Swim with Whale Sharks From Cancun and Riviera Maya
Cancun
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. Every year, from May 15th 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 jumps, although this can vary depending on sea conditions and the number of whale sharks present.
Your experience is everything: enjoy a light breakfast, personalized guiding, all snorkeling gear and even a delicious ceviche lunch on Isla Mujeres’ breathtaking Playa Norte.
What are the best dates for the 2026 season?
The official whale shark season in Isla Mujeres runs from May 15 to September 17.
Historically, June, July, and August tend to offer the highest whale shark concentrations and the best overall conditions for the experience.
Is whale shark sighting guaranteed?
Yes! We guarantee whale shark sightings from June 1st to August 31st.
However, since this is a natural wildlife experience, the number of whale sharks present can vary from day to day. In rare cases, if only a few whale sharks are found in the area, swimming may not be allowed in order to ensure a responsible and sustainable interaction with the species. If this happens, you will still be able to observe them from the boat and experience these incredible animals in the wild.
In the rare event that no whale sharks are spotted, you may join another tour date by only covering the marine 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.
- Light to-go breakfast (banana, bread, and individual yogurt)
- Visit to Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, to relax and enjoy the beach.
- Sighting guarantee (June 1st till August 31st): if no whale sharks are seen, you can join another tour within the next 2 years by only covering the marine park fee.
- 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.
- Onboard snacks: water, soft drinks, fruits, and sandwiches.
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. If the nearby reef does not show enough marine life and it is not considered a good experience, the captain and guide will decide whether to do the snorkel or if it is better to head to Playa Norte.
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
What's Not Included
Recommendations
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.
We really enjoy this fantastic trip! Everyone was so nice and patient, and we saw the whale shark! So lovely and beautiful. If we had the chance must come to here again with Gluup! Thank you so much!
yixin zhang
July 2026
It was a magical and unforgettable experience. We saw the majestic whale shark; the guide even held our hands to help us stay calm and led us to where we could see it best! We felt incredibly safe with the captain and the guide, who were always very attentive and made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed to eat and drink. The ceviche and guacamole were delicious. I highly recommend taking this tour with this company; you won't regret it!
Fayné Cerón
July 2026
Great experience and a great place to get certified. The instructor was super professional and friendly. The diving in Cozumel was amazing - highly recommended!
Marc Sivan
July 2026