Adventure Collective
Whale Shark Snorkeling Adventure in Tulum & Akumal - Cancún

Whale Shark Snorkeling Adventure in Tulum & Akumal

Tulummoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4–5 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness needed to swim comfortably for extended periods and manage ocean conditions.

Overview

Swim with gentle whale sharks in Mexico’s Caribbean waters on this expert-led snorkeling tour. Discover vibrant reefs and enjoy fresh ceviche on a small-group trip from Tulum to Akumal.

Cancún, Quintana Roo

Tulum-Akumal Whale Shark Tour

Starting at $210USD • 11 Hours • Ages 4+ welcome

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About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable snorkeling tour in Mexico, swimming with majestic whale sharks—the ocean's largest fish! Enjoy a small group experience led by certified guides, ensuring personalized encounters. After the thrill, relax with a delicious ceviche lunch and explore vibrant reefs, creating lasting memories in stunning Caribbean waters.

SNORKELING TOUR SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS IN MEXICO, THE BIGGEST FISH IN THE OCEAN.


Duration

Approx. 11 hours


About

Prices shown include:

  • Transportation from the lobby of your hotel or condo in Puerto Aventuras-Akumal or Tulum hotel zone
  • Light breakfast getting at the marina
  • All the equipment for the excursion swimming with whale sharks from Tulum
  • Snorkel gear
  • Life jackets
  • Food and beverages on board.

The prices do not include The whale shark marine park ($10 per person).

We will take you from your hotel to our private marina where our boats are docked.

The pickup in Tulum for the snorkeling tour swimming with the whale sharks in Mexico takes place at the lobby of your hotel if it is located in town otherwise if you stay in the hotel zone the pickup will be downtown in the parking lot of the San Francisco-Bancomer shopping mall at 5.30 am. It’s a very easy place to find, you will need to take a taxi from your hotel to that place where our driver will be waiting for you, We will take you from there to a place near Cancun about 2 hours away called Puerto Juarez where our private marina is and where our boats are docked.

You will be back at your hotel after the swimming with whale sharks tour from Tulum or Akumal by 4 pm depending on the weather conditions.

It is important to be aware that in order to find and see the whale sharks we go out to open waters and sometimes it is rough. Most of the time the conditions are very good or perfect and everything goes well but as we all know the sea changes every minute and the conditions are sometimes not that good including rough sea and rain.

When it is too rough or dangerous the port is closed by the Port Master and we never go out in this case but sometimes even when it does not look very good if we are allowed to run the tour we do go out as all the other companies do.

After the excursion swimming with the whale sharks and before going back to the marina we go to the reef in Isla Contoy or Isla Mujeres to snorkel for about 40 minutes.

The spaces are limited to 10 people per boat plus guide and captain, we guarantee 100% availability from May 17th to September 17th.

In case the weather does not allow us to go on the tour on that day, which is very seldom, we will put it off until another day. If for any reason you can’t participate in the tour we will refund 100% of your payment.

Adventure Tips

Book Early in Season

Whale sharks are seasonal; secure your spot from May to September to maximize sightings.

Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protect marine life by using only reef-friendly sunscreen products during your tour.

Bring a Waterproof Camera

Capture underwater moments but ensure your gear is waterproof and secure.

Stay Hydrated

Caribbean sun is strong; drink plenty of water before and after snorkeling sessions.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Whale sharks
  • Green sea turtles

History

The region is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef in the world, established as a protected marine park in the 1990s.

Conservation

Tours enforce strict interaction rules and promote reef-safe practices to minimize environmental impact.

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Adventure Hotspots in Cancún

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Snorkel Mask and Fins

Essential

Quality gear improves visibility and swimming efficiency in the water.

summer specific

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Essential

Protects sensitive marine ecosystems from harmful chemicals.

summer specific

Swimwear with UV Protection

Essential

Provides sun protection and comfort during long water activities.

summer specific

Waterproof Phone Case or Camera

Allows safe photography without risking electronics damage.

summer specific