Private and Shared Whale Shark Tour from Tulum

Cancun, Mexico

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

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Overview

Cancun is one of the best places in the world to view whale sharks all year round and this half-day tour from Tulum offers a rare glimpse of the magnificent creatures. Accompanied by an experienced guide, dive in to swim in the warm waters around Isla Mujeres, Contoy and Holbox; watch whale sharks in their natural environment; then tuck into a delicious lunch (included) of fresh ceviche.

Half-day whale shark tour from Tulum
Cruise around Isla Mujeres, Contoy and Holbox
Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the warm waters around Cancun
Admire wild whale sharks in their natural environment
Tuck into a light lunch on-board and sample fresh ceviche
Fully supervised tour: no animal contact
Small-group tour limited to 15 people ensures a personalised tour

What's Included

Meeting pont (depending Cancun or Tulum)
Air-conditioned transportation if was choose this option
Snorkeling with whale sharks
Snacks
Boat ride
Snorkel and equipment
Professional guide

Ecopark tax
Gratuities
Photos and videos (available for purchase, please request in advance before the tour)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico
meeting point in Cancun meeting point in Super Aki of Tulum

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Arranged start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.

06/15/2026 - 09/15/2026
Monday - Sunday : 4:00 AM - 4:00 PM

What To Expect

After an early morning pickup from your Tulum hotel or centrally located meeting point, meet your guide and small group of no more than 15 people in time for a 6am departure. On arrival in Cancun, hop aboard and set sail around the islands of Isla Mujeres, Contoy and Holbox, one of the most popular spots for whale shark viewing on the Yucatán Peninsula.

Along the way, listen as your guide tells you more about the magnificent sea creatures, which are the largest fish species in the world and can grow up to 65 feet (20 meters) long. Hear how the whale sharks frequent the region where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico to feed on plankton as you catch your first glimpse of the impressive sharks.

After a safety briefing and instruction on how to swim around the sharks, dive into the ocean to swim, snorkel, and enjoy a closer look at the wild whale sharks. Swimming will be conducted in pairs, accompanied by a guide at all times, and there will be no contact or interaction with the whale sharks to ensure that their natural environment is not disturbed.

Back on the boat, refuel with a light lunch, including drinks and delicious fresh ceviche, as you cruise back to shore.

On arrival in Cancun, a driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, where your tour ends around 1pm.

Isla Mujeres

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Wear a bathing swimsuit under your clothes and if you have a wetsuit, you can bring it
Not wheelchair accessible
Please wear comfortable clothes (long sleeve t-shirt, pants and shoes) and bring a towel, sandals, Hat and sunglasses and a Photo camera
Please bring biodegradable sunscreen
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
For the private tour is a maximum of 10 people per booking

The size of boat is 30 feet
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
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Reviews

3.7

based on 3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Incredible Experience

t_flem96, Aug 2019

My friends and I found this whale shark tour through 'Inspired by Maps' travel blog, and we are SO happy we did. This tour is not only the best price we found, but we could not imagine a better experience. We were picked up from our airbnb in Tulum for a small extra charge that was communicated to us beforehand, since we were so far from the tour destination in Cancun. When we arrived there was a delicious breakfast and coffee provided after a long and early drive. Our boat driver Pablo took us and 2 other small groups of people on his boat way out past Isla Mujeres to see the whale sharks. I could not believe how many whale sharks there were! Maybe more than 50 in the area we went to. Pablo and our whale shark guide were friendly and professional. There were drinks, sandwiches, and ceviche provided after swimming. I honestly could not recommend this tour more! The whale sharks are incredible and I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. It is completely unfair that someone gave a 1 star review on Viator because they did not want to pay the legitimate fee for entering a protected wildlife area.

Response from Host, Aug 2019

We are really happy to hear this is a memorable experience for you. Hope to see you again soon!!

Magical

Melena_S, Jul 2019

This was one of the best experiences of my life! Swimming with the whale sharks was more magical and humbling than I could have ever imagined; truly one of the best experiences of my life. Our guide Raul was knowledgeable, fun and went above and beyond to make sure we had the best possible experience. Thank you Raul for this life changing experience!

Response from Host, Jul 2019

We are so glad you enjoyed this tour as much as we enjoyed assisting you. Making people´s experience unforgetable is the best reward.

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE WILL NEVER USE THIS COMPANY EVER AGAIN!

rugina_m, Sep 2018

We booked this trip and was told we would be picked up and droppe off to our hotel Azulik. Then we were told via Whatsapp to go to a Super Market 5:10 am in the morning. Not only did they NOT pick us up from the hotel they also dropped us back to the Supermarket after the tour was over. They picked up everyone from their hotel door to door service. I am unsure why my $150.00 was not good enough for pick up and drop off service as mentioned when we booked our trip. We had to pay for our own taxi both ways and we also tipped the driver and the guys on the boat. We got to the tour and rented the equipment after we paid for them and got on the boat they wanted additional $10 for TAXES! This whole trip felt like a scam. We swam with the Shark Whales for a maximum of maybe 15 minutes. I demand a refund for my taxi, the tip for the driver and the FAKE maritime fee.