guests feel safe, informed, and cared for—so it’s wonderful to know you felt comfortable the entire time. And yes, that fresh ceviche really is the perfect way to wrap up the day!
We truly appreciate your 100% recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
Warmest regards,
Laura Ocean Tours Team
Marquis_M, Jul 2025
This was one of the most disappointing and frustrating experiences I’ve ever paid for. There were several crucial details completely left out until we were already on the shuttle, which felt incredibly deceptive.
First, there are 10+ boats out at once, each carrying around 5–10 people, all hoping to catch a glimpse of a whale shark but there’s no guarantee you’ll see even one. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, the actual viewing time lasts between 5 and 30 seconds (and that’s being generous). Only two people from each boat are allowed in the water at a time, and then your boat has to queue behind all the others for another brief chance if the shark hasn’t already swum away.
Despite having spent my life on boats without ever getting seasick, this tiny boat was unbearable. The sea was rough, the wind high, and the conditions clearly unsafe. The trip involved hours of aimless drifting, waiting for a radio call to announce a shark sighting. Once one was spotted, all boats would rush chaotically to the location, rocking violently the entire way. If you weren’t at the front of the line when you arrived, chances were high the shark would be gone before you got in the water restarting the whole exhausting process.
To make things worse, there was blatant mistreatment of certain passengers. Some were denied shade on the boat and forced to sit exposed in the blistering sun, even while others were allowed to take cover during the entire ride. Anything you bring on board will be completely soaked. The staff insisted on stowing our belongings under the boat, where they were left in standing water ruining anything not waterproof.
While the staff were friendly, the operation itself missed the mark in every way imaginable. This was a 12-hour ordeal full of motion sickness, confusion, mistreatment, and maybe a few seconds of distant whale shark viewing if you’re lucky. It was expensive, underwhelming, and ultimately felt like a complete waste of time and money. I absolutely would not recommend this experience to anyone and truly wish I could get a refund for how poorly everything was handled.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Marquis,
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We are truly sorry to hear that your experience on the whale shark tour was so disappointing and frustrating. This is certainly not the impression we want any of our guests to leave with, and we deeply regret that we did not meet your expectations.
We understand how important it is for travelers to receive clear and complete information before any tour, and we sincerely apologize if key details were not communicated in advance. We'll be reviewing our pre-tour materials and confirmation process to ensure that all aspects — including wildlife regulations, wait times, sea conditions, and equipment logistics — are better outlined and fully transparent.
Regarding the number of boats, queueing process, and limited in-water time, these are unfortunately the result of strict government regulations designed to protect the whale sharks and minimize human impact. While we fully support these conservation measures, we recognize how frustrating it can be to wait for a brief encounter — especially in difficult sea conditions. Your feedback reminds us how important it is to properly set expectations for this type of wildlife encounter.
We are particularly concerned by your mention of unequal treatment on board, lack of shade for some passengers, and how belongings were stored. This is not acceptable, and we are investigating the incident with our crew to ensure that all guests are treated with the same level of care and respect. We are also reviewing how personal items are stored to prevent damage and improve the overall onboard experience.
While we're grateful to hear that the crew were friendly, we understand that does not make up for the operational shortcomings you described. We take your comments seriously and will use them to make necessary improvements.
We would like the opportunity to follow up with you personally and see how we might make things right.
Thank you again for your honest review.
Sincerely, Laura
The Ocean Tours Team
Anthony_W, Jul 2025
We were promptly picked up at out hotel in Playa Del Carmen by Pepe and our driver. Pepe is a wealth of knowledge and incredible energy. Our guide was Pia who was incredible. We saw many whale sharks and the day was beautiful.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Anthony,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so glad to hear you had an awesome adventure and got to see many whale sharks — what an unforgettable experience!
Pepe and Pia will be thrilled to know their energy, knowledge, and guidance made your day so special. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back soon for another amazing journey in the Riviera Maya.
