Cancun’s private whale shark tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter the world’s largest fish in an intimate setting. From May to September, adventurers can embark on a 6-hour excursion, snorkeling alongside these gentle giants under the guidance of a knowledgeable expert. Beyond the exhilarating swim, the tour includes a relaxing beachside lunch on Isla Mujeres, providing a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re a marine enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this exclusive tour promises an unforgettable encounter with one of the ocean’s most captivating creatures.
This experience made our list of the 20 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Cancun.
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Key Points
- A private whale shark tour from Cancun is available from May to September, lasting 6 hours with a maximum of 6 passengers.
- The tour includes a beachside lunch at Isla Mujeres after snorkeling with the whale sharks and an expert guide providing insights on local marine life.
- Participants can enjoy an up-close encounter with the gentle whale sharks, which can grow up to 43 feet long, and learn about their ecosystems.
- The tour package covers round-trip transportation, snorkel gear, and all necessary fees, ensuring a convenient and inclusive experience.
- Pickup is available at hotels in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Costa Mujeres, and a $15 USD per person cash payment is required for port and whale shark area fees.
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Tour Overview
The private whale shark tour from Cancun offers a unique opportunity to snorkel and swim with the largest fish in the sea, the whale shark, in an immersive and personalized experience.
Available from May to September, this 6-hour tour is limited to up to 6 passengers, ensuring a private and intimate encounter with these gentle giants.
Guests will sail to Isla Mujeres to enjoy a beachside lunch after their whale shark adventure, while a knowledgeable guide shares insights about the local marine life.
With round-trip transportation, snorkel gear, and all necessary fees included, this tour provides a hassle-free way to tick this bucket-list activity off your list during your Cancun vacation.
Activities and Experience
After the private boat transports guests to the Isla Mujeres, they’ll relish a beachside lunch of ceviche and chicken sandwiches.
Alongside their meal, a knowledgeable guide provides insights into the local marine life they encountered while snorkeling and swimming with the awe-inspiring whale sharks.
The experience offers:
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An up-close encounter with the largest fish in the sea, the whale shark, which can grow up to 43 feet long.
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The opportunity to learn about the rich diversity of marine ecosystems from an expert guide.
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The privacy and exclusivity of a dedicated boat, allowing guests to fully enjoy the adventure.
Inclusions
This private whale shark tour includes round-trip private transportation from Cancun/Riviera Maya hotels, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off. Travelers also receive a professional multilingual guide, a light beachside lunch, and snacks, soft drinks, water, and beers on board. Plus, snorkel gear is provided, and the port and protected whale shark area fees are covered.
| Inclusions | Description |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Round-trip private transfer from Cancun/Riviera Maya hotels |
| Guides | Professional multilingual guides |
| Lunch & Refreshments | Light beachside lunch, snacks, soft drinks, water, and beers |
Pickup Information
Pickup is available at hotels in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Costa Mujeres, and travelers must provide the hotel name for reservation confirmation. This information is crucial for the tour organizers to ensure a smooth pick-up and drop-off experience.
The pickup time will be confirmed one day prior to the tour, allowing guests to plan their day accordingly.
It’s important to note that:
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No ATM is available at the port, so guests should have cash on hand to pay the $15 USD per person Port & Protected Whale Shark Area Fees.
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Confirmation of the pickup time will be provided the day before the tour.
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Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour package.
Additional Information
The private whale shark tour starts at 7:00 AM. Travelers are recommended to bring sunscreen, swimwear, an underwater camera, and a hat for the excursion.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for children aged 9 and under, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
The $15 USD per person port and protected whale shark area fees must be paid in cash, as there’s no ATM available at the port.
Whale Shark Facts
Whale sharks are the largest known species of fish, growing up to 43 feet (13 meters) in length. They’re filter-feeders, using their massive mouths to consume plankton, small fish, and other tiny marine life. Despite their immense size, whale sharks are gentle, docile creatures that pose no threat to humans.
Whale sharks are found in tropical and warm temperate waters around the world, with major aggregation sites in Mexico, the Philippines, and Australia.
They’re classified as ‘endangered’ due to threats like bycatch, vessel strikes, and targeted fishing.
Whale sharks can live for over 70 years, making them one of the longest-lived vertebrates on the planet.
Tour Highlights
Snorkeling and swimming alongside the world’s largest fish is the highlight of this private whale shark tour from Cancun.
Guests will sail to the renowned Isla Mujeres, where they’ll enjoy a beachside lunch of ceviche and chicken sandwiches.
Throughout the excursion, a knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights about the marine life, including the captivating whale sharks that can grow up to 43 feet in length.
The privacy of a dedicated boat allows for a more personalized experience, with soft drinks, water, and beers provided onboard.
Afterwards, guests will be transported back to their Cancun or Riviera Maya hotels, having enjoyed a truly remarkable encounter with these gentle giants of the sea.
Booking and Pricing
Booking this private whale shark tour from Cancun starts at $1,550 for a group of up to 4 passengers. Additional guests can be added for $387.50 per person.
Pickup and drop-off at Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Costa Mujeres hotels are included, with confirmation of the pickup time provided a day prior to the tour.
The tour includes:
- A professional multilingual guide
- Light lunch, snacks, and beverages on board
- Snorkel gear for swimming with the whale sharks
It’s important to note that a cash payment of $15 per person is required for the port and protected whale shark area fees.
Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for children under 9, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Reschedule the Tour if the Weather Is Bad?
Yes, you can reschedule the tour if the weather is bad. The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, allowing you to rebook for a more suitable time.
Will the Whale Sharks Be Visible During the Entire Tour Duration?
Whale sharks aren’t visible throughout the entire 6-hour tour duration. They’re seasonal migratory creatures, so their sightings depend on various factors. The tour provider aims to maximize the chances of encountering them during the peak season of May to September.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Private Tour?
The private tour has a maximum group size of up to 6 passengers. This allows for an intimate experience and personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide during the whale shark snorkeling and other activities.
Can I Request a Specific Dietary Requirement for the Lunch?
Yes, you can request a specific dietary requirement for the lunch. The tour provider is accommodating and will work to meet any dietary needs you may have, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary can be customized to some extent. Guests can discuss any special requests with the tour operator prior to the tour date. However, the core activities and experiences are generally fixed as part of the tour package.
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Recap
This private whale shark tour from Cancun offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience an up-close encounter with these majestic creatures.
Guests will enjoy an intimate group setting, informative guidance, and a delightful beachside lunch, all included in the package.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour promises to deliver an unforgettable day in the stunning waters of the Caribbean.