Whale shark snorkel tour in Cancun, Mexico is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the world’s largest fish. Our experienced guides provide an intimate, eco-conscious experience that emphasizes the importance of conservation. With only small group tours, guests have an exclusive chance to observe and interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
It is not possible to take a boat directly from Cozumel to the whale shark area near Contoy Island, there are no direct boat routes connecting them. Instead, travelers must take the first early morning boat ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen to reach the pickup at Playa del Carmen port entrance, and then transfer to Punta Sam where the boat tour starts.
IMPORTANT! Not recommended for Cruise ship travelers
This is a shared service starting at Playa del Carmen meeting point, where we pick up other customers, the tour could take at least 8 to 10 hours minimum, and we can’t guarantee you will return on time to cruise ship departure at Cozumel port.
For cruise ship travelers we suggest the Private Whale Shark Tour, where the flexibility of itinerary can make this tour possible, according to your cruise ship arrival and departure, starting from Playa del Carmen.
Itinerary
- 8:45 AM Pickup at meeting point in Playa del Carmen.
- 10 Avenue South with 3 Street South at Miniso store entrance( Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/YbbDjDPgRtNcmhGe8 )
- 9:30 AM Arrival to Punta Sam port( Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/R57WN6UjS3hRPUVp8 ).
- 10:30 AM Jump in the boat to start the search.
- 11:30 AM Search for whale sharks and snorkel in the surroundings of Contoy Island ( Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/YHUC8E5y4W5AF4zE6).
- 02:00 PM Transfer to Playa Norte beach at Isla Mujeres(Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/mbxPXqWMEA1vA9daA).
- 02:30 PM Lunch.
- 03:30 PM Transfer back to Punta Sam.
- 04:00 PM Transfer Punta Sam to Playa del Carmen.
- 05:45 PM Arrival to ferry port at Playa del Carmen.
Tour details
- Duration 7 to 8 hours.
- Runs daily during the season.
- Shared transfer pick-up/drop-off.
- Bilingual guide.
- Minimum 2 pax per booking
Includes
- Shared van transportation.
- Hotel to Marina round trip.
- Boat transportation.
- Bilingual guide and boat staff.
- Entrance fees.
- Snorkel gear( mask, life jacket, and fins).
- Express breakfast at Marina(coffee, breath & fruits).
- Lunch(Chicken sandwiches and fresh fish ceviche).
- Beverages( soft drinks, sodas & water).
- Languages English and Spanish.
Not includes
- Port fee & whale shark protected area entrance Total of $15 USD per pax.
- Personal expenses.
- Photo & video.
- Tips.
Restrictions
- No children under 5 years old.
- Pregnant women are not allowed.
- Regular sunscreen.
- Avoid contaminating the whale sharks’ area
Whale Shark Cancun Mexico Snorkel Tour is available?
Every year during the summer, from May 15th to September 15th, the first 3 weeks and last 3 weeks of the season the sighting probabilities are 50%, higher than 90% in July and August, and the rest of the season around 70%.
Whale Shark Tour Cozumel Mexico Recommendations
- Use of biodegradable sunscreen.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before snorkel activity.
- Use your waterproof camera.
- Wear sunglasses, a hat, and a cotton long-sleeve shirt.
Whale Shark Cozumel Mexico Tour Price
Price per pax, minimum 1 pax per booking.
IMPORTANT!
The port fee & Whale Shark Protected area entrance are NOT INCLUDED in the prices, the cost of both fees per person is USD 15 and must be paid arriving at the port, they only accept cash, and there are no ATMs at the port, so bring cash, this payment is mandatory to board the boat.
$ 189 USD
Cancellations with 100% refund:
- If we don’t reach the minimum number of people from Cozumel the tour will be rescheduled or refunded.
- Bad weather conditions when harbor Master closes the boat activities in the whale Shark natural protected area.
Whale shark tour Cancun & Riviera Maya
The whale shark tour departs daily from any hotel in Cancun down and hotel zone.
Private Whale Shark Tour
Advantages of private service, faster more time snorkeling.
