Swim with Whale Sharks: An Epic Journey from Cancun and Riviera Maya

Cancun

From USD 149/person

Description

Have you ever dreamed of swimming alongside the largest fish on Earth? In the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean, that dream becomes reality. From mid-May to September 17th, join our Whale Shark Expedition and experience nature at its most majestic.

We offer roundtrip transportation from Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, and Tulum for your convenience. Pick your date, share your hotel or address, and prepare for an unforgettable encounter with these gentle ocean giants.

Each season, whale sharks — reaching up to 12 meters in length — visit this paradise to feed. Witness their grace, swim with them in their natural habitat, and enjoy additional surprises like dolphins or giant mantas along the way.

After a scenic 50-minute boat ride, you’ll arrive at the feeding grounds where magic happens:
You’ll spend 2.5 to 3 hours searching for and swimming with the whale sharks. Following regulations, jumps are done in pairs and always accompanied by a certified guide.
On average, each pair will enjoy 2 to 3 jumps — although this can vary depending on sea conditions and the number of whale sharks present.

At Gluup, your experience is everything: enjoy a light breakfast, personalized guiding, all snorkeling gear, free photos of the day, and even a delicious ceviche lunch on Isla Mujeres’ breathtaking Playa Norte.

🌕 Best Dates? Around the full moons (June 11, July 10, August 9, September 7, 2025), whale shark gatherings often reach their highest concentrations.

However, every day during the season can offer extraordinary encounters, as whale sharks constantly migrate through the waters of Isla Mujeres. Many guests experience unforgettable swims even outside peak dates.

And don’t worry — every expedition is guided by certified professionals, with a sighting guarantee: on the rare case that no whale sharks are spotted, you can join another tour by only covering the park fee!

Key Points

Max: Up to 10 persons

Duration: 7:00 hrs

Guide language: Spanish, English

What's Included

  • Roundtrip transportation from your hotel or accommodation in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Playa del Carmen.
  • Whale Shark Expedition in their natural habitat and reef snorkeling.
  • Visit to Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, to relax and enjoy the beach.
  • Continental breakfast at the marina.
  • Onboard snacks: water, soft drinks, fruits, and sandwiches.
  • Delicious shrimp or fish ceviche and tortilla chips (vegetarian option available).
  • All snorkeling gear: mask, fins, snorkel and life jacket.
  • Professional bilingual guides and experienced local captains.
  • Top-quality 33-foot boats with twin outboard motors.
  • FREE photos of the day!
  • Sighting guarantee: if no whale sharks are seen, you can join another tour by only covering the marine park fee.

Itinerary

6:00 AM

Start of pickups in the lobby of your hotel in Playa del Carmen in an air-conditioned van.

6:30 AM

Start of pickups in the lobby of your hotel in Cancun.

7:30 AM

Arrival at the marina in Punta Sam and breakfast.

8:15 AM

Departure by boat from the marina to the whale shark area.

9:10 AM

Arrive to whale shark area. (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)

12:00 PM

Reef snorkeling.

12:30 PM

Boat trip to Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres.

1:00 PM

Stop at "Playa Norte" of Isla Mujeres to enjoy ceviche and tortilla chips.

2:00 PM

Departure by van from the marina to hotels.

Where

Pick-up directly at your hotel/accommodation in Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal. For guests in Tulum, meeting point is at Super Aki Tulum parking lot. Optional: You can meet us directly at Punta Sam Marina (Cancun) or Isla Mujeres Marina for a discounted price (no transport included).

What's Not Included

Marine park and dock fee: 300 MXN or 18 USD (cash only).
Extra transportation fees: 200 MXN from Puerto Aventuras, 300 MXN from Akumal, 400 MXN from Tulum.
(Optional) Wetsuit rental: USD 15/person.

Recommendations

Open sea conditions may vary. Ask about forecasted calm days if traveling with children or prone to motion sickness.
Bring towel, cap, reusable water bottle.
Wear UV-protective clothing instead of sunscreen.
Activity suitable for children 3 years and older.
Wetsuit use removes life jacket requirement.
Some travelers may experience dizziness during the activity. No medication can be provided, but ginger tea is offered before boarding.

Requirements

• Basic swimming skills recommended.
• Respect marine wildlife (no touching).
• Minimum age: 3 years.
• Follow all safety instructions from guides.

Cancellation Policy

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity date.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before or do not show up, 100% of the reservation will be charged.
• In the event that weather or sea conditions do not allow the activity to take place, you will be notified one day before to either reschedule or request a full refund.
• Please note: changes due to rain or minor weather conditions on the day of the tour do not qualify for rescheduling or refund unless the operator determines that the tour must be cancelled for safety reasons.

Reserve Your Spot

When

How many people?

Schedule

Reviews

4.98
162 ratings
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1

We had a beautiful and unforgettable experience diving in Cozumel. Fernando explained everything in detail and accompanied us throughout the entire process. Highly recommended!

Fanny Roldan

February 2025

A great place to find diving options. I had dived with them a few years ago, and I did it again this time—it was amazing, highly recommended.

Zuhelen

February 2025

I went diving with them in Playa del Carmen, and everything was perfect—the communication, the pickup, and the diving. Thank you 😊

Andrea Briones

February 2025

From USD 149/person