4.8 (437) · Cancun · By Contoy Adventures Free cancellation
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and experience the thrill of swimming alongside the ocean's gentle giants. Our experienced guides will supervise your encounter, and you'll be equipped with National Geographic Snorkeler-certified gear.
The journey begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cancun, Riviera Maya, or Playa del Carmen, transporting you to our private marina in Punta Sam, Cancun. After a light breakfast, we'll board and head to the protected Whale Shark area. Once found, you'll enjoy 2 to 3 dives per person, always accompanied by a certified guide.
Before returning to the marina, we'll visit the stunning Playa Norte beach on Isla Mujeres. Here, you'll have an hour to unwind and savor delicious ceviche prepared fresh by our crew.
✓ Sodas and bottled water✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off✓ Professional guide✓ Snacks✓ Use of snorkeling equipment✓ Coffee and/or tea✓ Light breakfast✕ Dock fee and Federal Tax1 Contoy Adventures
Your Whale Shark Encounter starts early. Our professional drivers will pick you up from your hotel lobby or entrance and take you to our marina at the Punta Sam ferry terminal in Cancun. Our air-conditioned vans are well-maintained, and our drivers are licensed.
Upon arrival at the marina, you'll be greeted by our ground staff. After a quick check-in and boat assignment, enjoy a light breakfast before boarding. We depart at 7:50 AM for the whale shark protected area. Life vests are mandatory for your safety from the moment you board.
After about an hour, we'll reach the area and locate the whale sharks. The captain will maneuver the boat for optimal viewing. You'll enter the water in pairs with a certified guide for 2 to 3 dives per person, ensuring everyone gets a chance to swim with these magnificent creatures. Each boat accommodates 10 people.
Once everyone has had their turn, we'll begin our return journey. Before reaching Cancun, we'll make a final stop at Playa Norte beach on Isla Mujeres, renowned as one of the world's most beautiful beaches. You'll have an hour to relax or snorkel.
While you enjoy your non-alcoholic drink, our captain will prepare his famous ceviche. Sandwiches will also be available. Afterward, we head back to our Cancun marina, where vans will be waiting to transfer you to your hotels, concluding this incredible adventure. Hotel pickups begin around 5:30 AM, and we typically return to the marina between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
· 5 h · Admission included
2 Isla Mujeres
Following the whale shark experience, unwind at the picturesque Playa Norte. Here, you can also enjoy fresh ceviche prepared by the captain.
· 1 h
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Our marina is conveniently located next to the Punta Sam Ferry terminal for Isla Mujeres and adjacent to the Villa del Palmar hotel.
Our marina is conveniently located next to the Punta Sam Ferry terminal for Isla Mujeres and adjacent to the Villa del Palmar hotel.
We offer pickup services from most hotels in the Cancun hotel zone or downtown, as well as from Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.
For guests staying in Tulum or at vacation rentals, pickup will be arranged from a nearby designated meeting point.
The listed price does not include a $15 USD per person deck federal tax, payable at the time of tour check-in.
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Wheelchair accessible Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Transportation options are wheelchair accessible Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries Not recommended for pregnant travelers Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness Not recommended for children aged 3 and under. Pregnant women are not allowed for safety reasons and as per federal regulations. While sightings are highly probable, we cannot guarantee encounters with whale sharks. Tour from Tulum Meeting Point Pickup: Pickup is available at the Súper Aki supermarket on the main road in Tulum. Pickup included Tour from Cancun Hotel Pickup in Cancun Area: Includes pickup from hotels in Cancun Downtown, Hotel Zone & Costa Mujeres. Isla Mujeres Pickup: Includes pickup from the main pier at Isla Mujeres. Pickup included Tour from Riviera Maya Pickup from Riviera Maya: Includes hotel pickup from most hotels in the Riviera Maya area, including Akumal, Xcaret, and Puerto Aventuras. Pickup included Tour from Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen & Puerto Morelos Pickup included Tour from the Marina Without Hotel Pickup Book in advance, especially during peak season, as this is a popular experience. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection. Consider bringing a waterproof camera to capture your incredible encounters. Listen carefully to your guide's instructions for a safe and enjoyable swim. Stay hydrated; bottled water is provided throughout the tour. Be prepared for an early start to maximize your chances of sightings. For a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Product code: 70244P1
Activity offered by Contoy Adventures via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adventurous travelers Nature enthusiasts Snorkelers and swimmers Couples Small groups Swim with majestic whale sharks in their natural habitat. Relax on the world-renowned Playa Norte beach in Isla Mujeres. Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared ceviche onboard. Certified guides ensure a safe and unforgettable experience. Snorkeling gear, including National Geographic certified equipment, is provided. Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off available from major areas.
Population 888,797 (2020)
Elevation 5 m
Currency peso
Official languages Spanish, Nahuatl, Yucatec Maya
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 127 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Mexico City Average temperatures 24° Jan 25° Feb 25° Mar 27° Apr 28° May 28° Jun 28° Jul 28° Aug 28° Sept 27° Oct 25° Nov 25° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the tour? + The tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Is hotel pickup included? + Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from most hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya. Specific meeting points are arranged for Tulum and vacation rentals.
What should I bring on the tour? + It is recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel. A waterproof camera is also a great addition.
Is there an age restriction for this tour? + Children aged 3 and under are not recommended. Pregnant women are also not permitted due to safety regulations.
Can I cancel my booking? + Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Is it guaranteed that I will see whale sharks? + While the probability of seeing whale sharks is very high, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great experience! Helpful tips included in text!
O2270YKlisal, September 2026
They were very accommodating and helpful. I had to reschedule 2x due to unexpected health concerns and they worked around the issue. Great boat captain and crew! Nice marina with facilities. Long boat ride, so if you get seasick easily be prepared! You will be out in the ocean with large sweeps likely. No restrooms on board boat. FYI, They do not refund if they don’t find whale sharks.
★★★★★ Viator review
Whale sharks
Judith_E, September 2026
This was amazing and once in a lifetime experience. They take this seriously and are great stewards of the ocean and the animals. It is a good 1-2h+ on a speedboart straight out into the ocean to find them and some days they said they can't find them at all and I do not get car sick at all and was super sick after hours in a shuttle van and boat. It was 3-4 hours there to the whale sharks and back to the hotel, much longer day than I expected.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Whale Sharks - Bucket list!
330tjw, September 2026
Our Whale Shark Snorkeling and Isla Mujeres Beach Tour was an absolutely incredible experience! Our guide, Willy, was amazing—extremely knowledgeable about whale sharks and passionate about sharing information throughout the experience. He made the snorkeling adventure both exciting and educational.
Captain Baby also deserves a special mention for his impressive boating skills. He knew exactly how to navigate the waters and position us perfectly to experience the whale sharks up close. It was truly an unforgettable experience being in the water with these incredible animals.
The trip to Isla Mujeres was the perfect way to finish the day. Playa Norte was absolutely beautiful, with crystal-clear water and a gorgeous beach that was well worth the stop for lunch. The sandwiches and ceviches were amazing and made the experience even better.
From the knowledgeable guides to the incredible whale shark encounter and beautiful Isla Mujeres beach, this tour was a highlight of our trip. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure in Cancun!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Must do in Cancun
PeigCamaro, August 2026
Amazing opportunity to swim with a lot of Whale sharks and Manta rays in the same spot. Guide Sindy and Captain Isaac explained everything clearly to me and my nine year old daughter at every step. Sindy chaperoned my daughter around in the water while somehow also still shooting some great footage herself. Being in the water with these animals is something you have to experience and will never get old. This team works very well together to find the sharks and rays and make sure you don't miss anything! Beach stop + Ceviche at the end tops off a perfect excursion.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Whale sharks and stingrays
E407VEdanieln, August 2026
Amazing to swim with whale sharks which were plentiful in the area we went to. We got there quite early as it does fill up with boats. The whale sharks are huge and we also saw a few stingrays. Had a stop at Isla Mujeres on the way back to see the beach there.
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