Cancun & Riviera Maya: Swim With Whale Sharks Tour W/ Lunch

Cancun and Riviera Maya offer a unique opportunity to encounter some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures. This tour promises an unforgettable experience as you set out on a boat ride to search for majestic whale sharks, playful dolphins, and sea turtles. Snorkeling through the vibrant coral reef allows you to learn about the marine ecosystem, while a Caribbean-style lunch on a beautiful beach provides a refreshing break. With comprehensive safety briefings and efficient transportation, you can focus on exploring the turquoise waters and creating memories that will last a lifetime. What awaits you in this aquatic adventure may just surprise you.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Whale Watching Tours In Cancun.

Key Points

• Opportunity to swim alongside majestic whale sharks and explore the vibrant coral reef while snorkeling on a boat tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya.
• 2.5-hour scenic van ride to the flamingos, followed by a thrilling speedboat journey to a secret location for the whale shark swim.
• Vibrant marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, and wrasse, encountered during the snorkeling session at the nearby barrier reef.
• Caribbean-style lunch featuring local seafood dishes served in a tranquil setting with stunning turquoise waters and pristine white sand on Isla Mujeres.
• Comprehensive safety briefing, efficient transportation logistics, and seamless experience from start to finish.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Highlights and Inclusions

The tour offers a chance to swim alongside majestic whale sharks, spot playful dolphins and sea turtles, and explore the vibrant coral reef while snorkeling.

Guests will embark on a boat ride to search for these incredible marine creatures, jumping in to swim alongside the whale sharks. They’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel the barrier reef, teeming with colorful fish and coral.

A Caribbean-style lunch is included at one of the region’s most beautiful beaches.

The tour is fully equipped, providing transportation, bilingual guides, all necessary equipment, and breakfast, lunch, and drinks.

With these highlights and inclusions, it’s an unforgettable adventure for nature and ocean lovers.

Boat Ride and Whale Shark Swim

After a scenic 2.5-hour van ride to the flamingos, guests embark on a thrilling speedboat journey to a secret location, where the real adventure begins.

Once there, the group receives a safety briefing before jumping into the boat to search for the magnificent whale sharks, as well as dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays.

The highlight of this excursion is the opportunity to swim alongside the gentle giants, the whale sharks. Guests will don their snorkel gear and take the plunge, swimming in close proximity to these incredible creatures.

The 2-hour swim and snorkeling session also allows exploration of the nearby barrier reef, teeming with vibrant marine life and colorful coral.

Snorkeling at the Barrier Reef

Following the exhilarating swim with the whale sharks, guests move on to the next highlight – snorkeling the nearby barrier reef. Teeming with vibrant marine life and colorful coral, the reef offers a breathtaking underwater spectacle for participants to explore. As they don their snorkel gear, they’ll be greeted by a dazzling array of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures.

Marine Life	Coral
Parrotfish	Elkhorn
Angelfish	Staghorn
Wrasse	Brain Coral
Clownfish	Finger Coral
Butterflyfish	Tube Coral

The snorkeling experience allows guests to enjoy the stunning underwater world, leaving them with lasting memories of the diverse and captivating marine ecosystem.

Lunch at Isla Mujeres Beach

Next, participants enjoy a delightful Caribbean-style lunch at one of the most beautiful beaches on Isla Mujeres. The tranquil setting and mouthwatering fare provide a welcome respite after the morning’s exhilarating activities.

The menu features a variety of local seafood dishes, including fresh-caught ceviche, grilled fish tacos, and shrimp in garlic sauce. Vegetarian options are also available.

Participants can savor their meal while taking in the stunning turquoise waters and pristine white sand.

After lunch, there’s time to stroll along the beach, browse the charming local shops, or simply relax and soak up the island atmosphere before heading back to the mainland.

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Transportation and Safety Briefing

The tour begins with a van transfer from the designated pickup locations to the flamingo sanctuary, a journey spanning approximately 2.5 hours.

Upon arrival, participants gather for a comprehensive safety briefing, covering important guidelines and instructions for the upcoming activities. The briefing includes information on:

• Proper use of snorkeling equipment
• Safe practices for interacting with marine life
• Emergency procedures and response protocols
• Specific guidelines for the whale shark encounter

After the safety briefing, you will board the speedboat and embark on the next phase of the adventure, heading towards the secret snorkeling spot where they’ll have the chance to swim with the magnificent whale sharks.

Duration and Pick-up/Drop-off Locations

After the safety briefing, the tour covers a full day, from the initial pick-up to the final drop-off. Participants can be picked up and dropped off at 20 different locations, offering convenient access to the adventure.

Duration	Pick-up/Drop-off Locations
1 day	– Hotel Zona Hotelera – Grand Oasis Cancun – Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
	– Secrets The Vine Cancun – Hyatt Ziva Cancun – Margaritaville Beach Resort
	– Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun – Le Blanc Spa Resort

The tour’s efficient transportation logistics ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Restrictions and Marine Life Etiquette

This tour has certain restrictions in place to ensure the safety and well-being of participants as well as the marine environment. Pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, non-swimmers, and those with respiratory issues are advised not to join the tour.

Plus, guests must refrain from touching any marine life, using selfie sticks, or bringing drones, and are required to apply only reef-safe sunscreen. The tour emphasizes a respectful and responsible approach to the delicate marine ecosystem.

Guests are expected to:

• Observe wildlife from a safe distance
• Avoid disturbing or feeding the animals
• Dispose of trash properly
• Follow the guide’s instructions regarding conservation efforts

Tour Itinerary and Timeline

Upon arrival, guests embark on a 2.5-hour van journey to the flamingos, where a safety briefing commences for the next 30 minutes.

Following the briefing, they board a speedboat for a 2.5-hour journey to a secret stop. At this location, guests have 2 hours to swim, snorkel, and whale watch.

Afterwards, they board the speedboat again for a 1-hour ride to Isla Mujeres, where they enjoy a Caribbean-style lunch for 1 hour.

The return trip involves a 1-hour speedboat ride back to the flamingos, followed by a 30-minute pass-by, and finally a 2.5-hour van ride to the 20 drop-off locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Guests can bring their own snorkeling gear, but the tour provides high-quality snorkel equipment included in the price. Using the tour’s gear ensures proper fit and functionality for the activities. However, guests may choose to use their own if preferred.

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have an age limit, but it’s not suitable for young children. Participants must be able to swim and follow safety instructions. The minimum recommended age is 8 years old, though this may vary based on the child’s abilities.

Can I Cancel or Reschedule the Tour?

Customers can typically cancel or reschedule the tour, but policies vary. It’s best to review the tour operator’s terms and conditions or contact them directly to understand the specific cancellation and rescheduling policies for this tour.

What if I Forget to Bring a Towel?

If you forget to bring a towel, don’t worry – the tour provider has you covered. They’ll provide towels for all participants to use during the day’s activities and to dry off after swimming and snorkeling.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but there are some restrictions. Guests can’t use selfie sticks or drones, and they shouldn’t touch the marine life to get the perfect shot. It’s best to check with the tour guides beforehand.

Recap

This whale shark tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya offers an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the region’s vibrant marine ecosystem.

From swimming with gentle giants to snorkeling the colorful coral reef, you’ll create unforgettable memories and gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the underwater world.

With comprehensive safety precautions and efficient logistics, this tour ensures an unforgettable adventure in the turquoise waters of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: