Cancun’s Contoy Island offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the majestic whale sharks. This 6-hour excursion provides an intimate group setting, ensuring personalized interactions with these gentle giants. After the guided encounters, visitors can unwind on the pristine Playa Norte beach, snorkel, and enjoy provided refreshments. With certified bilingual guides and a focus on safety, this adventure allows travelers to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience or a relaxing day by the sea, this excursion promises an unforgettable journey.

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

Key Points

Cancún: Swim With Whale Sharks & Playa Norte Beach - Key Points

  • Swim with whale sharks at Contoy Island, off the coast of Cancun, during a 6-hour excursion with a maximum group size of 10 participants.
  • Tour includes a boat trip, visit to Playa Norte beach, and 2-3 guided encounters with whale sharks in their natural habitat.
  • Priced at €179.10 per person with a free cancellation policy and "reserve now & pay later" option for booking convenience.
  • Inclusions cover roundtrip transportation, boats, certified guides, water, soft drinks, and ceviche, plus $20 Dock and Marine park federal tax.
  • Recommended items include comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, sandals, and a waterproof camera, while strollers and intoxicants are prohibited.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

Cancún: Swim With Whale Sharks & Playa Norte Beach - Activity Overview

Travelers can swim with the world’s largest congregation of whale sharks at Contoy Island, located just off the coast of Cancun.

This 6-hour excursion includes a boat trip from Cancun and a relaxing visit to Playa Norte beach. The group size is limited to 10 participants and the tour is offered in both Spanish and English.

After a safety briefing and equipment distribution, guests can expect 2-3 immersions with the majestic whale sharks, accompanied by a certified bilingual guide.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Pricing and Reservations

Cancún: Swim With Whale Sharks & Playa Norte Beach - Pricing and Reservations

The price for the Cancun whale shark and Playa Norte beach tour is €179.10 per person.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to receive a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

For added convenience, the tour offers a "reserve now & pay later" option, enabling participants to book their spot without an upfront payment.

The tour has a limited group size of 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Available in both Spanish and English, the tour provides a hassle-free way to explore the wonders of Contoy Island and the stunning Playa Norte beach.

Itinerary and Experience

Cancún: Swim With Whale Sharks & Playa Norte Beach - Itinerary and Experience

The tour starts at the Cancun marina, where participants are welcomed with coffee and bread to fuel the day’s adventure.

After a safety briefing and equipment distribution, including life vests and snorkeling gear, the group embarks on a boat trip to the renowned Contoy Island.

Once there, they’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the water for 2 to 3 guided encounters with the majestic whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.

Following the thrilling whale shark experience, the tour visits Playa Norte beach, where travelers can relax, snorkel, and enjoy provided snacks.

  • The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.
  • Certified bilingual guides accompany the group throughout the excursion.
  • Water, soft drinks, and ceviche snacks are included in the tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes roundtrip transportation, comfortable 36-foot boats, and certified bilingual guides to lead the experience. Guests will also receive water, soft drinks, and a tasty ceviche snack. Plus, the $20 Dock and Marine park federal tax is covered. However, gratuities are optional and not included in the price. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, and people over 65.

Inclusions Exclusions
Roundtrip transportation Gratuities (optional)
Comfortable 36-foot boats Not suitable for:
– Children under 4
– Pregnant women
– Individuals with mobility impairments
– Wheelchair users
– Non-swimmers
– People over 65
Certified bilingual guides
Water, soft drinks, ceviche snack
$20 Dock and Marine park federal tax
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Recommendations

Cancún: Swim With Whale Sharks & Playa Norte Beach - Recommendations

To prepare for the day’s adventure, visitors are recommended to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sandals.

Plus, a camera is suggested to capture the memorable moments. Cash is necessary to pay the $20 Dock and Marine park federal tax, as it can’t be paid with a card.

Visitors should also be mindful of the restrictions, as the activity isn’t suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, and people over 65.

Following these recommendations will ensure a seamless and enjoyable whale shark swimming experience at Cancun’s Contoy Island.

What to Bring

Cancún: Swim With Whale Sharks & Playa Norte Beach - What to Bring

Visitors should pack a comfortable pair of shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat to shield themselves from the tropical sun during the whale shark swimming excursion.

A swimsuit, towel, and sandals are also essential for enjoying the beach portion of the tour. A waterproof camera can capture the unforgettable moments with the gentle giants.

Participants should bring cash for any optional gratuities.

It’s important to avoid bringing bulky strollers, as well as intoxicants, which aren’t permitted on the tour.

Following these packing recommendations will help ensure a smooth and memorable experience during the Cancún whale shark adventure.

Not Allowed

Certain items are strictly prohibited on the whale shark swimming excursion in Cancún. This is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Some items that aren’t allowed include:

  • Baby strollers, as they can be difficult to maneuver on the boat and during the swimming activities.

  • Intoxication, as the tour involves swimming with large marine animals and requires full mental and physical capacities.

  • Alcohol and drugs, which are prohibited for the same reasons as intoxication.

  • Sunscreen, as it can harm the delicate ecosystem of the whale sharks and surrounding marine life.

Additional Notes

Cancún: Swim With Whale Sharks & Playa Norte Beach - Additional Notes

The tour is subject to weather conditions, as the safety and comfort of participants is the top priority.

Due to the nature of the outdoor activity, the schedule may be impacted by factors like wind, waves, or inclement weather. The organizers will make every effort to accommodate changes and ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

It’s important to note that the overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 4 reviews indicates a positive experience for previous travelers.

While no major issues have been reported, it’s always wise to read the fine print and be prepared for potential adjustments to the itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The activity has some age restrictions. Children under 4, pregnant women, and individuals over 65 are not allowed to participate due to safety concerns. Otherwise, there are no specific age limits for participants.

What Type of Transportation Is Provided?

The tour includes roundtrip transportation in comfortable 36-foot boats. Participants will be picked up from the Cancun marina and transported to the activity locations throughout the day.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

While participants are provided with snorkeling gear, they’re welcome to bring their own if they prefer. However, the tour operator will ensure all necessary equipment is available and properly fitted for the activity.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

There’s no stated minimum number of participants required for this tour. The group size is limited to 10 participants, so the activity can run even with fewer than 10 people signed up.

Can I Request a Private Tour?

Yes, customers can request a private tour. However, the tour operator’s website doesn’t mention this option. Customers would need to contact the operator directly to inquire about availability and pricing for a private whale shark swimming experience.

Recap

Swim with whale sharks at Contoy Island and relax at Playa Norte beach for an unforgettable adventure. This guided excursion offers a small group setting, ensuring personalized interactions with the gentle giants. With certified bilingual guides and safety as the priority, this tour allows you to explore the natural beauty of the region while creating lasting memories.

You can check if your dates are available here: