Whale Shark Swim: Dive with Ocean Giants

Embark on a thrilling adventure in Cancun and swim with the ocean’s gentle giants, the whale sharks. Our experienced guides and National Geographic-certified snorkeling gear ensure a safe and unforgettable encounter. Join us now!

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Playa Norte - After the dives, we will head to this beautiful beach in Isla Mujeres where you can do some more snorkeling, and taste the famous Captain Ceviche!
What's Included
  • Convenient meeting point or vacation rental pickup
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off included for Cancun hotels
  • Complimentary light breakfast
  • Sterilized snorkeling gear provided
  • Refreshments: bottled water and soft drinks
  • Professional certified bilingual guide
  • Explore Playa Norte beach on Isla Mujeres
  • Enjoy fish ceviche and tasty snacks
What's Not Included
  • Dock fee and Marine Park Federal Tax
Additional Information

Join us on a unique and unforgettable journey where you can swim alongside the gentle behemoths of the sea. The experience is closely managed by our skilled guides, and you will be outfitted in our National Geographic Snorkeler-approved gear.
Our adventure commences by picking you up from any hotels in Cancun, Riviera Maya, or Playa del Carmen to


Location
Punta Sam ferry terminal
Our own private marina is conveniently located in Punta Sam right next to the Isla Mujeres ferry terminal and the Villa del Palmar hotel. Please arrive 30 minutes before the schedule departure time.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(187 Ratings)
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Wander57497235519
Jul 25, 2026
Excellent experience - The guide, Nate and the captain, Julian, were excellent in guiding us. They clearly explained the rules and the process during the boat ride. Nate was attentive and helped us have a memorable experience when were swimming with the whale sharks. It is an awesome experience and we highly recommend it. If you go, try to get Nate & Julian are the team you go with. They are very experienced and know what they are doing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gloriafernandaa2026
Jul 22, 2026
Dream come true - Excellent experience. It is something that is very much worth experiencing. The boat was very good, the guide excellent, and the experience incredible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meander03228851388
Jul 21, 2026
Fun half day activity - We were on the Alma Luisa, Nate our guide and Julian our captain did a great job. Got us right next to the sharks and made sure we got great views. The photos at the end were pricey, but we had to buy them they were so cool. Could have used some beers on board for the civiche after the dive, but a great experience overall.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hairterry
Jul 20, 2026
If swimming with whale sharks is on your bucket list
 stop researching and just book with Cancun Whale Shark Encounters. - If swimming with whale sharks is on your bucket list
 stop researching and just book with Cancun Whale Shark Encounters. Seriously. It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done, and I’d do it again tomorrow. It’s a long day, but I promise you
 every minute is worth it. When I was researching tours, there were a few things nobody really explained, so here’s the stuff I wish I had known: 1. TAKE. THE. ANTI-NAUSEA. MEDICATION. I’m not kidding. The whale sharks are about 20+ miles offshore, and you’re riding in a fast, open boat. The ocean can get pretty sporty. Even if you don’t usually get seasick
 take the medication. And if you had one too many margaritas the night before? Definitely take the medication. Half our boat learned this lesson the hard way. 2. Don’t stress about the number of boats. Our guide told us there were around 50 boats out that day. My first thought was, “Well
 there goes this experience.” Wrong. There were 30+ whale sharks everywhere. It was absolutely unreal watching these gentle giants casually cruising around while everyone respectfully took turns. 3. They genuinely care about the whale sharks. Each boat only carries eight guests, and only two swimmers plus your guide get in the water at a time. The captains and guides all work together, communicating constantly to make sure the whale sharks aren’t crowded or stressed. I really appreciated that they protect the experience for both the guests and the animals. 4. Ninety seconds sounds short
 until you’re swimming with a bus. Your swim is about 90 seconds each time. I remember hearing that and thinking, “That’s it?” Trust me
 these whale sharks are MASSIVE, and they absolutely fly through the water. You won’t keep up for long. Somehow those 90 seconds feel like forever, and yet somehow not long enough at the same time. It’s honestly hard to describe until you experience it. 5. Seasickness can ruin your day. We were lucky enough to swim twice. Unfortunately, four people on our boat were so seasick they never even got in the water. I felt terrible for them because they traveled all that way and missed out on something truly incredible. So
 one last time for the people in the back
 TAKE THE ANTI-NAUSEA MEDICATION. 6. I’d do this again in a heartbeat. The crew was fantastic. Willy and Baby Face were Professional, organized, funny, and passionate about what they do. You could tell they genuinely cared about giving everyone an amazing experience while protecting these incredible animals. Swimming alongside the largest fish on Earth is one of those moments that makes you realize just how amazing our planet really is. Thank you, Cancun Whale Shark Encounters, for giving us a memory we’ll never forget. Now if you’ll excuse me
 I’m already trying to figure out when I can come back and do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Safari12849901753
Jul 13, 2026
10 out of 10! - Excellent!! Isaac and Cindy were great! Our tour had so many whale sharks approximately a pod of 50+ it was amazing! They handled everyone with care and sensitivity! It was a great experience. We had 2 swims with the whale sharks if we wanted and were in the water until Cindy was satisfied our group had a good experience at that time. Total excursion lasted about 5 hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pierrehd421
Jul 6, 2026
An experience you'll never forget - A wonderful experience. Captain Luis and his incredibly helpful assistant, Mia, made sure we made the most of our time out where the whale sharks congregate. My buddy and I each had two snorkeling tour and I could tell Luis knew exactly how to angle his boat so we jumped off just in time to get an incredible view of these wonderful creatures as they glide by. Mia was great at spotting other whale sharks in the vicinity and leading us to other close encounters of the amazing kind. We ended anchored on the beach Playe Norte where we were served a dish of ceviche and guacamole. Yum, yum!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B8230eukarena
Jul 2, 2026
Best tour guides!! - This tour was awesome!!! Galvani was our guide and Gustavo was our Captain. They were very friendly and accommodating. They spoke English very well! We saw fly fish, dolphins, a sea turtle, manta rays, and TONS of whale sharks!! Our pictures and videos are amazing as well! Thank you for a fun day and very tasty ceviche!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
901kylej
Jun 28, 2026
Amazing Whale Shark Tour! - Geovannie and Gustavo were fantastic guides and captains. They put us right on the sharks and were great with the kids as well. 5 star experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julianod882
Jun 16, 2026
Fantastic. - The experience was fantastic, the guide Marcelino always attentive and careful, the Captain also quite accurate in his conduct
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nathanlr840db
Jun 14, 2026
simply incredible - Issac and Cindy were fantastic! I’d been wanting to do this for 10 years and it did not disappoint.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $220
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).