Playa del Carmen Whale Shark Tour: Encounter the World's Largest Fish

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Encounter the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, on a thrilling tour in Playa del Carmen. Snorkel alongside these gentle giants and learn about their behavior from expert guides.

Duration: 5 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Caribbean Sea - The whale shark is the largest fish in the world. Comes to our waters near Cancun in the summer time, only from May to September. So if you want to enjoy this adventure, plan your vacation during this time of the year and get ready to have the most exciting experience of your life! Accompanied by an expert in the subject, our…

What's Included

Carbonated beverages
Snacks
Use of snorkeling equipment
In-vehicle air conditioning

What's Not Included

Alcoholic Beverages
Gratuities
Maritime Tax

Additional Information

The whale shark is the largest fish in the world. Comes to our waters near Cancun in the summer time, only from May to September. So if you want to enjoy this adventure, plan your vacation during this time of the year and get ready to have the most exciting experience of your life! Accompanied by an expert in the subject, our clients receive the…

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.4

(7 Ratings)

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Yolanda_m

Aug 13, 2024

Bucket list ✔️ off - Our driver was excellent. Pickup from hotel is very convenient. 45+ minute drive from playa to Cancun. Comfortable passenger van. Our captain did excellent job in giving everyone an opportunity to see and experience the whale shark. Was able to get in twice. Fresh ceviche & guacamole in the waters at Isla Mujeres was fun and different. ✔️ off the bucket list

Review provided by Viator

Mexicocassie

Jul 13, 2021

Amazing whale shark experience - Vanessa couldn't have been more organized with sorting out our whaleshark trip. She was a delight to work with. The boat crew were great too. Cora was an amazing guide and she really looked after everyone, especially my kids who loved her. We felt safe on the boat and in the water with the whalesharks. Cora ensured our kids got a really get experience of swimming with these magnificent creatures too. Thanks everyone!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

405charityw

Jul 7, 2021

Whale Shark Swimming - Once in a lifetime experience! We used Turismo Channel to swim with the whale sharks. We weren't expecting the number of swims we were able to make nor the manta rays, dolphins, and turtles. It was surreal. Followed by a fresh made ceviche lunch in the water of Isla Mujeres made it an exceptional day! 100% would recommend!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

602karita

Jul 3, 2021

Swimming with Whale Sharks is a bucket list must do! - Unbelievable!!! No words for this once in a lifetime experience. These gentle giants were absolutely the highlight of our vacation. Our tour guide was incredible. He made us feel like we’ve known him our entire life. Everything about this tour was 5 stars! Make sure you wear a swim shirt, hat, and anything else to keep covered. No sunscreen allowed except zinc and that can only be applied once right before leaving. If you’re in Cancun during Whale Shark season this is a must!! I also wouldn’t use any other tour company. They take care of you like family!!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

246megd

Aug 15, 2024

Too many variables! - My first mistake was not taking motion sickness medicine prior to leaving the dock. The boat ride is a very rough (approx 45 min ride) and ended with 3 out of the 4 in our group becoming seasick. There were 2-3 whale sharks that our boat and two other boats circled to keep it in the area. I was feeling horrible when I went into the water and continued dry heaving as the water was very very wavy. The guide left my son behind so when I went back to help him, he took that as me returning to the boat. I never made it close to a whale Shark, but did see one from the boat. My advice: save your money towards something a bit more predictable. There were too many variables in this excursion to make it something worth dedicating a valuable vacation day towards. The afternoon at a beach made it difficult to enjoy after being seasick, but the team did put together some ceviche and guacamole as well as drinks. Word of warning: apply sunscreen!!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Elena_s

Jun 18, 2023

The good, the bad, and the ugly. - First of all, This is not a complaint to the tour organizers. It is a well run operation with timely pick up, good boat, experienced captain, safety vests, cold water, delicious ceviche, etc. The boat departs from Cancun, not from Riviera Maya, to be aware of. Then, you will spend 1 hour 30 minutes getting to the shark spot. If you find them, there will be about 50 boats circling around the sharks.. You are allowed to go in the water in groups of 2 and you will spend about 5 minutes in the water. You have 2 or 3 attempts. You do not need a wet suit or anything for 3minutes in the water. I wish I knew that before the tour. I felt awful. Poor whale sharks trying to eat, with tourists and boats harassing them, gasoline in the water, noise pollution. Five minutes of fun with huge impact on nature. The sharks need to eat they do not have an option to leave. I was happy to learn that the government plans to shut down the tours. Should have been done long time ago. I Know that there are tours in Africa that do it in a mindful way.

Review provided by Viator

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