Whale sharkSeasonal
Private whale shark charter (1–10 pax)
The same experience, without sharing a boat with strangers. A whole vessel for your group of up to ten, a flexible sch…
MX$29,500MX$27,000per boat
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Whale shark
Isla MujeresSeason May – September
Whale shark swim in Cancun and Isla Mujeres
Every summer, hundreds of whale sharks gather off Isla Mujeres to feed on plankton. Swimming beside a ten-metre animal that moves without hurry and without threat rearranges your sense of scale. This is snorkelling, not diving: no certification or experience needed.
What makes this dive different
- Season from mid-May to mid-September
- Snorkelling activity — no diving skills required
- Small groups and orderly turns in the water
- Certified guides and protected-area permits
- Snorkel gear, water, soft drinks and snacks included
How the day works, step by step
- Meeting point. Punta Sam pier, north of Cancun, early morning.
- Briefing. Protected area rules, swimmers per turn, minimum distances and what not to do.
- Boat ride. Departure to the aggregation zone off Isla Mujeres or Isla Contoy.
- In the water. Turns of two swimmers plus a guide. You enter, swim alongside the animal and return to the boat.
- Reef snorkel. A reef snorkel stop is often added on the way back.
- Return. Back to port. Total duration around 6 hours.
What you will see
- Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
- Occasional oceanic manta rays
- Sea turtles
- Sailfish and dolphins on some trips
- Reef life at the snorkel stop
What's included
- Certified guides
- Fully equipped boat
- Full snorkel equipment
- Protected area permits
- Water, soft drinks and snacks
- Participant insurance
What's not included
- Hotel transfer (quote available)
- Photos and video (service available)
- Gratuities
- Full meals (snacks and drinks are included)
Requirements
Suitable for all ages who are comfortable in water. No diving certification needed. Seasonal activity: May to September. Life jacket use is mandatory.
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen (required)
- Seasickness tablet if you are prone to it
- Underwater camera and a change of clothes
Gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know how to dive?
No. This is surface snorkelling. Being comfortable in water helps; a life jacket is used and guides stay with you throughout.
Which months have whale sharks?
Mid-May to mid-September, peaking in July and August. Outside the season the animals disperse and the activity is not offered.
Is it safe to swim with a whale shark?
Yes. They are filter feeders and pose no danger to people. The activity is regulated: a limited number of swimmers in the water, a minimum distance and no touching.
Verified reviews
What our divers say
Real reviews published on our Google Business Profile.
★★★★★
“Excellent experience! Rene is a brilliant guide — you can tell he loves what he does and passes on his passion for the sea and marine life at every moment. His instructions and dive plan before every dive make you feel safe and let you enjoy the flora and fauna even more. Highly recommended, I already want to plan new dive trips!”
Judith Schramm FloresLocal Guide · 19 reviews
★★★★★
“I had an excellent experience with Scuba & Adventours Mexico starting my PADI Open Water Diver certification. Everything was explained very clearly and all my questions were answered along the way. Instructor René has a real talent for explaining things simply and clearly.”
Alejandro CorresPADI Open Water course
★★★★★
“My first time in the diving world! I'm so grateful because my experience with Scuba was incredible — the support and professionalism of René, Delfina and captain Larry make you feel safe at every step. I'll definitely be back with them to certify.”
VictoriaLocal Guide · 28 reviews
MX$3,000MX$2,700per person