Whale Shark Swimming Adventure From Cancun & Riviera Maya – Seasonal June/Sept

The whale shark swimming adventure from Cancun and Riviera Maya promises an exhilarating encounter with these gentle giants of the sea. Available seasonally from June to September, this full-day tour offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside not only whale sharks but also dolphins and manta rays. With certified guides, air-conditioned transportation, and all necessary snorkeling gear, participants can enjoy an intimate group setting and witness the beauty of marine life up close. However, the true allure of this adventure lies in the chance to experience the thrill of swimming alongside these majestic creatures, a memory that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Full-day snorkeling tour from Cancun offering the chance to swim with whale sharks, dolphins, and manta rays from June to September.
• Includes certified guides, air-conditioned transportation, snorkel gear, continental breakfast, and lunch with access to a private pool.
• Pickup available from hotels along the Mayan Riviera, with a maximum of 10 people per boat for an intimate experience.
• Early morning briefing on whale shark behavior and habitat, with participants divided into groups of two with guides.
• Booking available through the tour provider’s website or local agents, with a non-refundable deposit required and travel insurance recommended.

Overview and Highlights

What can adventurous travelers expect from the Whale Shark Swimming Adventure? This full-day snorkeling tour from Cancun offers the chance to swim with the largest fish on the planet – the whale shark.

During the June to September season, guests will search for these gentle giants, as well as dolphins and manta rays, in their natural habitat. The tour also includes a visit to Isla Mujeres for additional snorkeling and lunch.

Certified guides, transportation, snorkeling gear, and professional photography are all part of the inclusive package. Guests can expect an exhilarating wildlife viewing experience and multiple snorkeling opportunities over the course of the day.

Inclusions and Amenities

The Whale Shark Swimming Adventure includes a certified guide in the selected language, as well as transportation with air conditioning. Snorkel gear is provided, and non-alcoholic beverages and a continental breakfast are included. Lunch options include a sandwich, ceviche, or a vegetarian option. Guests will also have access to a private pool with bathrooms, showers, and a pool area. Plus, the Whale Shark Marine and Biosphere tax of $13 USD (cash) is required.

Inclusions	Amenities
Certified Guide	Private Pool
Air-Conditioned Transport	Bathrooms
Snorkel Gear	Showers

Pickup and Schedule

The tour offers pickup from hotels along the Mayan Riviera, ranging from Tulum to Cancun.

The tour time runs from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the pickup schedule confirmed via email.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people on the boat, ensuring a more intimate experience.

The tour includes:

• Early morning departure
• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel
• Scheduled tour time of 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Groups of up to 10 people on the boat
• Pickup schedule confirmed via email

Experience and Safety Protocols

To ensure a safe and memorable experience, the tour begins with an early morning briefing on whale shark behavior and habitat.

Participants are divided into groups of two, with guides accompanying each group throughout the water activities. A professional photographer captures the excitement as travelers swim alongside these gentle giants.

After the whale shark encounter, the tour heads to Isla Mujeres, where guests can enjoy a light lunch and have the option for a second snorkeling session.

The return crossing to Cancun includes refreshments, completing this thrilling adventure with memories to last a lifetime.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the booking is received upon completion, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

This whale shark swimming adventure isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, though most travelers can participate.

There are no refunds for cancellations, as the tour is non-refundable.

Reviews of the experience have been overwhelmingly positive, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

Highlights include:

• Quality of guides and expertise
• Exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities
• Stunning photography captures
• Concerns about occasional crowding and seasickness

The price for this unforgettable experience starts at $229.00 per person.

Traveler Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive reviews have highlighted the exceptional quality of guides and the unforgettable wildlife viewing opportunities on this whale shark swimming adventure. Travelers consistently praise the expertise and passion of the guides, who provide thorough safety briefings and remain in the water with the groups. The opportunity to swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea is described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While some mentioned occasional crowding and occasional seasickness, the overall consensus is that the adventure is well worth the price. The high overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 reflects the immersive nature of the tour and the professionalism of the operators.

Reviewer	Rating	Highlights
Sarah M.	5/5	Incredible experience, knowledgeable guides
John D.	4/5	Saw whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays
Emily S.	4/5	Well-organized, some crowding at times
Tom B.	5/5	Unforgettable, professional photography
Lisa P.	4/5	Seasick on return trip, worth it overall

Booking and Pricing

Travelers can easily book the whale shark swimming adventure through the tour provider’s website or by contacting their local travel agent. The experience costs $229 per person and includes:

• Certified bilingual guide
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Snorkeling gear
• Light breakfast and lunch options

The tour operator requires a non-refundable deposit at booking and doesn’t offer cancellation refunds. Guests should consider purchasing travel insurance to protect their investment.

While wheelchair accessibility is limited, most travelers can participate in this wildlife adventure, provided they meet the safety guidelines.

Advance reservations are recommended, as spots fill up quickly during the whale shark season from June to September.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I See the Whale Sharks Year-Round?

No, whale sharks can’t be seen year-round in the Cancun and Riviera Maya area. The peak season for swimming with whale sharks is from June to September, so they’re only available seasonally in this region.

How Big Are the Whale Sharks Typically?

Whale sharks, the largest known species of fish, can grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) long. While their typical size is around 20-30 feet (6-9 meters), they’re still impressively massive creatures that visitors can swim alongside during the peak season from June to September.

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally suitable for children, though they must be accompanied by an adult. The guides provide safety briefings, and the tour includes amenities like snorkeling gear and a continental breakfast. However, parental discretion is advised.

Can I Take My Own Camera/Gopro?

Guests can bring their own camera or GoPro to capture the experience. However, the tour provides a professional photographer to document the swim with whale sharks and other marine life, included in the tour price.

Are Wet Suits Provided?

Wet suits are not provided for this tour. However, participants can bring their own wet suits if desired. The tour provides snorkel gear, but wet suits are not included in the amenities.

Recap

This exhilarating whale shark swimming adventure from Cancun and Riviera Maya is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts. With the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants and other marine life, it’s an unforgettable experience. The tour’s inclusions, like certified guides and all necessary gear, ensure a seamless and safe encounter in a small group setting. Don’t miss this seasonal opportunity to get up close with the wonders of the ocean.