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Cancun Whale Shark Experience with Snorkel & Transportation

25 Reviews 4.76 out of 5 stars Based on 25 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 92% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Cancun, Mexico

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On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 8 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Polish

Overview

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure featuring the majestic whale sharks, world’s biggest fish. Take advantage of this seasonal phenomenon to get as close as possible to the fascinating creatures that migrate to the Cancun coasts every summer.

The eco-friendly, small-group tour starts with a convenient hotel pickup available from most hotels. Arrive at Puerto Juarez and enjoy a light breakfast before boarding the speedboat that will take you close to Isla Contoy to admire and swim with the amazing Whale Shark.

Get your camera ready as you approach the impressive whale sharks swimming near the surface gracefully. Better yet, prepare your life jacket and snorkel, and jump into the Caribbean waters following your guide. Swim after the stunning whale shark while maintaining safe distance, observing as the giant fish drifts forward.

After two hours of sighting and two immersions, make a brief stop at Playa Norte and swim in one of the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.

What's Included

  • Breakfast Light breakfast
  • Lunch Shrimp or Fish ceviche & Guacamole
  • Carbonated beverages Sodas and water
  • Optional professional photographs
  • Neoprene suit available for rent
  • Dock Fee
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Please contact us in advance to confirm your exact pickup time and location.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Isla Mujeres (pass by)

Visit this paradisiacal island in the Mexican Caribbean, you'll have free time to explore and experience its food, crafts, and local culture, as well as its wonderful, world-renowned beaches.
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Isla Blanca (pass by)

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure featuring the majestic whale sharks, world’s biggest fish. Swim and snorkel at a safe distance, allowing you to admire the graceful giants from nearby. After your experience, snorkel on the reef close to Isla Mujeres and enjoy a delicious fish or shrimp ceviche.Following a convenient hotel pickup, cruise out to open waters near Isla Contoy. A light breakfast and fresh ceviche are served on the boat.Once the main activity has been completed, make a brief stop at stunning Playa Norte Beach on Isla Mujeres.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • This tour takes place in open ocean waters, so moderate waves and boat movement should be expected. It is highly recommended for guests prone to motion sickness to take precautions before the tour.
  • The whale shark encounter is weather-dependent and may be modified or canceled by the harbor master due to unsafe sea conditions.
  • Participants must know how to swim comfortably in open water to fully enjoy the snorkeling activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

(14)

Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?

A: Yes, we allow pregnant women to go on snorkeling. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before doing so to assess your individual health and pregnancy stage. Read more Jan 2022

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-308891P20

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.76
25 reviews

Average 4.76 out of 5 stars based on 25 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
21
4 stars
2
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • BreakfastLight breakfast
  • LunchShrimp or Fish ceviche & Guacamole
  • Carbonated beveragesSodas and water
  • Snorkel on the reef in Isla Mujeres
  • Remedies against motion sickness: ginger tea or dramamine
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cancun, Puerto Morelos & Playa del Carmen only
  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • Vegetarian meal available on demand
  • Free swimming time at stunning North beach (Playa norte)
  • Professional bilingual guide
  • Available Guides under request (French, Dutch, German, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Polish)
  • Optional professional photographs
  • Neoprene suit available for rent
  • Dock Fee
  • Pressure Brazalet for motion sickness (available for purchase)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Whale shark sightings are highly likely during the season, but as these are wild animals in their natural habitat, sightings cannot be 100% guaranteed.
  • For safety and environmental protection, touching the whale sharks or interfering with their natural behavior is strictly prohibited.
  • Participants will complete up to two guided whale shark swimming immersions depending on weather and ocean conditions.
  • This tour takes place in open ocean waters, so moderate waves and boat movement should be expected. It is highly recommended for guests prone to motion sickness to take precautions before the tour.
  • The whale shark encounter is weather-dependent and may be modified or canceled by the harbor master due to unsafe sea conditions.
  • Participants must know how to swim comfortably in open water to fully enjoy the snorkeling activity.
  • Life jackets are mandatory during all snorkeling and whale shark swimming activities.
  • The boat ride to the whale shark area may take approximately 1 hour depending on weather conditions and whale shark location on the day of the tour.
  • Marine life visibility and snorkeling conditions may vary depending on weather, currents, and sea conditions on the day of the activity.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
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