Whale Shark Tour From Cancun and Playa Del Carmen

Whale shark tours from Cancun and Playa del Carmen offer an incredible opportunity to witness these gentle giants up close. Travelers can embark on a guided excursion that includes snorkeling gear, snacks, and a delicious lunch. With a maximum of 20 participants, the tour provides an intimate experience led by bilingual guides. While guests must pay a port fee, the tour is suitable for ages 8 and up, making it a fantastic family-friendly activity. As one of the must-do experiences in the Riviera Maya, these tours operate seasonally from May to September, allowing visitors to create unforgettable memories. But what we love about this tour, and why should travelers consider it?

Key Points

• The Whale Shark Tour is operated by Contoy Excursions, with a 4.5-star rating and seasonal availability from May to September.
• The tour includes a bilingual guide, snorkeling gear, snacks, lunch, water, and soft drinks, with a $20 USD port and protected Whale Shark Area fee.
• The tour has a maximum group size of 20 travelers, with a minimum age requirement of 8 years and not recommended for pregnant women or those with serious medical conditions.
• Guests can opt for hotel pickup and drop-off at an additional cost, and the tour package includes transportation to the Punta Sam port.
• The tour offers a unique opportunity to snorkel with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, and has received positive feedback for its knowledgeable guides and safety protocols.

Tour Overview

The Whale Shark Tour from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen is operated by Contoy Excursions, a tour company with a 4.5-star rating from 75 reviews.

This seasonal tour runs from May to September, with a maximum group size of 20 travelers. Included in the tour are a bilingual guide, snorkeling gear, snacks, lunch, water, and soft drinks.

Guests must pay a separate $20 USD fee for the port and protected Whale Shark Area. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available, but not included in the without transportation option.

The meeting point is Punta Sam port, where the tour departs at 7:30 AM for those without transportation.

Inclusions and Costs

Included in the Whale Shark Tour from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen are a bilingual guide, snorkeling gear, snacks, lunch, water, and soft drinks. Plus, visitors will be responsible for paying the Port & Protected Whale Shark Area Fees of $20 USD per person in cash at the port. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an additional cost, but not included in the without transportation option. Guests can meet at the Punta Sam port at 7:30 AM if they opt for the without transportation package.

Inclusions	Cost
Bilingual Guide	Included
Snorkeling Gear	Included
Snacks, Lunch, Drinks	Included
Port & Whale Shark Fees	$20 USD per person
Hotel Pickup/Drop-off	Additional Cost

What to Expect

Travelers must meet the minimum age requirement of 8 years to participate in the Whale Shark Tour from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, travelers with back problems, or those with serious medical conditions.

Recommended items include a swimsuit, long-sleeve shirt, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera. Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Guests should be aware that motion sickness may occur during the boat rides, and they should consider bringing medication if needed.

Guest Experiences

Positive reviews often highlight the knowledgeable guides, safety protocols, and memorable encounters with whale sharks that guests have experienced on the tour. Many travelers reported seeing numerous whale sharks and praised the crew’s attentiveness.

However, some guests did experience motion sickness, with recommendations provided for medication. While the majority of guests had positive experiences, a few complaints were noted, including long boat rides and varying experiences with whale shark sightings.

Feedback and Improvements

Guests praised the crew’s efforts and the quality of food provided on the tour.

Issues with hotel pickup and timing were noted, with suggestions for improvement on handling delays.

Some guests experienced motion sickness, but recommendations for medication were provided.

The tour is described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with many guests eager to return.

While there were a few minor complaints, the overwhelming feedback was positive, highlighting the knowledgeable guides, safety, and memorable encounters with whale sharks.

Contoy Excursions appears to be responsive to guest feedback, working to enhance the overall tour experience.

Seasonal Availability

The whale shark tours operate seasonally, available from May to September each year. This coincides with the peak whale shark season in the waters off the Yucatan Peninsula.

During these months, the massive yet gentle creatures migrate to the area to feed on plankton and small fish. Offering the unique opportunity to snorkel alongside the world’s largest fish, the tours run by Contoy Excursions are in high demand.

Visitors should book well in advance to secure a spot, as group sizes are limited to a maximum of 20 travelers. The seasonal nature of the tours ensures an exclusive and unforgettable whale shark encounter for those who time their visit accordingly.

Transportation Options

Travelers can opt to book the whale shark tour with or without transportation. The tour operator offers complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos for those who choose the transportation option.

Those without the transportation package will need to make their own way to the Punta Sam port, where the tour departs at 7:30 AM.

Regardless of the transportation choice, all participants must pay the $20 USD per person port and protected whale shark area fees upon arrival at the port.

The tour includes a bilingual guide, snorkeling gear, snacks, lunch, and beverages.

Safety Considerations

Safety is a paramount concern for the whale shark tour operator, Contoy Excursions. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, travelers with back problems, or those with serious medical conditions.

Minimum age requirement is 8 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Guests are advised to wear a long-sleeved shirt, sunscreen, and bring a waterproof camera.

Contoy Excursions emphasizes the importance of following the guide’s instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

While the majority of guests report positive experiences, some have experienced motion sickness, highlighting the need for appropriate precautions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Day to See the Whale Sharks?

The best time to see the whale sharks is typically in the early morning hours, as they tend to be most active and visible during this time of day. However, sightings can vary depending on the season and other environmental factors.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, guests can bring their own snorkeling gear for the tour. However, the tour provider offers complimentary snorkeling equipment, so guests may prefer to use the gear provided to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Taking Photos or Videos?

Guests are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour, but they’re advised to use waterproof cameras or devices. Some tour operators may have restrictions to prevent disturbance of the whale sharks.

Can I Choose the Specific Location to See the Whale Sharks?

No, guests can’t choose the specific location to see the whale sharks. The tour takes visitors to a protected whale shark area, but the crew can’t guarantee sightings at a particular spot as the whale sharks’ movements are unpredictable.

How Close Can I Get to the Whale Sharks During the Tour?

During the whale shark tour, guests can get quite close to the massive yet gentle creatures. The crew ensures a safe and responsible viewing distance, allowing guests to swim alongside the whale sharks and observe them up close.

The Sum Up

The whale shark tour from Cancun and Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable adventure to snorkel with these gentle giants. With a knowledgeable guide, quality gear, and an intimate group, guests can experience the awe of these magnificent creatures. While there are some restrictions, the tour provides a unique opportunity to create lasting memories during the seasonal availability from May to September.