Cancun: Swim With Whale Sharks Boat Tour

Exploring the ocean’s wonders can be a thrilling experience, and Cancun’s whale shark boat tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter these gentle giants up close. Running from mid-May to mid-September, the tour takes adventurers on a powerboat ride to swim alongside the largest fish in the sea. With expert guides, small group settings, and a focus on safety and sustainability, this tour promises an extraordinary encounter that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. From the exhilaration of the swim to the stunning natural scenery, there’s something for all to discover on this unforgettable adventure.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Cancun.

Key Points

• The whale shark tour operates from mid-May to mid-September in Cancun, with a starting price of $215 per person.
• The small group size is limited to 12 participants, providing a personalized swimming experience with whale sharks.
• The tour includes transportation, snorkel gear, a light lunch, and refreshments, with the option to reserve and pay later.
• Customers can cancel the tour for free up to 24 hours in advance, with potential rescheduling due to weather conditions.
• The tour highlights include a thrilling powerboat ride, swim sessions with expert guides, and the opportunity to observe whale sharks in their natural habitat.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Swim With Whale Sharks Boat Tour typically runs from mid-May to mid-September in Cancun.

Priced from $215.00 per person, the tour offers a reserve now, pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Adventurers can expect to swim with the largest fish in the sea, the whale shark, while enjoying a thrilling powerboat ride and learning about these majestic creatures from expert guides.

The small group size is limited to 12 participants, allowing for a personalized experience with multiple opportunities to swim with the whale sharks during the 3-hour activity.

Convenient transportation, a light lunch, and snorkel gear are all included in the tour package.

Pricing and Booking

The Swim With Whale Sharks Boat Tour in Cancun is priced from $215.00 per person.

A reserve now & pay later option is available, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is valid for 1 day, and customers can check availability for starting times.

The key pricing and booking details include:

1. Pricing starts at $215.00 per person.
2. Reserve now & pay later option available.
3. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
4. Tour is valid for 1 day with check on availability for start times.

Swim With Whale Sharks

Participants can enjoy a thrilling experience swimming alongside the largest fish in the sea – the whale shark.

During the 3-hour tour, guests have the opportunity to swim with these gentle giants multiple times. Expert guides provide information about the ecology and behavior of whale sharks, ensuring a personalized and educational encounter.

The small group size of 12 participants or fewer allows for an intimate experience. Snorkel gear is provided, and a light lunch, continental breakfast, and refreshments are included.

While weather conditions can impact the experience, the tour offers a chance to witness these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Tour Highlights

Travelers embark on a thrilling ride aboard a powerboat, setting out to explore the Mayan Riviera’s waters in search of the largest fish in the sea – the whale shark.

During the 3-hour tour, participants can:

1. Swim with the majestic whale sharks multiple times, learning about their ecology and behavior from expert guides.

2. Enjoy a small group experience, with a maximum of 12 participants for a more personalized encounter.

3. Dive into the warm waters and observe these gentle giants up close, marveling at their size and grace.

4. Savor a light lunch featuring local specialties like fish ceviche and vegetarian options.

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What’s Included

Complementing the thrilling boat ride and up-close encounters with whale sharks, the tour package includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Participants are provided with air-conditioned transportation from their hotels or designated meeting points, as well as a speedboat that accommodates a maximum of 10 passengers for a personalized experience.

A light lunch featuring sandwiches, fish ceviche, and vegetarian options, along with continental breakfast, bottled water, and soft drinks, ensures visitors are well-nourished throughout the tour.

Plus, snorkel gear is provided, and the Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax) of 300 Mexican Pesos per person is included in the price.

Preparation and Logistics

Prospective participants should bring suitable swimwear and cash for the tour. The tour company offers convenient hotel pick-up or alternative meeting points if needed.

Instructions on swimming safely with the whale sharks will be provided to ensure minimal impact on the ecosystem. Participants should consider the following:

1. Dress appropriately in swimwear and bring a towel.
2. Bring cash for any additional expenses, such as gratuities.
3. Be prepared for the possibility of rescheduling due to weather conditions.
4. Follow the instructions of the expert guides to have a safe and responsible encounter with the whale sharks.

Customer Reviews

According to the customer reviews, the overall rating for the Swim With Whale Sharks Boat Tour is a concerning 2 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

Customers have reported issues with language barriers and adherence to swimming regulations. Weather conditions can also affect the experience, with some noting rough seas and limited whale shark sightings.

While previous experiences have been fantastic, the recent negative feedback suggests the tour may not consistently deliver the promised thrilling encounters.

Rescheduling is recommended if sea conditions are poor to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Weather Considerations

Weather conditions can significantly impact the Swim With Whale Sharks Boat Tour experience. The tour operates during the summer months when weather patterns are generally favorable, but unexpected storms or rough seas can still occur.

Some key weather considerations include:

1. Choppy Waters: Strong winds and currents can make the boat ride uncomfortable and challenging for swimming with the whale sharks.

2. Reduced Visibility: Heavy rain or cloud coverage can limit the ability to spot and swim with the whale sharks.

3. Cancellations: Severe weather conditions may lead to tour cancellations for safety reasons.

4. Rescheduling: In case of poor weather, participants should be prepared to reschedule their tour for another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkel gear. However, the tour provides snorkel gear for all participants, so it’s not necessary to bring your own unless you have a specific preference or requirement.

Is This Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

This tour may not be suitable for families with young children. The excursion involves swimming with large whale sharks, which could be intimidating or dangerous for young kids. Parental discretion is advised based on the child’s age and swimming ability.

What Is the Minimum Swimming Skill Required for This Activity?

The minimum swimming skill required is the ability to comfortably swim in open water. Participants don’t need to be strong swimmers, but they should feel at ease in the ocean conditions. Life jackets are provided for added safety.

Can I Request a Private Tour for My Group?

Yes, you can request a private tour for your group. The tour operator offers this option, which provides a more personalized experience with a smaller group size tailored to your needs.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

There are no specific student or senior discounts mentioned for this tour. However, the tour does offer a ‘reserve now & pay later’ option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Recap

The Cancun whale shark boat tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to swim alongside these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. With a focus on safety and sustainability, the tour provides a personalized experience for guests to create lasting memories. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking an adventure, this tour promises an extraordinary encounter with the gentle giants of the ocean.

You can check if your dates are available here: