Whale Shark Snorkel from Puerto Morelos: Full-Day Tour with Lunch
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—comfortable swimming ability and mobility on a moving boat are required.
Overview
Board a small boat in Puerto Morelos and spend a full day searching for whale sharks along the Mesoamerican Reef, then relax with lunch at Isla Mujeres. This eco-conscious, small-group snorkel tour pairs hands-on guidance with practical logistics.
Whale Shark Snorkel from Puerto Morelos: Full-Day Tour with Lunch
Select participants and date
The engine hums as the shoreline of Puerto Morelos falls away, a bright strip of palms and low buildings shrinking behind you while the open sea spreads ahead. Early light gilds the bay, and the captain scans the horizon with the practiced patience of someone who reads ocean moods. The search for the whale shark — the ocean’s gentle skyscraper — is not a single moment but a rhythm: sweep, spot, approach, and then the hush of bodies slipping into water that tastes of salt and sun.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring cash for park fees
Port and protected-area entrance fees (~USD 30) are paid in cash at the port — there’s no ATM, so bring exact change.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
To protect coral and comply with local conservation practices, wear reef-safe sunscreen and a rashguard.
Prepare for seasickness
Take motion-sickness medication before departure if you’re prone to it; the open sea can get choppy.
Listen to the guides
Guides enforce approach distances to protect the animals — follow instructions for the best and safest viewing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
- Loggerhead and green sea turtles
History
Puerto Morelos started as a small fishing port and remains a working coastal town that serves as a gateway to the Mesoamerican Reef and nearby islands.
Conservation
The whale shark corridor is a federally protected area; operators follow no-touch rules and the mandatory fee supports conservation and monitoring programs.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Cancún
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the reef; required by many operators.
summer specific
Swimwear & rashguard
Quick-dry suit and sun protection for long hours in the water.
Towel and dry bag
Keeps your gear dry and gives you something warm and dry after the snorkel.
Waterproof camera or case
Capture encounters without risking your phone—shots are best from the boat or just below the surface.