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Whale shark discovery

4.5/5
78 reviews

From June 1st to September 17th, set out for an exhilarating whale shark encounter. Sail to the whale shark territory for two awe-inspiring swims, led by expert guides. Whale sharks are gentle giants, but human touch can disrupt their natural behaviours. Help us protect these majestic creatures by observing and enjoying them from a distance. Weather permitting, snorkel at Isla Mujeres' coral reef before unwinding at Playa Norte for lunch.

Main features

Free cancellation
Place: Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen
Duration: from 4 hours to 8 hours
Language:German, Spanish, English, French, Dutch, Polish
Mobile voucher accepted

Additional features

Instant confirmation
e-Voucher
Hotel pick up

Why you’ll love this…

  • You'll look out for whale sharks on two swims, led by expert guides
  • A local lunch at Playa Norte is included in the experience
  • You'll snorkel at Isla Mujeres' coral reef

Important to know

  • Bring protective swim clothing for sun protection as sunscreen not permitted in the water
  • Port Tax is not included $25 USD is payable at the check-in
  • We prioritise responsible and respectful wildlife viewing, avoiding interference with natural behaviours to support conservation. While sightings cannot be guaranteed due to this approach, we'll make every effort to facilitate encounters. It's essential to remember these are wild animals with their own schedules
  • 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
  • This experience isn't recommended for individuals who are pregnant, have disabilities, heart conditions, spine or neck injuries, or are prone to losing consciousness
  • If you're under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you won't be allowed to participate
  • The light breakfast consusts of cerealbars, cookies,banans, juice and coffee
  • Lunch includes a shrimp or fish cocktail, tortillas, guacamole, and fruit. Vegetarian options are available upon request
  • Sandwiches are served after the whale shark experience
  • Snorkel masks with prescription lenses are available upon request
  • Snorkelling at the reef is subject to weather conditions
  • Not suitable for guests with cardiac or respiratory problems
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs
  • Not suitable for guests who can't swim
  • Bring money for extras or gratuities
  • English-speaking guide for all nationalities
  • Not suitable for expectant mothers or guests with back problems
  • Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
  • Height, weight and/or age restrictions may apply
  • Some entrance fees and optional extras are payable locally
  • Subject to weather conditions
  • Please note that all times are approximate and subject to change
  • This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
  • Not suitable for those with severe allergies

Cancellation policy

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


What’s included

  • Boat cruise
  • Lunch
  • Soft drinks
  • Transport
  • Guide
  • Equipment
  • Snorkeling
  • Drinks
  • Light breakfast

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

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

4.5/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 78 reviews


Review categories

Safety

4.6/5

Service

3.8/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

5/5


71%
18%
8%
1%
3%

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  • P

    PK

    Travelled with family


    20 August 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    The experience was great fantastic, swimming very close to the wale sharks was amazing.

  • J

    Jan

    Travelled as a couple


    11 August 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    I told Claire the rep at yucan Mexico I wasn’t a confident swimmer and was the trip ok for me and she said absolutely yes and absolutely no it wasn’t , you have to be am confident swimmer and know how to use a snorkel and mask , so please don’t lie and tell people you do need to be able to swim with confidence and be able to use a snorkel , I know they have to earn commission but I will not book with them again as if they told the truth I would have booked loads more trips

  • L

    Lucy Wood

    Travelled as a couple


    10 August 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Absolutely amazing trip. The best one I’ve ever done. We swam with whale sharks and manta rays. The guides were first class and made sure they delivered! Fantastic experience from start to finish

  • J

    John Kirton

    Travelled with family


    8 August 2026
    3.4

    United Kingdom

    Experience was great however there are issues with this tour. I was moved to another group last minute and had to wait 90 minutes for my new group to turn up which wasn’t good, there was a hard sell on long sleeved vests and wet suits once I arrrived at the port which is not needed as the boats are under cover. Finally our guide gave us the hard sell on pictures and tips for him, the other guide and the captain which was way over the top and extremely uncomfortable which spoilt the tour.

  • T

    Tim

    Travelled with family


    7 August 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Although expensive, it's an experience you cannot miss out on. To see these animals is an absolute privilege and moving experience. A fantastic day and one my kids and we will remember forever. A price worth paying...please do it while they are here..

  • C

    Carolyn Kidger

    Travelled as a couple


    6 August 2026
    4.2

    United Kingdom

    The guide Nils was very knowledgeable but his manner was intimidating. He made me feel uncomfortable and questioned several times if I could swim fast and was a strong swimmer. Before getting to the harbour I had decided I wasn’t going to do the swim for fear of being shouted at by him because I couldn’t remember all his instructions. This proved to be true as other members of the group were shouted at for safety reasons. I know that this is very important and he needs to keep everyone safe.