Whale sharks
private whale shark experience Mexico
Cancun whale shark tour
Swim with whale sharks in Mexico – An unforgettable experience in the Riviera Maya
Swimming side by side with whale sharks in Mexico is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have during your vacation in the Riviera Maya. Join us on a unique whale shark tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or the surrounding areas and get the chance to encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Are whale sharks dangerous?
Many guests ask: Are whale sharks dangerous? The answer is no. Despite their impressive size, whale sharks are completely harmless to humans. They are the largest fish in the world, not predators. Their name comes from their enormous size and their feeding behaviour, similar to whales.
Whale sharks can reach an average length of 9–12 meters and belong to the few shark species that filter their food from the water. They swim through plankton-rich waters with their mouths open, feeding on plankton, krill, microorganisms and small fish.
Unlike many other shark species, whale sharks are slow and peaceful swimmers. They usually move through the water at around 5 km/h, making it possible to observe these magnificent animals while swimming or snorkeling nearby.
Best time to swim with whale sharks in Mexico
Every year, from June to mid-September, whale sharks migrate to the waters north of Cancun. During this season, the high concentration of plankton attracts large numbers of whale sharks to the area. It is also common to encounter other impressive marine animals, including manta rays.
The whale shark season in Cancun and the Riviera Maya offers one of the best opportunities to experience these gentle giants in the wild.
Your private whale shark tour experience
Join us for a memorable private whale shark tour in Cancun and the Riviera Maya and make this adventure one of the highlights of your Mexico vacation.
With our personal service, local knowledge and small-group approach, we create an unforgettable experience focused on nature, respect for marine life and incredible memories.
The whale shark tour includes:
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certified tour guide (english, spanish or french available)
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pick-up and transfer from/to your hotel in an a/c minivan
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transfer to the marina in Cancun
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breakfast roll
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boat tour looking for whale sharks
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Snorkel with whale sharks (assuming successful search)
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Boat ride to "Playa Norte" – the northern beach of Isla Mujeres
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bathe & relax with snacks (ceviche, sandwich and fruits) in the crystal clear water
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softdrinks & water during the whole day
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13,00 USD national park fee
Not included:
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Tips and personal expenses
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photos/videos
price per charter:
group size of 9-10 guests: 2115 USD
group size of 7-8 guests: 1960 USD
group size of 6 guests: 1890 USD
price per charter:
group size of 5 guests: 1825 USD
group size of 4 guests: 1800 USD
group size of 3 guests: 1770 USD
group size of 2 guests: 1620USD
duration of the tour:
about half a day, the duration varies and depend on the location of the whale sharks plus travel time, depending on the location of the hotel
This tour is available daily from June to September.
Check out Dates & Booking for further information concerning a reservation.
Detailed tour description:
Our boat trip to the whale sharks starts early in the morning in Cancun to be among the first ones in the whale shark area. We pass Isla Mujeres and head north towards Isla Contoy.
The GPS coordinates at which the whale sharks were seen the day before will give us a clue for our search.
Enjoy the approx. 1 - 1.5 hour boat trip while the sun slowly rises and the turquoise blue colours of the Caribbean appear.
As soon as we have located the whale sharks you will get ready for snorkeling. Our experienced captain will position us in the best possible way, but still with sufficient distance to the animals. You will jump into the water in pairs and will be accompanied by a guide.
Together we will try to make your swim with these fascinating creatures as long as possible.
In general everyone has at least two opportunities to swim with the whale sharks before we leave the whale shark area.
Then we will head back to Isla Mujeres.
In front of the island, at the northern beach “Playa Norte” we drop our anchor in the crystal clear, shallow water.
After a little snack you can just enjoy the sea, swim and relax before we will return to Cancun.
Important information:
We do not recommend this tour for pregnant women or people with back problems, as it can get bumpy during the boat trip when the waves are rough. For nausea you can receive tablets (Dramamine) from us before the boat trip.
Life jackets are mandatory for swimming with whale sharks since the 2019 season.
We recommend inexperienced snorkelers to "practice" in advance if possible, in order to be able to enjoy this experience as much as possible.
This excursion only takes place under ideal conditions, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee that the whale sharks will be found. These animals are in their natural habitat and therefore part of nature, on which we have no influence.
Don't forget to take with you:
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Swimwear, towel, sunglasses, sun hat, sandals
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Long sleeve t-shirt for snorkeling
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biodegradable sunscreen
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Change of clothes (to change after the boat tour)
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maybe a camera
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money for personal expenses (photos/videos) and tips where applicable, e.g. for our drivers and captains
Impressions of the whale shark tour:
For more pictures, follow us on Instagram.
