Cancun whale shark snorkelling tour | TUI Musement

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.

Extremely expensive for less than 4 minutes in the water with the Whale Shark. On top of this the port tax added even more cost that wasn’t made aware of at time of booking. Also the people running the boat then tried to get an extra $130 for a total of 40 seconds of video footage of me and my family (of 5). Provided with a tiny slice of cake for the light breakfast, a ham and cheese sandwich and half a dozen prawns for lunch. Sat waiting in the heat without a drink for over an hour to go home.

Brilliant experience. Two efforts to see a Whale Shark. Unfortunately my first one my flipper fell off (my fault not tight enough). 2nd one though, was sensational. Tried to keep at 9 feet away from shark. Was closer at the beginning (about 5 foot). Kenneth, the guide, was utterly superb and both captains were patient and incredibly helpful. Loved this experience. Just amazing.

Gabry our guide was brilliant and so friendly. You could tell how much she cared about Whale Sharks and she knew so much information. I tend to get sea sick and this was no exception, however it is a once in a lifetime experience and one not to be missed.

Easy pick up from our resort, Debbie our guide was brilliant and gave us loads of info, the boat journey out was very bumpy so take seasickness pills if you’re not good on the sea, seeing the whale sharks was a bucket list once in a lifetime moment and truly amazing

We enjoyed the trip and it was truly an amazing experience to swim next to a Whale Shark. Unfortunately we relied on the guide taking video of us with the shark and paid for this to be emailed through. The video we have been sent is unwatchable and a total waste of money. It seems they recorded it in a time warp mode. Sadly a complete waste of money.

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

4.6/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 39 reviews

Review categories

Service

4.5/5

Value for money

4.4/5

Staff

4.5/5

Safety

4.5/5

All ratings (39)

5 stars (28)

72%

4 stars (9)

23%

3 stars (2)

5%

2 stars (0)

0%

1 star (0)

0%

T
Traveller
Traveled with family
August 19, 2025
2.6
United States of America
Extremely expensive for less than 4 minutes in the water with the Whale Shark. On top of this the port tax added even more cost that wasn’t made aware of at time of booking. Also the people running the boat then tried to get an extra $130 for a total of 40 seconds of video footage of me and my family (of 5). Provided with a tiny slice of cake for the light breakfast, a ham and cheese sandwich and half a dozen prawns for lunch. Sat waiting in the heat without a drink for over an hour to go home.
J
Jon B
Traveled with family
July 29, 2025
5
United States of America
Brilliant experience. Two efforts to see a Whale Shark. Unfortunately my first one my flipper fell off (my fault not tight enough). 2nd one though, was sensational. Tried to keep at 9 feet away from shark. Was closer at the beginning (about 5 foot). Kenneth, the guide, was utterly superb and both captains were patient and incredibly helpful. Loved this experience. Just amazing.
A
Aidan
Traveled as a couple
August 1, 2024
5
United States of America
Gabry our guide was brilliant and so friendly. You could tell how much she cared about Whale Sharks and she knew so much information. I tend to get sea sick and this was no exception, however it is a once in a lifetime experience and one not to be missed.
D
Darren Wood
Traveled with family
July 30, 2024
5
United States of America
Easy pick up from our resort, Debbie our guide was brilliant and gave us loads of info, the boat journey out was very bumpy so take seasickness pills if you’re not good on the sea, seeing the whale sharks was a bucket list once in a lifetime moment and truly amazing
S
Skelts
Traveled as a couple
July 15, 2024
4.2
United States of America
We enjoyed the trip and it was truly an amazing experience to swim next to a Whale Shark. Unfortunately we relied on the guide taking video of us with the shark and paid for this to be emailed through. The video we have been sent is unwatchable and a total waste of money. It seems they recorded it in a time warp mode. Sadly a complete waste of money.
T
Tanya brown
Traveled with family
August 22, 2024
5
United Kingdom

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: +1 208-744-6464