Half-Day Whale Shark Snorkel from Playa del Carmen — Swim Near Isla Contoy
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable swimming ability and basic snorkeling fitness; able to enter and exit small boats and handle short swims in open water.
Overview
Board a small-boat from Punta Sam and spend a half-day searching the plankton-rich shelf between Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres for whale sharks. Early departures, strict no-touch rules, and a stop at Playa Norte make this an immersive, conservation-minded encounter.
Half-Day Whale Shark Snorkel from Playa del Carmen — Swim Near Isla Contoy
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The engine wakes before sunrise, and the van's headlights carve a path through Playa del Carmen's sleeping streets as guides confirm names and hand out bottled water. You rattle north toward Punta Sam, where the Gulf of Mexico opens like a pale sheet and the boat waits, low and ready. Once past the breakwater the blue deepens; guides scan the horizon, eyes hunting the telltale slow arcs and dorsal shadows that mean whale sharks are near. When one appears the sea changes tempo — laughter and hushed voices, fins slipping on, and the careful choreography of swimmers forming a respectful semicircle.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring cash for park & port fees
Federal entrance and port fees (~USD 30) must be paid in cash at the port—there's no ATM on site.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding and reapply with a dry towel to protect coral and the whale shark habitat.
Practice snorkeling beforehand
Comfortable surface swimming and mask clearing make the encounter safer and more enjoyable for you and the animals.
Take motion-sickness precautions
If you're prone to seasickness, take medication before departure and sit near the center of the boat while underway.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Whale shark
- Brown pelican and frigatebird
History
Isla Contoy has been protected as a national park and important bird area since the late 20th century to preserve nesting seabirds and coastal ecosystems.
Conservation
Tours operate under federal regulations and limited group sizes; using reef-safe products and maintaining distance helps minimize tourism impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Playa del Carmen
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while minimizing damage to coral and marine life.
summer specific
Snorkel mask (personal)
A well-fitting mask prevents leaks and improves comfort during surface swims.
Light waterproof dry bag
Keeps phone, cash, and a spare shirt dry during the boat transfer and snorkeling.
Motion-sickness remedy
Useful for those who get queasy on open-water rides to the whale shark area.