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Cancun whale shark snorkelling tour

4.3/5
181 reviews

Snorkelling with whale sharks is a bucket-list experience, and with sightings guaranteed just off the shores of Cancun, you'll experience a close-up animal encounter like no other. You'll snorkel in couples with these gentle giants who come to these waters from June to September to feed and mate.

The morning begins with a light continental breakfast at our private marina, where you'll then step on board our 10-metre fast boat to sail out to where you'll be able to snorkel with whale sharks. There'll be no more than ten guests on board to guarantee enough time snorkelling in pairs, and once we reach the area, you'll have two hours to swim with these huge sea creatures.

Next, we'll drop you off at the picture-postcard Playa Norte beach, where you'll be able to relax and have a light lunch of ceviche directly in the shallow water. We'll then return to the marina on the mainland.

Main features

Free cancellation
Place: Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen
Duration: from 4 hours to 8 hours
Language:German, English, French, Dutch, Polish
Printed ticket only

Additional features

Meal included
Entrance fees included
Smaller group size
Guided tour
Instant confirmation
Hotel pick up

Why you’ll love this…

  • Swim with whale sharks
  • Guaranteed sightings
  • Limited numbers to guarantee plenty of snorkelling time
  • Once-in-a-lifetime experience
  • Drop off at Playa Norte for lunch

Important to know

  • This excursion runs from June to September
  • A port tax of USD 20.00 per person is not included and must be paid directly at check-in.
  • Due to the safety of the animals, it is prohibited to apply sun cream before entering the water. We recommend applying it two hours prior to activity
  • Please use biodegradable sun cream
  • Wetsuit and full-face mask rental is available for an additional USD 15.00
  • Touching whale sharks can scare them or make them feel stressed, which in turn can disrupt their natural behaviour – we definitely don't want that. We want to make sure your experience respects the animals as much as possible, so let's do everything we can to look after these gentle giants. When you're in the water with them, please keep a safe distance away
  • Not suitable for expectant mothers or guests with back problems
  • Not suitable for families with small children
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs
  • Not suitable for those with reduced mobility
  • Not suitable for guests who can't swim
  • Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
  • Bring money for extras or gratuities
  • Bring bathing gear and sunblock
  • This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 48-hours in advance to receive a full refund.
  • Bring a towel
  • Bring a hat
  • Subject to weather conditions
  • Some entrance fees and optional extras are payable locally

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.


What’s included

  • Transport
  • Light lunch and breakfast
  • Snorkelling equipment

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.


Pickup points

To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.

Provider

TUI MEXICANA SA DE CV


What people say about this experience

4.3/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 181 reviews


Review categories

Safety

3.4/5

Service

3.4/5

Staff

3.8/5

Value for money

3/5


61%
24%
9%
4%
2%

Sort by:

  • L

    Lorraine

    Travelled as a couple


    21 August 2026
    2.6

    United Kingdom

    The tour is not for anybody with a sea sickness problem also not explained the ferocity of the speedboat causes multiple jolts and bangs to the body.

  • S

    Sam

    Travelled with family


    19 August 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Whole day was great. I've seen Whale Sharks whilst diving before but never in such a concentrated amount, there were so many, and Manta Rays too! Lunch was delicious, fresh ceviche is a great choice! Coffee at the marina wasn't the best but, who cares that's not the reason for the excursion. One little pointer, it would be good to know why all the sharks congregate where they do, as not everyone will know why they're there.

  • S

    Shocking scot

    Travelled as a couple


    19 August 2026
    1.8

    United Kingdom

    Not accurately sold. 4+ hrs on boat with no bathroom facilities. Boat unsafe and captain steering with feet while on phone. Picked up additional passengers beyond the 10 people. Pick up late. No idea what extra money at marina was for and why this wasn't included. Not safe in water do to several.boats all racing around with people in water. Food hygiene non existent. Very dangerous and did not go in water

  • A

    Anonymous

    Travelled with family


    17 August 2026
    3.4

    United Kingdom

    I think that you should state that you need to be an experienced swimmer and have knowledge of using a snorkel, the experience was overwhelming and daunting. Also didn’t feel right how many boats were around the whale sharks, took a bit of a shine from the experience. Out captain and guide were fantastic could not fault them

  • M

    Michael Gibbins

    Travelled with family


    16 August 2026
    2.2

    United Kingdom

    Mis sold. Never told you had to be super confident at swimming in open sea water. The food was terrible. I piece of cake for breakfast. A bowl of shrimp only and 2 crackers for lunch. (Don’t eat fish). Hours on a bus a long time at sea. Hours waiting. And hours trying to be sold photos for silly money. To see the Whale shark was amazing but definitely not worth the silly money!! Esp if a child and Not a great swimmer in dangerous choppy waters! Luckily we were advised to purchase sea sickness ta

  • S

    Scott Harrington

    Travelled with family


    11 August 2026
    4.6

    United Kingdom

    Could have been in the water a little longer