Whaleshark Adventure in Cancun: Close Encounter with Gentle Giants
3.9
17 Ratings
Cancún
Experience the thrill of swimming with whale sharks in Cancun. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants and explore the stunning beaches of Isla Mujeres.
Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Marina Hacienda del Mar - The Mexican Yucatan peninsula is one of the few places in the world where you can share the water with the largest fish in the world, the whale shark. After seeing a whale shark, you will have the opportunity to dive into the water and dive with it (weather permitting) to have an encounter with wildlife that few people can experience.

Then we divide the group in couples, every couple will enter to swim in a consecutive order, they will always be guided by the certified guide that will be assigned by boat, the swims can be 1 or a maximum of 3 times per couple, clarifying that depending on how much sharks are in the area is the number of times that the swim will be done. If we find less than 5 shark whale, we will make only the sightseeing.

Once the swim is finished, the captain will mark the course towards the north beach of Isla Mujeres to swim for a while and make a snack with an approximate of 45 minutes, finishing we will go back to marina Punta Sam. Unfortunately we can´t guarantee the whale shark sightseeing but in most of the cases we find them

What's Included
  • Whale Shark Encounter (2 dives per person)
  • Lifejackets Provided
  • Complimentary Bottled Water
  • Snorkeling Gear Included
  • Lunch Included
What's Not Included
  • Federal Port Tax $20 USD per person
  • Snacks at check in: coffee, juice and bread (ONLY IN DELUXE OPTION)
  • Soda Drinks (ONLY IN DELUXE OPTION)
  • Additional Snorkel Experience at Isla Mujeres Reef (ONLY IN DELUXE OPTION)
Additional Information

Embark on the unique Whale Shark excursion, a one-of-a-kind activity on the globe and the ultimate enigma in Mexico. Visualize yourself swimming alongside the gigantic whale shark, a creature that poses no threat as its diet is primarily plankton, hence, providing safety for our participants. Experience the astonishing feeling of being close to them and marvel at these magnificent beings. This is a must-have experience that everyone should undergo at least once in their lifetime. Feel the thrill of encountering this leviathan of the oceans. Following the whale shark sighting, we navigate to Isla Mujeres. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the stunning beaches, particularly the famous North Beach, globally recognized for its awe-inspiring beauty.

Location
Marina Hacienda del Mar
Carretera a Punta Sam
CLASSIC OPTION: The season starts from Jun 2 to September 15, the departure is at Marina Hacienda Del Mar Punta Sam at 7:30 am. DELUXE OPTION: The season starts from Jun 2 to September 15, the departure is at Marina Punta Norte (Carretera Punta Sam Marina km 2 + 050) at 9:30 am.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.9
(17 Ratings)
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David_p
Aug 14, 2023
Awesome adventure - Captain and guide were great. You cannot appreciate the size and mass of a whale shark unless you are in the water with them, up close and personal. It was fricken awesome!
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_k
Aug 7, 2023
AMAZING! - Awesome experience on 8/3/23. Saw lots of whale sharks and some mantarays too. 10/10 would recommend to anyone and definitely worth the money.
Review provided by Viator
Michaelg999969
Jul 10, 2022
Great Cruise - Yes the other review was correct, there is an additional "dock fee" when you arrive. I think it was $10 USD per person. However the cruise and the crew were great. We went out about 13 miles off the coast to find the whale sharks, and only had a few minutes with them each, but it was still worth it. We has some fresh cerviche and a nice swim off the coast of Isla Mujeres before coming back to the dock. All in all it was a good trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_g
Jul 7, 2022
Worth the Price - Crew was great, we got to swim with a whale shark for a few minutes. We were about 13 miles off the coast so most of the time was spent going to and from the site. Cerviche lunch was good too.
Review provided by Viator
Martina_s
Jul 28, 2023
Perfect but … - The actual whale watching was incredible and truly a lifetime experience and the guides did a great job! But: The rough (all in all about 4 hour) boat ride was horrible and many people got sea sick. So, I would only recommend the trip to people with strong stomachs or recommend to take pills before the ride to prevent sea sickness. Also: The regulation to refrain from applying sun block to protect the whales makes absolut sense but please wear a UV Shirt to prevent sunburn.
Review provided by Viator
Bert_d
Jul 17, 2022
Value? - Ceviche and crew was great. Seeing the whale sharks was amazing! But... only jumping in twice for short amount of time was not enough. We were lucky enough to be on a nice size boat.
Review provided by Viator
Robert_a
Sep 7, 2022
No bueno - Didn’t pick up from hotel, didn’t bring us back to the hotel like what was paid for. The captain and boat crew were great. The others no pincha bueno
Review provided by Viator
Greg_s
Jul 21, 2022
Swimming with the whale Sharks was awesome. - The boat crew and the actual swimming with the whale sharks was excellent. Definitely the highlight. The lunch and stopping at the beach consisted of anchoring the boat off the beach and eating on the boat itself. Not what was expected, certainly not for the price paid.
Review provided by Viator
Mirtha_m
Aug 1, 2023
We was just 3 minutes on... - We was just 3 minutes on the whaleshark area. I don't recommend the excursion. The lunch was a snack of cevishe. Not sea food allergies available.
Review provided by Viator
Jeremy_c
May 24, 2022
planned trip to cancun... - planned trip to cancun just to swim with the whale sharks only to find out you canceled the trip the day before.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
April 2024
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