Warm regards, Laura
The Ocean Tours Team
Will_B, Jul 2025
Amazing experience! From pick up to drop off, all the guides were incredible! If you’re looking for an experience that doesn’t last all day this is it! Picked up right on time from our hotel, took 25 min drive to the marina. We opted for the wet suit rental (high recommend) and didn’t take long to start seeing turtles, dolphins & flying fish. Took about an hour to find the whale sharks. The guides offered great instructions and made us comfortable before our jumps. After having a few swims with the sharks we went back to Isla Mujeres and did snorkeling at the reef before drinks and homemade ceviche. Then was back at the hotel by 1:30. Highly recommend ocean tours!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Will,
Thank you for your amazing review! We're so glad to hear everything—from the punctual pickup to swimming with whale sharks and enjoying ceviche at Isla Mujeres—made for such a memorable experience. It’s great that our team made you feel comfortable and well-guided throughout the day.
We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Best regards, Laura
Ocean Tours Mexico
Justin_U, Jul 2025
Yes you have to get up early. Yes it’s a long ride in the van and on the boat. Yes you might get seasick. They have dramamine, so take it if you think necessary. Yes Mother Nature is unpredictable with weather, waves, and wild animals. Yes, it’s an experience of a lifetime. A dozen or so whale sharks all around us. Humbling and magnificent. Whale shark season is over the summer months and we hit it right in the middle. Captain Nando, Jose, and our guide Dori NAILED it. Guides in water with you entire time. I understand conditions vary on every experience, but our day was 10/10. On ride out we saw turtles and a pod of about 25-30 dolphins who were showing off! Jose banged on the boat and they came flying to us. The dolphins surfed with the boat and were playing all around us. INCREDIBLE. Now the advice. NO SUNSCREEN OF ANY KIND IS ALLOWED. Take hats and long sleeves rash guards. Take towels or cover ups for the boat trip. No bathrooms on boat so go before you leave at the marina. The ocean is fair game in case of emergency. The snorkeling was fun followed by a stop at Isla Mujeres playa norte for a dip in the water. Highlighted by fish ceviche freshly made by El Capitan. Take a change of clothes for when you return to marina for ride home. IT WAS INCREDIBLE
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Justin,
Thank you so much for this incredible and detailed review! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your whale shark experience was everything you hoped for—and more. It’s true, this tour requires an early start and a bit of adventure spirit, but as you said perfectly: it’s 100% worth it when you find yourself surrounded by these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
It sounds like Mother Nature was truly on your side that day—whale sharks, dolphins, turtles… what a lineup! That moment with the dolphins surfing alongside the boat must have been pure magic. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Captain Nando, Jose, and Dori—they’ll be so happy to know they helped make your day a 10/10. Our guides love what they do, and knowing they made your experience safe, smooth, and special means a lot.
We also appreciate you sharing those practical tips—like wearing rash guards, avoiding sunscreen, and preparing for the boat ride. It’s advice like yours that really helps future guests make the most of their day.
And how about that ceviche at Playa Norte? Freshly prepared by El Capitán is always the perfect way to wrap up an incredible day at sea!
Thanks again for trusting us with such a memorable adventure. We hope to see you again someday for another wild and beautiful experience.
Warmest regards, Laura
Ocean Tours Mexico
John_E, Jul 2025
Unless you are a strong open water swimmer you are waisting your time .
Extra cost of $20 for the park
Then $15 for a wet suit. No wet suit then you must wear a life vest that keeps you upright in the water.
Unless you can swim fast you don’t see much
2 jumps. Lucky I enjoy being on the water you see them
An inclusive dinner with one small bottle of beer188ml not even a wine glass in volume.
Then $50 for photos per person
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi John,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re glad you enjoyed being out on the water, but we’re sorry to hear the tour didn’t fully meet your expectations. The whale shark encounter does require confident swimming, and we do our best to inform guests ahead of time. The park fee and optional wetsuit rental are noted in the tour details, but we understand this could be clearer. Your feedback on the meal and photo pricing is also appreciated—we’ll use it to improve the experience for future guests.
