Cancun Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour
Are you looking for the best whale shark tours in Cancun? Look no further! Our Cancun Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour offers a unique experience for advanced swimmers (swim with no life vest) and families (certified staff and top boats). Swim face-to-face with the whale shark, the largest fish on Earth, in crystal-clear water. Plus, an amazing beach stop with a delicious tropical meal. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your family!
Avoid crowds & Unlock Mexico’s hidden gems with our safe and reliable tours, join the thousands of satisfied customers and book your whale shark tour today!
*All photos are from Captain Whale Shark
Daily tours: 08:00 am
7 hours approx.
Captain Whale Shark Cancun, Puerto Juarez.
Map here.
Optional Pickup & Drop-off
Or Free Private Parking
Book in advance with 20% OFF!
Discount will be applied directly at the checkout.
-
Traveler $3580 MXN
(Approx. $179 USD) -
Hotel Roundtrip
Transportation + $300 MXN
(Approx. $15 USD)
* Exchange rate is subject to your bank
Why Us?
- Certified crew, boats and equipment. We are committed to make this experience unique and stress-free.
- 5.0/5.0 rating on Trip advisor. We are proudly the highest rated whale shark tour.
- Swim with NO life vest (optional for advanced swimmers). Neoprene Wetsuit is mandatory if you swim with no life vest, we’ll provide them with no extra cost!
- Avoid crowds! Max 10 people per boat to guarantee individual attention.
- No experience needed! Family-friendly tour, kids and beginners are welcome!
What's included?
- Roundtrip transportation (optional if selected)
- Cofee break at the marina (coffee, juice and pastries)
- Life vests (we have children size)
- Wetsuit for advanced swimmers.
- Snorkel gear (fins, mask, snorkel)
- Water and softdrinks on board
- Shrimp ceviche & sandwiches for lunch
- Dock and conservation fee. $10 USD per person payable at check-in.
- Tips (optional)
- Photos & video (Available for purchase if you like them after the tour)
- Not recommended for people with problems in the back, shoulders, neck, or recent surgery.
- Pregnant women allowed under prior request with a doctor allowance and responsive form.
- Only children older than 5 years old allowed.
- Transportation is available from any Hotel or meeting point in Cancun & Costa Mujeres
Itinerary
Pickup at your hotel lobby (optional). We’ll pick you up at your hotel lobby 30 to 60 minutes before the tour starts, depending on your hotels location. The driver will get off the van and call you by your name.
Safety Brief and coffee Check-in while enjoying some coffee, juice, and pastries. Safety briefing and neoprene wetsuit fitting.
Boarding time and boat ride to the Whale Sharks Area (30 to 60 miles North East Cancun).
*Our boats are equipped with double engine to make the ride faster, less bumpy and more comfortable, excellent for families.
*Stay alert, we have big chances to see dolphins, mantas, and sea turtles.
Time to snorkel with the whale shark! We’ll take turns: 2 people at a time, always with a guide in the water, with no time limit.
* Bring your camera!
Tropical Power lunch with fresh ceviche. Delicious power lunch to recover energy on the way back. There’s veggie and vegan options (please note in the comments)
Time to go back. We are back in the marina. Bathrooms and freshwater showers are available.
If you booked transportation, we’ll drop you off right at the exact point we picked you up.
Reviews
Suggestions
Bring sunglasses, bathing suite,hat, towel, an extra change of clothes, and of course your camera!
Use of sunscreen is forbidden. It is very harmful to the whale sharks and it can cause them to leave the area and compromise your experience. Wear a long-sleeve rash-guard, shirt or sun protective clothing.
Bring extra cash for personal expenses such as souvenirs, pictures and tips.
Cancelation & terms
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. Non-refundable transaction fee 5%.
- Free reschedule up to 24 hours before the tour subject to availability.
- Cancellations under 24 hours before the tour will be considered “no show” and no refund will be granted.
- Whale Shark encounter is not guaranteed: Whale sharks are wild animals, so while we have a 98% success rate during the season, sightings can’t be 100% guaranteed and no refund will be issued.
For more information please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Is the whale shark encounter guaranteed?
We’d love to say yes, but nature doesn’t work on a schedule. Whale sharks are wild animals, so while we have a 98% success rate during the season, sightings can’t be 100% guaranteed. The best time to come is between June 21st and August 15th, when sightings are most frequent and conditions are ideal.
In the unlikely case we don’t spot any, we’ll offer you a special rate if you’d like to try again on another day.
For how long will I swim with the whale sharks?
We can’t lock in a specific swim duration because, hey, we’re dealing with Mother Nature. Whale sharks are free spirits in the sea, and we can’t predict their moves and mood (if they feel like a chill float or a full-on swim session).
We can’t promise a specific time, but what we can guarantee is that we won’t rush you. We’re all about a laid-back, no-rush vibe. Your encounter with these gentle giants is as unique as you are, and we won’t call it a day until everyone’s smiling from ear to ear .
As a conservation measure (by law, and applies to all tour operators) every guest has the right to jump only twice into the water, however, when it happens that one of the turns is too short, we do a third one to compensate (No one’s getting cut off until we’re all happy and fulfilled) 😉
What happens if there's bad weather?
If there’s a weather cancellation, we’ll absolutely work with you to reschedule for another suitable time.
In case rescheduling is not possible for you, we offer a full refund. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities!
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks in Cancun?
Absolutely! Whale sharks are incredibly gentle creatures – they are not aggressive as they lack natural predators. Their slow, graceful movements and toothless mouths make them perfectly suited for up-close encounters with humans.
Our expert guides prioritize your safety at all times, ensuring you can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with peace of mind. So, if you decide not to choose Captain Whale Shark, just be sure you choose a certified tour provider.
Can you touch whale sharks?
You must never touch a whale shark. Human touch can potentially damage their delicate skin, which serves as protection against parasites and infections. Additionally, touching whale sharks can disrupt their natural behavior and may cause stress or discomfort, probably encouraging the whale shark to swim to the bottom of the sea to never see it again, (ruining the activity for you an the rest). Our priority is to promote respectful, responsible and sustainable interactions without direct contact.
What is the best month to swim with the whale sharks in Cancun?
Whale shark season in Cancun is from May,15th to September, 15th, being July the best month to swim with the whale sharks.
How big are whale sharks in Cancun?
We receive juvenile whale sharks that go up to 60 feet long!