Whale Shark Tour from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen
Punta Sam, Mexico
- 7 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Swim alongside whale sharks in the Caribbean Sea on this tour from Cancun, which helps you maximize your time among the enormous marine creatures. Slip on snorkel gear and marvel at your proximity to these fish that can grow as long as 43 feet (13 meters)! After your memorable swim, sail to Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte for a beachside lunch.
- Maximize your chance of spotting whale sharks in one of the few areas they congregate
- Watch whale sharks feed on plankton and small fish
- Learn from a knowledgeable guide about marine life in the area
- Hotel transport from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Puerto Morelos is included. for ease
What's Included
- Bilingual Guide
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Water and soft drinks
- Snorkeling gear
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Admission Fee - Whale shark protected area$15.00 per person
- Government Fees$10.00 per person
- Air-conditioned vehicleHotel pickup Booking "Meeting point option"
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.6:00 am
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum age is 8 years
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Not wheelchair accessible
- It is recommended that you bring a swimsuit, a long sleeve shirt and bring sunscreen and a waterproof camera
- Pregnant women are not allowed
- Seasonal product operating May to September
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Barbara B
Eduardo was our tour guide and made sure my adult daughter and I had the most Amazing experience. My daughter is a natural in the water and a strong swimmer but myself I don’t swim well and was afraid getting into ocean water. With a life vest Eduardo held my hand in water and helped me have the most amazing life experience swimming along with the whale shark. Eduardo continued to support me and made sure I felt comfortable. The whale shark was so beautiful and a gentle giant. Thank you Eduardo and crew for our amazing, life changing experience.
Reviews
4.6
based on 77 reviews
heather_D, Jun 2025
Captain Genner took us right to the whale sharks and avoided the big crowds. Sailor Chicken was very kind and helpful and prepared the most delicious lunch. The guide Charley was very encouraging and even took my hand when I got left behind so I could still get a great view of these amazing animals. I will say that the boat ride both ways was much much longer than I expected and since no sunscreen was allowed we all got sunburned even though we tried to stay in the covered part of the boat. Light long sleeves would have been good to wear.
Nancy_G, Jun 2024
Great experience!!! Our tour guide was very professional and knowledgeable. He was very attentive to everyone in the group. I can see that he genuinely wanted us to see and get an incredible experience from the trip. Also, he is very careful and put our safety first. I strongly recommend this tour. Oh great boat and great captain too. He was also kind and generous.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience on our whale shark tour, and that both our guide and boat captain contributed to making it memorable for you.
Anna_F, Jun 2023
Fantastic experience. The crew was amazing and so was the experience! I went by myself and still felt very safe and had a blast! We saw about 15 whale sharks. It’s a once in a life time experience!
Lyndsey_C, Jun 2023
Amazing! The crew were wonderful I would most definitely recommend taking motion sickness medication before going..
Katelynn_D, Aug 2022
Amazing experience even the second time around. Felt Very safe. The crew was terrific. Loved it would go again.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thank you for the opportunity to take you in this amazing adventure hope to see you soon back in Mexico!
Stevie_M, Aug 2022
Great day out! We were lucky and got to see a few sharks and got really close to them.
We were back at the hotel by 2-3 pm (Cancun). It is a very well-organized tour, and Carlos was great. Would 100% recommend it, as the group size is small and they are super accommodating with yummy food on the Island after the sharks. Great information throughout. I would cover up too as you are not allowed to wear sunscreen when swimming with the sharks.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thank you for the opportunity to take you in this amazing adventure hope to see you soon back in Mexico!
Nicole_C, Aug 2022
I cannot say enough good things about our guide Charlie, Jenner, and the rest of the boat crew. While they don’t promise that you will see a whale shark, they do their best to make sure everyone does. We were lucky to have great weather and they did such a wonderful job making sure everyone got to see and swim with the whale sharks while also ensuring no one was touching or hurting them. You can tell that they obviously care so much about these animals and the ocean. They even stopped our boat to pick up trash they saw in the ocean.
After swimming, they take you to beautiful isla mujeres where they make you lunch on the water. It was so yummy and isla mujeres is so beautiful to swim around and take pictures at.
