Exploring the vibrant waters off the coast of Cancun offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter the gentle giants of the sea – whale sharks. The Cancun Whale Shark Tour provides a seamless way to experience this natural wonder, with convenient hotel pickup, top-notch snorkeling gear, and refreshments included. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the thrill of the chase and the potential to swim alongside these majestic creatures make this tour a must-try for adventure-seekers. With a limited group size, the stage is set for an unforgettable encounter, leaving you with memories that will last long after your toes have dried.
Key Points
- The Cancun Whale Shark Tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, swim time with whale sharks, snorkeling equipment, and refreshments.
- The tour is located in Cancun, Mexico and has an average rating of 4.0 from 23 reviews.
- The tour price starts at $220.00 per person with a maximum group size of 10 travelers.
- Inclusions cover hotel pickup/drop-off, whale shark swim, snorkeling equipment, and bottled water/sodas, while exclusions include the marine park tax and gratuities.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant women or children under five, with specific recommendations and restrictions for participants.
Tour Overview
The "Cancun Whale Shark Tour with Transportation" is a popular excursion that allows participants to swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea.
Located in Cancun, Mexico, the tour has received an average rating of 4.0 from 23 reviews. Priced from $220.00 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers.
Included in the package are air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off, swim time with whale sharks, full snorkeling equipment, and refreshments.
However, the $20 USD per person marine park tax and optional photo/video services aren’t included.
Meeting point is at Total Snorkel Cancun, and participants are advised to arrive 10 minutes before the activity starts.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cancun.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes several key inclusions, such as air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off, unlimited swim time with whale sharks, and full snorkeling equipment including prescription masks and neoprene jackets. Bottled water, sodas, and coffee are also provided. Guests will need to pay the $20 USD per person marine park tax in cash at the dock. While photos and videos are optional, gratuities are not included in the tour price. It’s important to note the following exclusions and restrictions:
Included | Not Included |
---|---|
Hotel pickup/drop-off | Marine park tax |
Whale shark swim | Photo/video service |
Snorkeling equipment | Gratuities |
Meeting and Pickup Information
Pickups for the Cancun Whale Shark Tour are available from any hotel in Cancun’s Hotel Zone or Downtown.
Confirm the exact departure time after booking. The meeting point is Total Snorkel Cancun, located on Carr. a Punta Sam 05-Mz.2, Sm.80, 77520 Cancun, Q.R., Mexico.
Guests should arrive 10 minutes before the activity starts, with a 5-minute tolerance for pickup.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back/neck issues, or children under five.
Recommendations and Restrictions
Two key recommendations for the Cancun Whale Shark Tour are to bring appropriate attire and take motion sickness relief.
Suitable items to pack include a swimsuit, sunglasses, hat, biodegradable sunscreen, and a long-sleeved t-shirt for sun protection. Dry clothes for after the tour are also advised.
Guests prone to seasickness should take motion sickness medication at least an hour before the activity.
Regarding restrictions, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back or neck issues, or children under five.
Plus, while the chance of seeing whale sharks is high, sightings aren’t guaranteed, and no refunds will be provided if the creatures aren’t spotted.
Customer Experiences
Many customers found the Cancun Whale Shark Tour to be an unforgettable experience. Guests praised the close interaction with the gentle giants, highlighting the helpful guides and overall organization of the tour. However, some customers reported issues with receiving promised photos, expressing dissatisfaction with customer service.
Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
---|---|
Incredible whale shark encounters | Unhappiness with photo/video service |
Excellent tour guides | Poor customer service experience |
Well-organized logistics | – |
The general consensus among reviewers was that the Cancun Whale Shark Tour is a must-do excursion, despite a few service-related challenges.
Pricing and Availability
The Cancun Whale Shark Tour starts from $220.00 per person, with a maximum group size of 10 travelers.
The tour includes air-conditioned hotel pickup and drop-off, the opportunity to swim with whale sharks (no time limit), full snorkeling equipment, and refreshments.
However, the $20 USD dock fee, optional photo and video services, and gratuities aren’t included in the price.
Pickup is available from any hotel in Cancun’s Hotel Zone or Downtown, with a 10-minute arrival window before the tour begins.
Guests are advised to bring appropriate gear and be aware of the restrictions, as the tour may not be suitable for certain individuals.
Booking and Cancellation
To book the Cancun Whale Shark Tour, travelers can do so directly through the tour operator’s website or by contacting them via phone or email.
The tour requires a deposit, and full payment must be made prior to the tour date. Cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, while those within 48 hours are subject to a fee.
The tour operator recommends purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
Arriving at the meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time is crucial, as the tour adheres to a strict schedule and can’t wait for late arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Whale Sharks Can I Expect to See?
Visitors can expect to see the world’s largest known species of fish, the whale shark, on this tour. These gentle giants typically grow up to 40 feet long and feed on plankton and small fish.
Can I Interact With the Whale Sharks?
Yes, guests can swim and interact with the whale sharks during the tour. The tour includes the opportunity to get in the water and swim alongside these gentle giants, with no time limit.
What Is the Best Time of Year to See Whale Sharks?
The best time to see whale sharks is from June to September, when they congregate in the waters off the Yucatan Peninsula. This coincides with their seasonal feeding patterns and makes for the optimal whale shark viewing opportunities.
How Long Does the Tour Last?
The tour typically lasts 4-5 hours, including hotel pickup, travel to the whale shark viewing location, and time in the water swimming with the gentle giants. The exact duration may vary depending on factors like traffic and weather conditions.
Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, the tour can accommodate private groups. The maximum group size is 10 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience. Guests can book the tour exclusively for their party to enjoy the whale shark encounter together.
The Sum Up
The Cancun Whale Shark Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to swim with these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat. With convenient hotel pickup, snorkeling equipment, and refreshments included, it’s a hassle-free adventure. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour’s small group size ensures personalized attention. Customers rave about the thrilling experience, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting Cancun.
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