Best regards, Laura
Ocean Tours Mexico
Allan_W, Jul 2025
Our tour guide was Pia and she was amazing, very enthusiastic and informative and friendly. We got to swim with the whale sharks (there were hundreds in the area) very easily. Each couple got three turns in the water with the whale sharks, about 5-10 minutes each turn. Pia was always with us in the water, assisting and filming (for purchase later at a reasonable price of $50). The boat captain and deckhand were helpful in facilitating the whole process. It takes a while (perhaps an hour) to get to the whale shark location. The second stop (snorkeling off the tip of Isla Mujeres) seemed a little rushed and the sea life was not fantastic; sure there were a few tropical fish, but I have definitely snorkeled in way better locations. The third stop was a crowded beach off the tip of Isla Mujeres. We dropped anchor in the crowded bay and jumped into the chest-deep water for 20 minutes. Sure the water was pretty, but it was way too crowded and there really was not sufficient time to enjoy the stop. We then had some homemade guacamole & ceviche (very tasty) and beverages on the boat, before heading back. We drove ourselves to the departure location at the pier just north of Cancun, when we arrived we parked across the street in a small, empty parking lot where others were parking. One of the many workers that were milling about stopped us as we were crossing the street and told us to park in the small parking lot on the pier side. So I went back to the car and moved it, even though they were not telling others to move. Upon exiting my car a lady approached me and demanded $5 for a parking fee. I started to move my car back to the original location, but then just decided to pay. That is when the lady demanded $11. It definitely had the feel of a scam. Also, I was later told by an independent person that there is no national park (hence the $20 additional park fee), but rather a government official-type fee that cannot be avoided due to the local state of conditions there. But at least this fee was advertised ahead of time. Overall a good trip, I was glad we did it and our tour guide was great, I just do not think I would ever do it a second time.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Allan,
Thank you for sharing such a detailed review. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the whale shark swim and had a great experience with Pia—she truly is a fantastic guide! We appreciate your honest feedback about the rest of the day, including the snorkeling and beach stop, as well as your comments about the parking situation.
Your insights help us identify areas where we can improve the overall experience, especially regarding clarity at the departure point and expectations for the final stops.
Thank you again for choosing us and for giving this once-in-a-lifetime experience a try!
Warm regards, Laura
Ocean Tours Mexico
Dr_C, Jul 2025
The whale shark experience was incredible! From Playa del Carmen ( Hotel Xcaret) it was a long drive and then a long boat ride ( over 1 hr each) to get to the Whale sharks. Santiago was our guide and we were glad he was. He made the experience more fun by being more knowledgeable and helpful for anything we needed. The snorkeling was fun and then right after to a beach area near the snorkeling to eat lunch. Even though it’s only a few minutes each jump into the water with the whale sharks it feels like just enough time. The only thing I wish they had was fresh water showers for when you get back to the dock. So you can change and rinse off the salt water before another 1.5 hr drive back to the hotel.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful review! We're so glad you had an incredible time with the whale sharks—it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Santiago will be thrilled to hear your kind words; he's a fantastic guide and always goes the extra mile to make the day special. Thanks again for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
Matt_C, Jul 2025
Saw Several Whale sharks. Our guide was very professional and friendly and even took pictures for us with my own camera. We also enjoyed snorkeling and lunch very much.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Matt,
Thank you so much for your review! We're thrilled to hear that you saw several whale sharks—what an incredible experience! It's great to know you enjoyed the snorkeling and lunch as well.
We're especially happy to hear your guide made the day even better by being both professional and friendly—and taking photos for you is always a nice bonus! We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to the team.
We hope to welcome you back on another adventure in the Riviera Maya soon!
Warm regards,
Laura Ocean Tours Mexico Team
Herbert_W, Jul 2025
Our tour guide Daniel was a lot of fun. We saw so many whale sharks from the surface as well as in the water. It was a perfect day and by going very early in the morning you still have the rest of the day after the tour to enjoy another activity this is really a once in a lifetime bucket list thing to do.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Herbert,
Thank you so much for your fantastic review!
We’re thrilled to hear you had such a memorable experience with Daniel and got to witness so many whale sharks — both from the boat and underwater! It truly is a bucket-list adventure, and we’re so glad it was a perfect day for you.
Starting early really does make the most of the day, and we love that you were able to enjoy even more afterward. Thanks again for choosing us and for recommending the experience to fellow animal lovers and snorkelers!
We hope to welcome you back for another Ocean Tours adventure soon.
Warm regards,
Laura Ocean Tours Team
Luis_M, Jul 2025
We got so lucky!
Nature CANNOT be controlled, but wow, Mother Nature showed up for us. According to the captain there were 20-30 whales that day. And we had an incredible experience. We had 2 dives of over 2 minutes each, and that was perfect. We rented wet suits that allowed us to swim better (highly recommend, since the whales can move quick). Diego (tour guide), Pepe (captain) and Pablo (sailor) were amazing.