Some tips—the boat is VERY rocky so make sure you have some tablets for motion sickness. If you forget you can buy them for $1 at the drop off point. They were so sweet even when people did get motion sick.
Thank you again to Charlie and crew for making it such a wonderful adventure!
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Thank you for the opportunity to take you in this amazing adventure hope to see you soon back in Mexico!
David_Y, Jul 2022
Unbelievable experience with my family! Highly recommend! It was a birthday present for my daughter 2 years in the making(Covid)….well worth the money spent!!
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Thank you for the opportunity to takenyou in this amazing adventure!
Louise_B, Jul 2022
Because of a mixup, we never got picked up at our hotel security checkpoint. The reason given was that the people who were picked up before us were late in arriving at their pickup place. While I realize that things happen, we waited an hour at the place and time which we had confirmed the day before. In my opinion, those people should have been left behind, or at the very least, charged the amount that we paid for recompense to the company for their tardiness. Viator DID refund me the total amount I paid immediately, which is a BIG point in their favor. The rudeness of the people before us caused this whole foul-up, in my opinion. Perhaps you should consider changing your policy to leave behind customers who are more than 10 minutes late at their pickup point.
We did schedule a whale shark trip with another company, and it was great.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
We are sorry for the situation, the first pickup clients make us wait for them, at the end they decide not to show up, on the second pickup customers show up late, unfortunetally we didnt coordinate correctly with the van driver to contact you, plus the situation of security check point at your hotel, that they didnt autorize us to access at your lobby, was a complicated situation, thank you for your comments we will consider to inprove our tour operations on situations like this.
James_C, Jun 2022
When we first arrived at the site we saw numerous whale sharks at least 10. The boat dropped us off as close to the sharks as possible. While there a group of dolphins came in the area. On the way back we saw the dolphins again and the crew guided the boat toward them. The dolphins then started swimming around the boat. The sea was very calm which made the boat ride and swim with the sharks ideal. The only reason I didn’t give the experience 5 stars was because the time you get to swim with the sharks seems very short but I think that is regulated.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
You where so lucky to spot dolphins in addition to swimming with the whale sharks, thank you for choosing us!
Nancy_C, Jun 2022
Actually we did not see any well sharks. The staff however was very helpful and friendly. The ceviche lunch was awesome and The Visit to Isla Mujeres beach was wonderful
Response from Host, Jun 2022
Unfortunately, this is a nature tour where we search for the sharks in the open sea, where we don't have control of them, and sometimes they just don't show up, our boat staff tries their best to find them, thank you very much for your honest comment of the situation.
Aucencio_A, Jul 2021
The crew made this an even better experience. I’d suggest having or renting a go pro because it’s well worth it. Our guide took ours and recorded an amazing video that I’ll have to share down the road at no extra cost. The ceviche and guacamole snack was fantastic. The whale shark snorkel was top notch and I was lucky enough to have one turn in my direction.
Luana_B, Jul 2021
I had an absolute BLAST! Everything was perfect from beginning to end. Great communication for pick up. The crew/guide were super nice and friendly, we saw lots of whale sharks and had the best experience ever. Fresh ceviche and guac at Isla Mujeres just made the tour even better. 100% recommended!!
neetu_c, Jul 2021
The title is scam it’s not a whale shark swimming it’s more like whale shark seeing for two minutes after two hours of being in a boat with choppy waters and a bumpy ride. That’s the only way to get there and once we got there everyone was seasick and throwing up which was horrible experience and no one warned us that this was the trip. It is not worth 660 dollars for 4 people. I wouldn’t even pay 100 dollars for this. The tour guide and the driver were AMAZING!! The service was excellent but the whole tour overall was not worth it. As you only get to see whale shark for two minutes and that too barely clear.
Response from Host, Jul 2021
The whale shark tour is a 100% Nature tour, we can't control the weather conditions and the whale sharks, we do all we can to provide the best experience but unfortunettally some days this is not enought, we have days where dozens or more of whale sharks are sight, but as we mention this is out of our hands.
Naoyuki_T, Jul 2021
A tour that takes you on a boat for an hour , where you suffer from vomiting in the high waves, see whale sharks for 5 minutes, and suffer on the boat for another hour.I can’t recommend to the family who has child.
