This is a Private Tour

This means that all transportation (including ground transportation and boats when applicable) are exclusive to your group, and so are the guide, driver, and captain when applicable. The itinerary and time table mentioned in this tour include the suggested times and durations of each activity, but they can be changed to fit your group's preference within reason and availability.

Ocean Tour´s Refund Policy

Cancel up to 24 hs. before your tour for a full refund.

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11:22:48 pm
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Ocean Tour´s Refund Policy

Cancel up to 24 hs. before your tour for a full refund.

TripAdvisor Hall of Fame

"Best Experience Ever"

5 Stars

Myself and my Husband did the Whale Shark encounter in Cancun about a week ago. The experience was a once in a lifetime and a must do if you're ever in Cancun.

Lilly - Manchester, UK.

"Excellent Tour and the Best Staff"

5 Stars

The tour offered by Ocean Tours was amazing, the guides Katia and David are both very knowledgeable and friendly and make this trip exceptional!

Xijadi - Santiago, Chile.

About the Whale Shark Tour

Click the titles below to expand each section.

Tour Frequency

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Fridays Saturday Sunday June 1st - Sep. 17th

Tour Frequency

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
June 1st - Sep. 17th
On the 30th of each month the tour does not operate.

Whale Shark Tour Itinerary

Activities included

Speedboat Ride

Whale Shark watching

Snorkeling

Relax Time

Beach Swimming

Family Friendly

  • Our friendly and knowledgeable guides will make your Whale Shark watching and swimming experience the highlight of your holiday. We love doing this, and we can't wait to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with you!

  • Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in either the Riviera Maya or Cancun, then we will take you to our location and pier where the boats are waiting for the adventure to begin!

  • Before we go swimming with Whale Sharks in cancun, we'll enjoy a freshly-prepared and delicious continental breakfast at the pier in Cancun. After breakfast we'll proceed to boarding the boat, and once boarded, the discovery of swimming with Whale Sharks in Mexico begins! On average, you can expect to enjoy a beautiful and scenic speedboat ride that takes about one hour to get to the area where the Whale Sharks gather.

  • Once we find the best spot to swim with Whale Sharks, we'll get in the water and snorkel and swim with these majestic creatures for up to 3 hours approx.

  • The boat will stay in the whale shark area for up to 3 hours. Our idea is that you enter the water at least 2 times, however, it all depends on the sea conditions, how many sharks there are and your own swimming skills.

  • After swimming with the Whale Sharks in their natural habitat, we will go snorkeling at another beautiful location: The coral reef in Isla Mujeres. We'll then bring you to Playa Norte – named one of the Most Beautiful Beaches in the World – which is our last stop on the Whale Shark tour in Isla Mujeres, where we'll have lunch, drinks and fun!

  • From Playa Norte we'll return back to our pier in Cancun, where your guide and driver will bring you back to your hotel. Expect to arrive back to your hotels around 15:30 (Cancun Hotels) and 16:30 (Riviera Maya Hotels).

  • We guarantee whale shark sighting. In the rare case we cannot find the whale sharks, you can reschedule, or receive a certificate to do the tour again. We are flexible so the situation can be evaluated if necessary.

Whale Shark Tour Time Table

  • 5:00 - 7:00 AM Pick up from the Hotel Lobby in air-conditioned van.
  • 7:00 - 7:20AM Arrive at our pier at the Flamingos Restaurant and light breakfast.
  • 7:40 AM Speed boat departure to Whale Shark Cancun Snorkeling area (Your Certified Bilingual guide will give a safety note prior to speedboats).
  • 9:00 AM Arrival at the spot to swim with Whale Sharks. Time spend here depends on the conditions.
  • 11:00 AM We leave the Whale Shark area on our speedboats and go Isla Mujeres Coral reef.
  • 12:30 PM Arrival and snorkeling at Isla Mujeres Coral reef.
  • 01:30 PM Lunch. (We have vegetarian and gluten-free food. It is important to request it when making the reservation).
  • 02:30 PM Departure for pier in Flamingos. (transportation ready to take you back to your accommodations).
  • 03:30 PM Arrival to hotels and accommodations in the Cancun area.
  • 4:00 to 5:00 PM Arrival to hotels and accommodations in the Playa del Carmen area.
  • 5:30 PM Arrival to hotels and accommodations in the Tulum area.

*Times can vary depending on conditions

What's Included

At Ocean Tours we take care of every detail so you can have a unique experience swimming with the Whale Sharks.

