Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour
Duration
9 hours
Group size
max. 10 people
Language
English
Whale shark snorkeling tour: an unforgettable experience
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, and you can reliably spot them in only a few places on the planet. That’s exactly why this whale shark snorkeling tour is a must during your visit to the Yucatán Peninsula—here we have the best place in the world to snorkel with whale sharks.
The best time of year for this adventure is from early June to late September. That’s when the water in the Caribbean is warmest, and that’s why we can observe what is probably the largest whale shark population in the world during this time. Whale sharks are mysterious animals that usually live alone and follow the plankton currents of our oceans. Here, however, large gatherings of up to 300 animals are possible.
Good to know about our whale shark snorkeling tour
Rules we follow to protect the whale sharks
- Never touch the whale sharks.
- The max. number per guide is 2 people, and up to 3 jumps per person are possible.
- You may only take photos and videos without flash.
Our whale shark snorkeling tour starts early in the morning. We’ll pick you up directly at your hotel on the Riviera Maya, and then we’ll head to Cancún. Our boat will already be waiting for you there, with space for 10 people. We head north, and after passing Isla Contoy, we’ll keep an eye out for the whale sharks and look forward to snorkeling!
Our boats carry all the safety gear you need. In addition to life vests and snorkeling equipment, we have cold drinks and, just in case, medication on board. Once we’ve found the perfect spot to swim with the animals, you’ll jump into the water with our expert guide and a partner, and the adventure begins. You’ll be able to follow the whale sharks with ease as they majestically glide slowly through the water. With a bit of luck, you might also encounter mantas, turtles, or dolphins.
After we’ve enjoyed some time with the whale sharks, we’ll continue toward Isla Mujeres or Isla Contoy. On one of the two islands, you can relax after this experience and let it all sink in. Cold drinks and a little something to eat are provided on the boat, and you can simply enjoy your time! Totally relaxed, we then head back to Cancún—and of course we’ll take you straight back to your hotel.
Frequently asked questions about the whale shark snorkeling tour
When is the best time to snorkel with whale sharks?
The season runs from early June to late September, when Caribbean waters are warmest and up to 300 whale sharks gather off Cancún.
What rules apply when snorkeling with whale sharks?
You must never touch the whale sharks, only a maximum of two people per guide enter the water at once, each person gets up to three jumps, and you may take photos or videos only without flash.
How does the boat tour work?
After pickup at your hotel, you head to Cancún to the boat (up to 10 people), passing Isla Contoy north into the whale shark protection area.
Can you see other animals besides whale sharks?
With a bit of luck, you might also encounter mantas, turtles, or dolphins.
Tour Plan
2 reviews for Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour
Excursions
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Egon Bauer –
Ein unvergessliches Erlebnis , kann ich jedem nur Empfehlen! Hatte erst überlegt da es für meine Urlaubskasse etwas kostspielig war, was uns da alles geboten wurde war der reine Wahnsinn !!! Würde ich jederzeit wiederholen und kann es jedem empfehlen,vielen Dank an das tolle Team
Thorsten Bielefeld –
Drei Stunden Bootsfahrt, aber jede Minute wert. Wir waren mit vier Walhaien im Wasser. Die Crew hat sehr auf Abstand und Regeln geachtet, das fand ich gut. Seekrank wurde trotzdem die Hälfte – Tabletten vorher nehmen!