Response from Host, Jul 2021
The whale shark tour is a 100% Nature tour, we can't control the weather conditions and the whale sharks, we do all we can to provide the best experience but unfortunettally some days this is bot enought. we have days where dozens or more of whale sharks are sight, but as we mention this is out of our hands.
Skyler_S, Jun 2021
This was a great tour! Pickup was on time, was a little shop that gave us snacks at the pier and offered sunscreen and water shirts. And the whale sharks were magnificent!! Such an amazing creature to swim with! They fed us sandwiches at first then cooks us some great fish and chips! I would definitely recommend!
Response from Host, Jun 2021
So happy to hear you enjoy this amazing adventure, hope we can see you soon in Meixco again!
Michael_P, Sep 2020
This was one of the best experiences ever. If you are lucky enough to get Carlos as your tour guide you've hit the jackpot! He made the trip comfortable, safe, and extremely enjoyable. We'd do it again and again!
Response from Host, Sep 2020
Thank you for your comments, this helps us a lot to achieve the goal of having the best guides in our activities, and provide unforgettable experiences!
Carlos, Jul 2020
Probably the best experience I've had in 42 yrs of life. I taking my son back to Cancun just to do it next week. I think all 7 people on the boat enjoyed it but probably not as much as I did. Read the other reviews, if you are a strong swimmer this will be YOUR best excursion ever. If your not a strong swimmer it's still worth going but you will feel like you are chasing them instead of swimming with them.
The transfer driver, Carlos, was GREAT. He was very informative explaining all sorts of things about these perfect creatures. The boat guide, also named Carlos, was great too and even took lots of photos and videos for me. It was AMAZING from start to finish!!
NOTE: When I read that it was mandatory to wear a life vest in the water I was a little disgruntled. But even Michael Phelps would get tired of trying to keep up with these guys without one. No matter how good of a swimmer you are don't be disgruntled about wearing it, it keeps you in the water swimming with these amazing animals longer!
Response from Host, Jul 2020
Thank you for the opportunity to take you on this amazing adventure, we hope to see you again !!
Travis_D, Jul 2020
We had a FABULOUS time with Michelle and Pepe during this excursion! It was mind blowing. They truly love what they do, and shared that love with us during this time. Due to the beaches of Isla Mujeres being closed, we ate on the boat and enjoyed the turquoise waters which was AMAZING! Our driver made us feel safe & secure by making everyone wear masks during the transport. THIS IS A MUST DO WHILE IN CANCUN! They catch the fish for the ceviche fresh every morning for your lunch.. and you can tell that it is fresh because it’s so tasted! They made us feel like family. The only recommendation I have is to remind people to take Dramamine before you go. My boyfriend got very sick on the hour-ride to the whale sharks. The waters are choppy and the boat is small (to ensure safety of the wildlife). I’ve traveled the world, and this excursion was one of the best things I’ve ever done! Thank you to the amazing staff!!
Response from Host, Jul 2020
And incredible experience swimming whit sharks, thank you for the opportunity to take you in this adventure,
Regards!
Eline_V, Jul 2019
We booked this tour by viator because all te excursion of Tui were too expensive.
This tour was not that good.
First we got picked up in our hotel, on time. And then we had a one hour drive to Cancun.
We got in a speedboat with a small group of 10 people. They keep talking about protecting the environment and the animals and that you only go in the sea for a short time in couples, but then you arrive at the spot and then you see 50 other boats laying there. We were the first couple to go swimming, they told us to sit on the boat and than they suddenly pushed us hard off the boat. My friend was fine, but I got goggles that didn't fit well so i didn't see anything because there was all the time water in my eyes. After only a few minutes, we already had to go back to the boat. The second swim was even shorter. After this disappointing meeting with the whale sharks, we went to Isla Mujeres. We only could swim in the sea and eat on the boat. The overview of the excursion says that you have a lunch on the beaches of Isla Mujeres, but you just sit on the boat.
If you would like to go swimming with the whale sharks, we recommend that you book with another company.