We include all that's necessary to fully enjoy your Whale Shark experience. Below, you'll find a list of our inclusions plus some suggestions for what you may to consider bringing on the tour.

 

This tour includes:

 

Bottled Water and Soft Drinks

Breakfast and lunch (vegetarian and gluten-free food available on request.)

Certificate bilingual guide

Round trip transportation with AC

Snorkel and Safety Vest
Life jacket is mandatory to swim with the Whale Shark.

Whale Shark Warranty: In the unlikely, 1% chance we don’t see any Whale Sharks, you receive a certificate to do the tour again

What to bring:

 

Towel

Corfortable, fresh clothing and long-sleeved-cotton shirt

Change of clothing

Swimsuit

Hat or cap

Sunglasses & Biodegradable sunscreen (please apply prior to tour)

Sandals

Money for photos souvenirs and tips

Important: The fee of 13 dollars charged by the nature reserve is not included and the client must pay our guide in cash.

Available Extras

 

Whale Shark Swimmer T-shirt ($25 USD)

Guides and Boats

Professional Guides

  • Most of our guides are diving instructors or dive masters, and have all been hand-selected by Ocean tours for their passion and care for nature, awesome attitude and exceptional empathy.

  • Our first concern is to give our clients a unique experience that they can remember for years to come. At all times, our team is there for you with knowledge, motivation, attention, and trust.

  • We truly provide the Mayan Riviera's best quality in service and tours, and we always ensure the total satisfaction of our clients. We love what we do and we want to share these amazing experiences with you!

Akumal Turtles

Tamara - Dolorez

Cenote Tour Cancun

Yurian

Playa del Carmen Tours

Franka - Maca

Some of our Boats / Transportation:

 

Whale Shark Tour Boats

Boat Ballihoo

Whale Shark Tour Boats

Boat Fantasea

Whale Shark Tour Boats

Boat Whale Shark Tour

Whale Shark Tour Boats

VIP Boat Fantasea

Whale Shark Tour Boats

Our Boats

Whale Shark Tour Boats

Our Boats

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are whale sharks dangerous?

    There’s no record of Whale Sharks or Mantas hurting any human being.

    Whale sharks are very large and congregate in the waters around Isla Mujeres and Holbox to feed on tiny fish eggs and microscopic organisms. Also whale sharks are not fast swimmers and on average cruise through the water at just 3 mph. They also actively avoid swimming into objects and other creatures.

  • Do whale sharks have teeth?

    Whale sharks do have teeth but they have incredibly tiny teeth evolved to aid in filter feeding, they really are gentle giants. Whale sharks have no need to bite anything, they simply filter-feed which involves a sucking process. So just to be clear whale sharks don’t eat humans, they have never harmed a human directly or indirectly.

  • Is the tour guided?

    Our guides will make you feel safe, secure, comfortable and most importantly they’ll ensure you have the best view of the whale sharks! Even if you’re not an experienced snorkeler, or if you’re not so comfortable swimming, the guide will ensure your swim with the Whale Sharks is an unforgettable experience! Our guides make sure that practically anyone can do the Cancun whale shark tour regardless of their physical ability. Even if the guide has to literally hold your hand they will get you close up with the ocean’s largest fish.

  • Whale sharks in Isla Mujeres or whale sharks in Holbox - What’s the difference?

    This is a popular question as when you look for “Cancun whale shark tour” you may not actually know where the sharks are exactly. Every year hundreds of whale sharks arrive in the waters of Cancun in fact it’s the largest aggregation of whale sharks in the world. Sometimes we find whale sharks in Isla Mujeres and sometimes we find the whale sharks in Holbox it all depends on where their preferred food source is drifting. The main difference is that the waters around Isla Mujeres are warm, clear, and blue and the waters around Holbox are green, and colder. Either way you will get to swim with 18+ foot whale sharks so wherever they are we will find them.

  • Where do I have to go?

    The good news is that we pick you up from your accommodation at the beginning of the day and drop you off at the end of the day. The other bit of good news is that there is no bad news, you don’t have to do anything we will arrange all transportation for you.

  • Will I get sea sick?

    Some people suffer from seasickness on boats, it’s a part of life and we totally understand. That is why we do everything we can to prevent this from happening to our guests. To ensure you’ll have the best Whale Shark watching & swimming experience, we offer three various prevention methods for free, such as: Dramamine, ginger tea, or a pressure point bracelet. If in the unlikely case you still get seasick on the boat, our guides are trained to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

  • How many times can I swim with whale sharks during the tour?

    Our goal is that the client ends the day completely satisfied, that's why we allow you to swim with the Whale Sharks for as long as possible.

