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Cancun whale shark snorkelling tour

4.4/5
169 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

4.4/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 169 reviews


Review categories

Safety

2.2/5

Service

1.8/5

Staff

1.8/5

Value for money

2.2/5


63%
24%
8%
4%
1%

Sort by:

  • R

    Rossy

    Travelled with family


    29 July 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    The whole experience was incredible from beginning to end. However, the price for the Go Pro video at the end was VERY expensive 😳 You HAVE to purchase really, as you'll never swim with whale sharks again, but almost £100 for a video is excessive by any standard..... 😔 😟

  • A

    Adela

    Travelled with family


    27 July 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Angie and Maia were amazing! Angie has done her best with everyone. The tour itself is amazing. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, one of the most amazing experiences.

  • J

    Jennie

    Travelled with family


    20 July 2026
    1.8

    United Kingdom

    This trip was devastating. 11 boats hunting down one whale shark and trapping it, and every boat releasing 10 people to swim with the one shark. It was very distressing and I refused to get in a second time. The food was appalling - a slice of cake for breakfast and either seafood salad or a wilted sandwich for lunch. The guide agreed with me that the whale sharks are treated as a commodity, but said he needed a job in Mexico. I was conned into thinking it was an ethical trip

  • M

    Martha & Lauren

    Travelled as a couple


    14 July 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Karen who was the Tui ref in Ocean coral and turquesa was absolutely brilliant, she sorted all our experiences and sorted out the driver's putting them in their place when things were getting confusing sorting who was on what bus, couldn't fault her she made our holiday a once in a life time experience, I have nothing bad to say, it was an incredible holiday, everything was so easy.

  • K

    Krystian

    Travelled with family


    12 July 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Absolutely one of a kind experience. Is was fantastic for our family. Fair play to Martin for speaking 3 languages.

  • S

    Shannah

    Travelled with family


    10 July 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    The staff were excellent. Particularly the captain and the guide on our boat. They worked so hard to make sure that we all got to see the whale sharks and felt safe in the water, even if we were inexperienced and nervous.