Adult
3,500 MXN (≈$206 USD)
Group & Private Options
Whale Shark Tour from Playa del Carmen, Cancun & Riviera Maya
Seasonal full-day whale shark snorkeling tour with pickup from selected Cancun-to-Tulum areas, guided open-water snorkeling, and small boats with a maximum of 10 guests.
Choose Your Option
Current tour pricing
Youth
3,340 MXN (≈$196 USD)
The Experience
What to expect
Swim with whale sharks on a seasonal snorkeling tour from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum and the Riviera Maya.
This full-day tour includes pickup from many hotel areas, a boat trip to the whale shark zone, guided snorkeling with whale sharks, a reef stop near Isla Mujeres if conditions allow, lunch, drinks, snorkel equipment and professional guides.
Whale sharks visit the Mexican Caribbean every summer. You do not need to be a scuba diver to join — this is a snorkeling tour — but you should be comfortable swimming in open water.
Good to know: Whale sharks are wild animals, so sightings and swim conditions cannot be controlled. The experience depends on sea conditions, whale shark numbers, official rules and guest swimming ability.
Pickup is available from many areas between Cancun and Tulum, including Cancun, Costa Mujeres, Playa Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Playacar, Xcaret, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. Exact pickup time depends on your hotel or meeting point.
Private whale shark tours are also available for groups of 1–10 guests. This is the best option for families, groups, villa guests, photographers and guests who want private transportation, more flexibility and a more personal experience.
Before You Book
What to know before your tour
Included
- Round-trip transportation from selected areas
- Air-conditioned van transport
- Certified guide
- Snorkel equipment
- Life vest
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- Light snacks
- Guided whale shark snorkeling
- Reef snorkel near Isla Mujeres if conditions allow
- Lunch at Playa Norte
- Vegetarian and gluten-free food on request
- Prescription masks on request
- Small boat with a maximum of 10 guests
Extras / not included
- USD 25 per-person dock and nature-reserve fee collected separately
- Tips
- Photos or videos
- Personal expenses
- Extra Tulum transportation fee if applicable
Meeting & pickup
- Pickup
- Round-trip transportation is included from selected Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya areas. Exact pickup depends on the hotel or meeting point; an extra Tulum transportation fee may apply.
- Meeting point
- Pickup is confirmed from the guest hotel or a confirmed meeting point. Exact pickup time and location are resolved operationally after booking.
- Timing
- Early pickup; exact time depends on the confirmed hotel or meeting point. During the published season the tour does not operate on the 30th of each month.
Requirements
- Guests should be comfortable swimming in open water
- Pregnant guests cannot join
- Guests must follow wildlife-protection rules and guide instructions; touching whale sharks is not allowed
- Location
- Cancun / Costa Mujeres whale shark zone
- Tour style
- Group & Private Options
- Minimum age
- 3+
- Availability
- Jun 1 – Sep 17
What to bring
- Swimsuit
- Towel and dry clothes
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sandals
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Cash for the marine fee and tips
- Seasickness medication before the tour if needed
Ready to go?
Request this tour
Send your preferred date and group details, including where you are staying. Xico checks current availability and confirms the exact meeting or pickup details before the booking is finalized.
- Send your preferred date and group size
- Xico checks the current Tour and practical logistics
- Submitting the form is a request, not an instant confirmed booking
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