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Whale shark discovery

4.5/5
95 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.

What travellers are saying

AI snapshot

4.5/5

Generated from real customer reviews

  • Summary: An unforgettable encounter with whale sharks and manta rays led by knowledgeable guides who ensure safety and enrich the experience. The day is well organized, though some found it fast-paced and short. Food and snorkeling experiences varied, and some encountered issues with hidden fees and environmental taxes.
  • What visitors loved: Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. Unforgettable swims with whale sharks and manta rays. Well-organized and safe experience.
  • Worth knowing: Hidden fees and environmental taxes. Limited time in the water with sharks.

Main features

Free cancellation
Place: Cancun
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

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 95 reviews


Review categories

Safety

1/5

Service

1.8/5

Staff

4.2/5

Value for money

2.6/5


72%
16%
6%
1%
5%

Sort by:

  • T

    taryn

    Traveled as a couple


    September 16, 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Guide is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and try to find the sharks even if it takes a long time especially around the end of the season. the other snorkelling stops near isla mujeros was a lovely part of this trip also

  • S

    Stu

    Traveled with family


    September 10, 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    It is expensive when you consider you only get 2-3 minutes in the water with the whale sharks, but those 2-3 minutes were very special!

  • L

    Lee Russell

    Traveled as a couple


    September 10, 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Brilliant day swimming with the Whale Sharks was unbelievable guides and staff were amazing … loved the Isla Mujeres stop as well

  • K

    Karel en Karin Hols.

    Traveled as a couple


    September 19, 2026
    5

    Netherlands

    Wat een fantastisch ervaring , super met onze gids Dori , Noé en Sergio Alles was perfect geregeld Wat een ervaring om te mogen zwemmen met de walvishaai en 2 manta roggen Onderweg nog dolfijnen gezien echt een aanrader als het seizoen weer begint

  • H

    Honeymooners

    Traveled as a couple


    September 2, 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Loved this immensely, it was a once in a lifetime experience. Didn’t like the fact the reps didn’t let us know that there would be extra hidden charges to hire a wetsuit and to but a sun protection top. Feel the reps should explain this as the guides say that wearing a wetsuit is better and more streamline in the water to swim alongside the sharks.

  • L

    Lauren

    Traveled with family


    August 27, 2026
    5

    United Kingdom

    Mr t was incredible. He clearly has a passion for the conservation of these animals and thought us so much.