Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Join us at one of the world’s top destinations for whale shark encounters in the warm, open waters of the tropics. Experience the awe of seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat a true marvel of the ocean. With over 15 years of experience, our expert team offers unmatched knowledge, comfortable boats, and exceptional service to prepare you for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Get ready to witness whale sharks up close! While swimming alongside them is an unforgettable thrill, it cannot be guaranteed. Your safety and the well-being of the whale sharks are our highest priorities, so swimming will only be allowed when conditions are ideal. Even if the experience is limited to viewing from the boat, the sight remains breathtaking and deeply memorable.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
What To Expect
Isla Contoy National Park
Boat Ride: Enjoy a scenic boat ride to whale shark hotspots. Whale Shark Snorkeling: Swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Marine Life: Look for dolphins, turtles and manta rays. Encounter vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish while snorkeling at the reef. Expert Guides: Learn from our knowledgeable guides who ensure your safety.
Playa Norte
On our last stop, we'll anchor in front of the world-famous Playa Norte beach from Isla Mujeres. This idyllic spot is renowned for its soft white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant atmosphere. We'll share a typical Caribbean lunch featuring delicious ceviche, creamy guacamole, and crunchy totopos. Afterward, celebrate the day by wading in the shallow, warm waters or simply relax and soak up the sun on the pristine beach.
Options
From Cancun & Riviera Maya
Summer 2026: Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya with pick up included Pickup included
Private Whale Shark Tour
Private Service Pickup included
What‘s Included
Fish or Shrimp Ceviche with totopos & guacamole(please advise of dietary restrictions)
Coffee Break
Round-Trip Transportation (Meeting Point at the Pier Excludes Round Transportation)
Bilingual Guide
Gratuities
Souvenirs (available to purchase)
HD videos and pictures of your whale shark watching experience available in digital package.
Wetsuit Rental
Conservation of the Marine Fauna -
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
979 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Majestic
avasT2197OM,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was absolutely wonderful and a time I will never forget. The tour was smooth and enjoyable, just like how I hoped it would be.
Awesome Experience
keithfK6027PR,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience, and one big tick off my bucket list. So many Whale Sharks and the bonus of Manta Ray's and Devil Ray's.... Special mention to Pepe. Great guide.
Fernando, great tour guide
cathysX9062UI,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent day out. Fantastic tour guide Fernando, so friendly informative, funny approachable. He looked after everyone, lovely person, made the trip.
Whale sharks 🦈
zoee967,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience with the whale sharks. Ruben was so knowledgeable and took some fantastic content for us. The whole ts we had today were fab! Would definitely recommend
Amazing experience!
Emily L,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour and experience. We were in a group of 10 and picked up at our hotel. Nicholas was our guide and the boat captain and crew were wonderful. Nick gave a bit of an overview on the van ride and at the marina. It was about an hour ride out, then the sharks were spotted and we all got to swim twice and it was fantastic. Then an hour boat ride back to the reef for an half hour of snorkeling where Nick lead us around and pointed out details. Then a bit of time at the same bar to eat and hang out. We didn’t try the ceviche but the drinks, ham and cheese sandwiches, and guacamole were excellent. The whole excursions was 6-7 hours. Amazing day! Couple things to know: 1. You cannot wear sunscreen so be prepared to cover up what you don’t want burned (buffs over the neck and face, hats, long sleeved rash guards). 2. Boat ride is bumpy so take the Dramamine they offer 3. We were a bit leery because we’ve seen posts that said it felt like boats were chasing the whale sharks, but that was not our experience. There were many boats out there, but they were all courteous and because of the rules none can stay long, so it’s only a few hours a day that people are there and even then only a few people were in the water at a time around any of the sharks. We kept our distance and it was a wonderful experience.
Had a blast swimming with whale sharks
oscargJ6171FU,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great experience swimming with whale sharks with my daughter. Maximiliano was an excellent guide and the whole team was well-informed, experienced, and friendly. We had a blast. Strongly recommend.
Just book it!
Jennifer S,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Everything 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.
Truly Magical Experience!
Rosiecab87,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our day started extremely early with pickup transportation from Playa del Carmen, but it was worth every minute. Vanessa was our ray of sunshine, greeting us warmly as soon as we arrived at the shuttle. During the drive to Cancun, she provided plenty of information about the tour while offering snacks and refreshments along the way. As an added bonus, she also made motion sickness medication (Dramamine) available for anyone who wanted it, helping ensure everyone could enjoy the tour as comfortably as possible. The check-in process was very smooth, especially considering the number of groups arriving at the same location. We had time to use the restroom, change clothes, and enjoy a cup of coffee before heading out. One detail we especially appreciated was that any remaining balance was collected at the end of the tour, eliminating unnecessary stress before the adventure began. Our boat crew consisted of Captain Raul and skipper Eric, who did an outstanding job throughout the day. They were attentive, accommodating, and always made sure everyone was comfortable and having a great experience. Not only was the staff exceptional, but we were also incredibly fortunate to encounter an entire group of whale sharks during our tour. Everyone had multiple opportunities to jump into the water and swim alongside these magnificent creatures. Vanessa accompanied us in the water as both a guide and photographer, capturing unforgettable moments with her GoPro. After our whale shark encounters, we headed to the coral reef near Isla Mujeres for some fantastic snorkeling. Once we finished exploring the reef, we made our way to a nearby beach where we enjoyed free swimming and lunch. The homemade ceviche served with corn chips was absolutely delicious, especially when paired with a complimentary beer. Eric then brought out freshly cut melon, which was the perfect refreshing treat after a day in the sun. This experience was the absolute perfect way to end our trip, as it was our final day in the area. We truly cannot thank the staff enough for creating such incredible memories. If you're considering a whale shark excursion, look no further—this tour will not disappoint! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Impressive experience
Curiosity67453885938,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible experience; swimming with the whale shark has been amazing!! Our guides Alma, Diana, and the captain made our day a wonderful experience ☺️
Unforgettable experience!
23michaelas,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, very professional organization, fantastic guide Raul! It was realy worth it Thank you Ocean Tour :)
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Operated by Ocean Tours Mexico