    Our idea is that you enter the water at least 2 times, however, it all depends on the sea conditions, how many sharks there are and your own swimming skills.

    It is important to consider that we will remain in the area between 2 to 3 hours approximately.

  • Do I have to bring my own snorkeling gear?

    We have professional snorkel equipment, sanitized after each use.

  • Do I have to bring food and drink?

    At the pier, you will have a light breakfast ready upon your arrival. During the day, there will be plenty of bottled water & soft drinks, as well as sandwiches to snack on the boats. When we’ve finished snorkeling with whale sharks, we’ll have a classic Caribbean lunch in the beautiful waters of Isla Mujeres to complete your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

    We have vegetarian and gluten-free food. It is important to request it when making the reservation.

  • Can I bring my camera?

    f you want to you can bring your underwater camera. For the entire excursion, your guide will shoot videos & pictures on a GoPro in high-definition during your Whale Shark experience. At the end of your trip, you’re able to purchase a digital copy.

    Regardless of age, all people entering the Whale Shark area are required to pay a Natural Reserve Fee. This fee is not included in the tour price and is payable upon pick-up at your accommodation at the beginning of your tour ($13 USD/Person).

  • Are whale sharks whales, or sharks?

    Although the name is confusing, whale sharks are sharks. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and can reach up to 12 meters or perhaps even bigger.

  • Can I swim with whale sharks if I am Pregnant?

    For your safety, pregnant women will not be allowed on the whale shark tour.

  • Can children swim with whale sharks?

    Children are the most adventurous and they are welcome on the tour.

    All children above the age of 3 can swim with the Whale Sharks. Children can go swimming with a parent, guide or any adult. As well, we supply all gear suitable for children.

    Children 3-11 years old pay child price.

    Please let us know if you have additional questions relating to young children and infants.

  • Can people with disabilities swim with whale sharks?

    We know how important this experience is for you. We also understand that you may need more assistance and we are happy to assist you!

    When onboard and in the water, remember to take your time, keep calm and enjoy, we will always be assisting you.

    We’ll set you up at in the most comfortable and calm location of the speedboat.

    The boat’s edge is 2.5 feet (0.7 mts) above the surface of the water. With the help of your guide and sailor, it’s easy and safe to accompany anyone into the water.

    Lastly, we also have snorkeling masks with prescription if you wear glasses. Please let us know in your reservation if you need us to provide you with a prescription mask.

    Need more information? Please feel free to contact us through email or phone!

  • Can I swim with whale sharks if I'm staying in Cozumel?

    Our whale shark tour starts with an early pick up.

    At this moment there is no early ferry to get you on time for our shared service. You can consider a one night stay in Playa del Carmen before the tour or you can get a private tour.

  • Are whale sharks endangered?

    Whale Sharks are considered "vulnerable to extinction" and are in the Red List of Threatened Species.

    They are in danger due to threats resulting from human activities, including non-biodegradable sunscreen, plastic/waste/toxins/oil spills in the ocean, cutting the fins off sharks, being caught in fishing nets, and even for sport.

  • Whale Shark Season begins on June 1 and ends on September 17 each year. Can I do the tour at a different time of the year?

    Unfortunately it is not possible since this tour is regulated by the Mexican authorities who grant licenses for short periods starting June 1 to September 17 only for the conservation of the species.

  • About Covid:

    We continue with all COVID FREE measures, according to the authorities tell us.

    We have prescription masks (-1 to -5). It is important to request it when making the reservation.

Why do it with Us

Our first concern is the total satisfaction of our clients!

  • We strive to be the Best

    We are rated excellent on TripAdvisor, Google, and other rating platforms thanks to our commitment to excellence.

  • We are the Tour Operator

    Every service and every part of the tour is directly operated by Ocean Tours. We guarantee an excellent high quality service to ensure the total satisfaction of our clients.

  • We are Experienced

    We have over 10 years of experience in operating tours as Ocean Tours started in year 2005.

  • We are Professional

    Our guides are enthusiastic, experienced and knowledgeable. The whole team will make your tour unforgettable.

  • We are Dedicated

    Working with small groups of clients, max. 12 people per van ensures you a familiar private tour feeling.

  • We want you to remember your tour forever!

    One professional photographer per group!

  • We are Safe

    Our professional guides are certified in First-Aid.
    Our transportation is very safe and comfortable, and our drivers are very experienced.

  • Professional Photographers Team

    Our professional photographers team will come with you on the tour and get the best shots at these fantastic locations.