The Half Day Whale Shark Tour from Playa del Carmen delivers an unforgettable marine experience. Departing at 6am with a professional guide, this 4.5-star rated excursion accommodates up to 20 guests. It includes hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, snacks, and beverages. Travelers need to bring $20 USD in cash for the port fee, as there’s no ATM. With flexible cancellation and rescheduling, the tour guarantees a hassle-free adventure in the Caribbean. But what makes this tour truly unique and worth the early start? The answer lies in the creatures you’ll encounter – majestic whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.
Key Points
- The half-day whale shark tour departs from Playa del Carmen at 6:00 am and includes a professional guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, snacks, and beverages.
- A $20 USD port fee per person must be paid in cash at the port, as there is no ATM available.
- The tour has a capacity of 20 participants and is rated 4.5 stars, ensuring a high-quality experience.
- Flexible booking options are available, including a "Reserve now, pay later" option and free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the tour.
- The tour is not recommended for individuals with back problems or serious conditions, and it is not wheelchair accessible.
Tour Overview
The Half Day Whale Shark Tour from Playa del Carmen offers travelers an opportunity to witness the majestic whale sharks in their natural habitat along the Riviera Maya and Yucatan coastline.
This 4.5-star rated tour can accommodate up to 20 participants and departs at 6:00 am. The tour includes a professional guide, shared van service for hotel pickup and drop-off, and lunch, snacks, bottled water, coffee, and/or tea.
Travelers should note that port and protected whale shark area fees of $20 USD per person must be paid in cash at the port.
The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, but most travelers can participate.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Riviera Maya and the Yucatan.
Inclusions
What does the half-day whale shark tour include?
The tour includes a driver/guide and a professional guide to accompany you.
You’ll be provided with shared van service for hotel pickup and drop-off.
Lunch, snacks, bottled water, coffee, and/or tea are also included.
Please note that the port and protected whale shark area fees of $20 USD per person need to be paid in cash at the port.
No ATM is available at the port, so be sure to bring cash with you.
Fees and Payments
Along With the inclusions, travelers should be aware of the fees and payments required for this half-day whale shark tour.
There’s a $20 USD per person port and protected whale shark area fee that must be paid in cash at the port. Travelers should bring cash, as there’s no ATM available at the port.
Payments for the tour itself can be made later, as the tour offers a "Reserve now, pay later" option, providing a lowest price guarantee.
It’s important for travelers to keep these fees and payment details in mind when planning their half-day whale shark adventure.
Pickup Information
Pickup for the half-day whale shark tour is available in Playa del Carmen.
Travelers must provide the hotel name when reserving their spot to confirm the pickup time. The tour operator will contact guests via WhatsApp the day before the tour with the pickup details.
There’s no ATM available at the tour’s port, so guests should bring cash to pay the $20 USD per person port and protected whale shark area fees.
The shared van service will handle hotel pickups and drop-offs, ensuring a convenient start and end to the whale shark adventure.
Additional Information
Travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions may find this tour not recommended.
However, most travelers can participate in this whale shark adventure. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling are available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Travelers are advised to pay the $20 USD port and protected whale shark area fees in cash at the port, as no ATM is available.
The tour offers a lowest price guarantee, allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later.
Cancellation and Rescheduling
The tour offers free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
This policy provides flexibility for travelers who may need to adjust their plans. If a guest needs to cancel or reschedule, they can do so without incurring any additional fees.
This helps ensure a smooth booking process and allows guests to plan their trip with confidence. The tour operator understands that plans can change, and this flexible cancellation and rescheduling policy is designed to accommodate those changes.
Travelers can book the tour and make any necessary adjustments up to a day before the scheduled departure time.
Lowest Price Guarantee
It’s a Lowest Price Guarantee that allows travelers to reserve the tour now and pay later.
This ensures customers get the best possible price for the Half Day Whale Shark Tour. If a lower price is found elsewhere after booking, the company will match it.
This gives customers peace of mind knowing they’re getting the most value for their money.
The Lowest Price Guarantee also means travelers can lock in their spot on the tour without having to pay upfront.
This flexible payment option makes it easier to plan and budget for the exciting whale shark encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to See Whale Sharks?
The best time to see whale sharks is typically from June to September, when these gentle giants congregate in the warm waters off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to feed on plankton.
Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Tour?
Yes, travelers can bring their own camera equipment on the tour. The tour overview indicates that there are no restrictions mentioned regarding personal camera use. Travelers are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the whale shark sighting experience.
How Long Does the Boat Ride to the Whale Shark Site Take?
The boat ride to the whale shark site takes approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on conditions. Travelers should expect a moderate boat ride and prepare accordingly with motion sickness medication if needed.
Is There an Age Limit for Participating in the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have an age limit, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Most travelers can participate, except those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
Are Life Jackets Provided During the Whale Shark Viewing?
Yes, life jackets are provided to all participants during the whale shark viewing. The tour operator ensures the safety of guests by providing the necessary equipment and following all safety protocols.
The Sum Up
The Half Day Whale Shark Tour from Playa del Carmen provides a memorable marine adventure. With a professional guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, and all necessary inclusions, this tour ensures a hassle-free experience. The flexibility for cancellation and rescheduling makes it a convenient option for visitors. At $20 USD for the port fee, it’s a competitively priced tour that offers the opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures in the beautiful Caribbean waters.