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Cancun whale shark snorkelling tour

4.4/5
150 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 150 reviews


Review categories

Value for money

4.1/5

Service

4.4/5

Safety

4.4/5

Staff

4.4/5


61%
26%
9%
3%
1%

Sort by:

  • K

    Kevin

    Travelled as a couple


    19 September 2025
    4.2

    United Kingdom

    Fantastic experience swimming in the water with a whale shark. Plus seeing Manta Rays swimming and jumping out of the water... Was not so keen on paying 60 dollars for a short clip of the swimming with the Whale Shark and a few pictures.

  • J

    Jayne

    Travelled as a couple


    18 September 2025
    1

    United Kingdom

    Shellfish for lunch when I've got shellfish allergy My wife vegetarian and we given cheese and ham toasty after they were told

  • T

    Theodora Tihomirova

    Travelled with a group of friends


    16 September 2025
    1.4

    United Kingdom

    We didn’t see whale sharks. Weather and trip was terrible.

  • R

    Richard

    Solo traveller


    15 September 2025
    5

    United Kingdom

    It was an amazing day we were able to swim with apod of wild dolphins as well as the whale sharks. The crew were very mindful not to stress the fish making sure all the guide lines were followed. The crew were very friendly and very helpful and able to answer any questions you had. The day made an old man very happy.

  • L

    Louands87

    Travelled as a couple


    8 September 2025
    4.6

    United Kingdom

    Enjoyed seeing natural.animals.in their own habitat, boat was small but great and staff were lovely but spoke very little English and spoke Spanish all of the time so not easy to understand instructions

  • T

    Tracy Yorkshire UK

    Travelled with a group of friends


    6 September 2025
    5

    United Kingdom

    We had a fantastic experience and were lucky to see eight whale sharks during the trip and had the opportunity to swim with them 4 times.

Need a hand?

Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET

Phone number: +44 121 468 3145