Cancún: Swim With Whale Sharks

Cancún, the popular tourist destination in Mexico, offers an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to swim alongside the world’s largest known fish species – the majestic whale shark. These gentle giants, measuring up to 12 meters in length, can be encountered on guided tours departing from the Puerto Juarez marina. Participants will be taken by boat to the protected whale shark reserve around Isla Contoy, where they can snorkel and marvel at the sheer size and graceful movements of these magnificent creatures. The tour also includes a boat cruise to the nearby Isla Mujeres, providing a well-rounded experience for those seeking to enjoy the region’s natural wonders. What makes this encounter even more captivating is the chance to witness the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these vulnerable species.

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

Key Points

• The tour offers a guided experience to swim with whale sharks, the largest known fish species, off the coast of Cancun.
• Visitors will snorkel alongside the gentle whale sharks in the reserve around Isla Contoy, accompanied by an experienced guide.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, swimming equipment, and a boat cruise to Isla Mujeres with a local lunch.
• Participants should be aware of the tour’s restrictions, such as age limits and the required environmental tax and dock use fee.
• The tour provides an opportunity to observe the whale sharks’ unique feeding behaviors and learn about conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

The guided tour allows visitors to swim with whale sharks, the largest known species of fish, off the coast of Cancun. These majestic creatures can reach up to 12 meters in length and are a breathtaking sight to witness.

During the tour, you will depart from the Puerto Juarez marina and travel by boat to the whale shark reserve around Isla Contoy, where they’ll have the opportunity to snorkel alongside the gentle giants with the help of an experienced guide.

After the whale shark encounter, the tour includes a boat cruise to Isla Mujeres, where visitors can enjoy a local lunch and take a refreshing swim before heading back to their hotel.

Itinerary Details

After hotel pickup, visitors travel by air-conditioned van to the Puerto Juarez (Marina Xtabay) from where they’ll depart by boat for the whale shark reserve around Isla Contoy.

There, they’ll snorkel alongside these massive creatures with the guidance of a tour guide.

Following the whale shark encounter, the group will enjoy a boat cruise and lunch at Isla Mujeres before returning to their hotel.

The itinerary includes round-trip transportation, swimming equipment, and a knowledgeable guide to ensure a smooth and memorable experience.

Guests should wear comfortable clothing, limit sunscreen use, and consider medication to prevent seasickness, as the tour involves time spent on the water.

Inclusions and Exclusions

In the ‘Cancún: Swim With Whale Sharks’ tour, the inclusions are quite extensive. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transportation by air-conditioned van, a knowledgeable tour guide, swimming equipment, the whale shark swim, a boat cruise, and lunch with drinks.

However, the environmental tax and dock use fee of $20.00 USD per person, payable on the day, as well as tips, are excluded from the package.

The tour offers a well-rounded experience:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience
• Air-conditioned transportation to the marina
• Expert guide to ensure a safe and informative swim
• Snorkeling gear provided
• Boat cruise and lunch included

Important Information

Certain participants won’t be able to join the whale shark swim, as the tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or people with back problems.

Guests should wear comfortable clothing and limit their use of sunscreen to protect the environment.

The tour organizers recommend bringing medication to prevent seasickness, as the boat cruise may cause some discomfort for those prone to motion sickness.

Travelers should be aware of the $20 USD per person environmental tax and dock use fee, which is payable on the day of the tour.

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Whale Shark Encounter

Participants embark on a thrilling encounter with whale sharks, the largest known species of fish, as they snorkel alongside these gentle giants up to 12 meters in length. Led by experienced guides, swimmers get up-close views of the majestic creatures as they gracefully glide through the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Cancún.

The encounter offers a rare opportunity to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat:

• Observe the whale sharks’ unique feeding behaviors and distinctive patterns
• Marvel at the sheer size and power of these gentle giants
• Capture unforgettable memories through photographs and videos

Learn about the conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species.

Gain a deeper appreciation for the ocean’s incredible biodiversity.

Transportation and Pickup

Commencing the tour, hotel pickup and drop-off services are provided for the convenience of participants.

Travelers are then transported by air-conditioned van to Puerto Juarez (Marina Xtabay), the departure point for the boat excursion. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, allowing guests to relax and prepare for the exciting whale shark encounter.

Upon arrival at the marina, adventurers board the boat that will take them out to the whale shark reserve around Isla Contoy. This seamless transportation ensures a stress-free start to the day’s activities, allowing participants to fully enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside these majestic creatures.

Lunch and Boat Cruise

After the whale shark encounter, guests can enjoy a relaxing boat cruise and local lunch.

The tour includes a scenic cruise around Isla Mujeres, where participants can take a refreshing swim in the clear waters.

A delicious meal featuring regional cuisine is served during this portion of the excursion, providing an opportunity to further appreciate the local culture and flavors.

The boat cruise and lunch offer:

• Scenic views of Isla Mujeres
• Chance to swim in the Caribbean Sea
• Authentic local cuisine
• Time to relax and unwind
• An immersive cultural experience

Preparation Advice

Before embarking on the whale shark swimming adventure, it’s important for participants to properly prepare.

Wearing comfortable, lightweight clothing and limited use of sunscreen are recommended to minimize environmental impact. Plus, guests may want to consider taking medication to prevent seasickness, as the boat ride can be susceptible to waves.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with back problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Whale Shark Encounter?

Yes, guests can take photos during the whale shark encounter. The tour guide will provide guidance on the best ways to capture photos while ensuring the safety and well-being of the whale sharks.

How Close Can We Get to the Whale Sharks?

Guests can get quite close to the whale sharks, often within arm’s reach. The guide will provide instructions on maintaining a safe distance and avoid touching the animals to protect them. Close encounters allow for incredible photo opportunities during the snorkeling experience.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour typically has a maximum group size of 10-12 people, allowing for a more personalized experience and closer encounters with the whale sharks. The small group size helps minimize disturbance to the animals.

Is This Activity Suitable for Non-Swimmers?

The activity is not recommended for non-swimmers. The tour involves snorkeling with whale sharks, which requires swimming abilities. However, the boat cruise and lunch portion may be suitable for non-swimmers if they choose not to enter the water.

Can I Extend My Stay in Cancun After the Tour?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Cancun after the whale shark tour. Most tour operators provide flexibility to accommodate additional nights in Cancun, allowing visitors to further explore the area’s beaches, nightlife, and culture at their own pace.

Recap

Cancún’s whale shark tour offers an incredible opportunity to witness these gentle giants up close. Travelers can snorkel alongside the world’s largest known fish, marveling at their impressive size.

The tour also includes a visit to Isla Mujeres, providing a well-rounded experience. This unforgettable encounter allows guests to support conservation efforts and appreciate the natural wonders of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: