Whale Shark Snorkeling Adventure in Playa del Carmen
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate swimming ability and be comfortable in open water.
Overview
Swim alongside massive whale sharks off Mexico’s Caribbean coast with expert guides on small-group tours. Then snorkel Isla Mujeres and savor local ceviche.
Playa del Carmen Whale Shark Tour
Starting at $200USD • 9 Hours • Ages 4+ welcome
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About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable snorkeling adventure in Mexico, swimming alongside majestic whale sharks, the ocean's largest fish. With small group sizes and expert guides, enjoy a personalized experience in their natural habitat. After the encounter, relax with a snorkeling session at Isla Mujeres and savor a delicious ceviche lunch.
SNORKELING TOUR SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS IN MEXICO, THE BIGGEST FISH IN THE OCEAN.
Duration
Approx. 9 hours
About
Prices shown include:
- Transportation from the lobby of your hotel or condo in Playa del Carmen
- Light breakfast getting at the marina
- All the equipment for the excursion swimming with whale sharks from Playa del Carmen
- Snorkel gear
- Life jackets
- Food and beverages on board.
The prices do not include The fee of 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 pick up at your hotel in Playa del Carmen for the snorkeling tour swimming with the whale sharks in Mexico will be at 6.15 am. We will take you from your hotel to a place near Cancun about 1h15 minutes 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 Playa del Carmen by 3 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
Respect Whale Sharks’ Space
Maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing these protected marine giants during your swim.
Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Use eco-friendly sunscreen to protect delicate coral reefs and marine life.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water before and after the tour to beat the tropical heat and stay energized.
Swim Confidently
Strong swimming skills help you comfortably snorkel alongside moving whale sharks in open water.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Whale Sharks
- Tropical Reef Fish
History
Whale shark tours in the region began in the 1990s, developing into a key sustainable tourism activity for local communities.
Conservation
The tour operators follow strict guidelines supporting local marine reserves to protect the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and its inhabitants.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cancún
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Snorkel Mask and Fins
Essential for clear underwater viewing and efficient swimming next to whale sharks.
summer specific
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects both your skin and the fragile marine ecosystem.
summer specific
Waterproof Camera
Capture unforgettable moments of whale shark encounters and vibrant marine life.
summer specific
Light Swimwear Rash Guard
Provides sun protection and comfort during long hours on the boat and in water.
summer specific