Response from Host, Jul 2019
Hello, we have great reviews in all our past tours, we ask to our clients to fill a evaluation form at the end of every tour and we have excellent reviews, probably you didnt book with us we are ContoyExcursions. Please check the name of the company you took the tour, in case is us please let us know the day of your tour and name of the guide to find out what happend.
rguillen65, Sep 2018
we have the most amazing trip not because the tour Gide the girls(maria) was a disaster but thanks to the captain and his helper our trip was excellent good job
Barbara B, Aug 2018
Eduardo was our tour guide and made sure my adult daughter and I had the most Amazing experience. My daughter is a natural in the water and a strong swimmer but myself I don’t swim well and was afraid getting into ocean water. With a life vest Eduardo held my hand in water and helped me have the most amazing life experience swimming along with the whale shark. Eduardo continued to support me and made sure I felt comfortable. The whale shark was so beautiful and a gentle giant. Thank you Eduardo and crew for our amazing, life changing experience.
tanaisxena, Jul 2018
Great Adventure! Treated well. Please put pick up time from Hotel on voucher. Causes problems not knowing. Otherwise awesome Excursion.
JULIEN K, Jul 2017
Its not my first time in Mexico but it was with the unbelievable whale shark. I booked this excursion this weekend and it was my best experience ever with an amazing company. They picked up on my hotel and we drove until the north of Cancun to get to the boat. The guide Carlos is the most amazing guide i knew i did lot of excursions around the world. He explained us everything about the activity and the whale sharks. He is very profesional. After 45 min on the boat, we arrived in the national park of the whales sharks and we saw a lot. We had to jump group of 2 people on the water more the guide. My first jump was great and i met 3 whales sharks on the same time. Carlos guided me on the water and i could really enjoyed the swim. The water was so clear. This animal is so gentle and giant. After the swim few jumps. we came back close to a beautiful island and we get a delicious meal. Of course we had drinks all the activity. This day was the best of my life. I recommand this excursion 100. Ask for Carlos. Best guide ever !!!!
SHARON f, Sep 2015
the explanation is deceiving...the crew and the lunch were great...you are required to wear a life vest or a wetsuit which they rent out....the Viator says 2 hours of snorkeling...but you only get 2 chances in the water each about 5 min ...it is crowded, chaotic...
glad i did it, but VERY EXPENSIVE FOR WHAT YOU GET
Fabiola_B, Jul 2024
Poder ver al tiburon ballena de cerca fue algo extraordinario e inolvidable, los guías fueron amables, comprensibles y atentos con nosotros; encontraron al tiburon ballena rápido y todo el rato estaban pendientes de nosotros. Cumplieron al sumerginos dos veces e incluso a una persona una tercera para que si o si pudiera ver al tiburon. Gracias por permitirnos disfrutar de la belleza de este animal marino. Lo recomendamos totalmente.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
¡Muchas gracias por tu maravillosa reseña! Nos alegra mucho saber que tuviste una experiencia fantástica y disfrutaste de nuestro increíble tour. Tus amables palabras significan mucho para nosotros y nos sirven como gran estímulo. ¡Esperamos poder recibirte nuevamente pronto para otra aventura inolvidable!
Nitram Z, Jun 2019
Experience unique de nager avec les requins baleines si proches. Des informations sur l'animal, son mode de vie, l'environnement sont fournis ... la sécurité pour sa protection ainsi que la notre est vraiment prise en considération. Équipe dynamique et prise en charge à l'hôtel sérieuse.
Unique experience of swimming with whale sharks so close. Information about the animal, its way of life, the environment is provided ... the security for its protection as well as ours is really taken into consideration. ttentive, available, dynamic team and make the experience even more attractive.
Response from Host, Jun 2019
Merci de nous avoir donné l’occasion de vous accompagner dans cette incroyable aventure en espérant que vous viendrez bientôt.
From $155.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Whale Shark Tour from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen
77
7 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$155.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Snorkeling
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Whale Watching
- On the Water
- Outdoor Activities
- Cruises & Sailing
- Punta Sam
- Snorkeling - Isla Mujeres
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Isla Mujeres
- Whale Watching - Isla Mujeres
- Snorkeling - Cancun
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Cancun
- Whale Watching - Cancun
- Snorkeling - Isla Holbox
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Isla Holbox
- Whale Watching - Isla Holbox
Attractions in Punta Sam, Mexico
More attractions near Punta Sam, Mexico