The ride can be a bit uncomfortable, but it has to be done. On our way there we saw dolphins, flying fish, turtles and rays.
To anyone booking, please know that the team CANNOT control nature, you might get lucky to see these beautiful giants, but sometimes it doesn’t go that way.
It was worth every penny
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and honest review! You're absolutely right — nature is unpredictable, and we’re thrilled that she truly showed up for you that day! Seeing 20–30 whale sharks and having two incredible dives is beyond amazing. We're so glad you enjoyed the experience and appreciated the efforts of Diego, Pepe, and Pablo — they’ll be so happy to hear your kind words.
And thank you for sharing helpful tips for future travelers — especially about the wetsuits and managing expectations. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we’re so grateful you were able to enjoy it to the fullest. Worth every penny indeed! 🐋🌊🐬
Hanita_N, Jun 2025
It was amazing. Diego was our tour guide, and he made sure everyone had a great experience. Transport was on time. The activities were great. Some food and drinks were also provided.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much, Hanita! We're thrilled to hear you had an amazing experience and that Diego helped make it a memory of a lifetime. It’s great to know everything—from the transportation to the activities and refreshments—met your expectations. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Laura OCEAN TOURS
Amanda_K, Jun 2025
Fernando was an amazing guide! The boat crew was excellent! Allen and Chac made the best ceviche! Everything from beginning to end was excellent. I would highly recommend this company.
Make sure to bring long sleeve sun shirts, towels to cover your legs, etc. Sunblock is not allowed due to the marine life.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Amanda,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're so happy to hear that you had an excellent experience and that Fernando, Allen, and Chac helped make it unforgettable—especially with their famous ceviche!
We also appreciate you sharing helpful tips for future travelers. We hope to welcome you back soon for another amazing adventure!
Warm regards, Laura
Ocean Tours Mexico Team
Alison_K, Jun 2025
Pepe was awesome. The whale sharks were everywhere and we each had the opportunity to do two good snorkeles with them - the number of jumps is regulated and the guides must be licensed and adhere to the regulation. What was awesome was that he did some amazing photos and videos for you that were reasonably priced. You could do your own as well. We were also able to sunscreen before we left but not after. Another tour operator that was picking up other guests form our resort actually made her passenger go wash his reef safe mineral sunscreen off. This is important to know because with this tour there's very little shade. Make sure you plan for this and bring a hat, sleeves and something to cover your legs. You'll be in the sun for hours. I have a sunburn to go with the great photos and amazing memories.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you, Alison!
We’re so glad you had an unforgettable time on the Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera Maya. It’s awesome to hear that Pepe made the experience even better with his guidance and great photo and video work—those memories are truly priceless!
You're absolutely right about preparing for the sun. Thanks for highlighting those important tips: bringing a hat, long sleeves, and sun protection you can apply before boarding makes a huge difference. We appreciate you sharing this practical advice for future guests.
Thanks again for the thoughtful review—and the reminder that with great memories sometimes come a little sunburn!
Laura OCEAN TOURS
Susan_D, Aug 2024
Wonderful, knowledgeable tour guide-Rueben. Was friendly and so helpful! Wonderful ship’s captain and crew… made sure our experience was exceptional. Can’t wait to see videos! The whale sharks are such beautiful, peaceful creatures! Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
It sounds like you had an incredible experience! Rueben, the captain, and the crew all seem to have gone above and beyond to make your whale shark encounter unforgettable. It’s great to hear that they were both friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring that everything went smoothly. Whale sharks truly are majestic creatures, and it’s wonderful that you got to experience their beauty up close. I’m sure the videos will be amazing! Thanks for the high recommendation!
Tristan_M, Aug 2024
This was an awesome tour that allowed us to swim with Whale Sharks! Our tour guide X was amazing and so knowledgeable about the whale sharks. It was an unforgettable experience and something you need to try when in Cancun.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you, Tristan! We're delighted to hear that you had an awesome time swimming with whale sharks. It's great to know that your guide made the experience even more memorable with their knowledge. We hope to see you again for another unforgettable adventure in Cancun!
Best regards
Laura OCEAN TOURS
From $199.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya
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10 hours
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