Private Whale Shark Tour from Cancun
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
The whale shark snorkel tour in Cancun, Mexico is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the world's largest fish. Our experienced guides provide an intimate, eco-conscious experience that emphasizes the importance of conservation. With only small group tours, guests have an exclusive chance to observe and interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
A private tour is the best way to do it, avoiding delays caused by other travelers and maximize the chances of jumping into the water with the whale sharks.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
It is recommended that you bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, an underwater camera and a hat
Note: Price displayed is per boat. One adult equals one boat. Select 1 adult at checkout to book a boat for up to 6 people
Not recommended for child aged 9 and under
What To Expect
If you'd like to have the comfort and privacy of your own boat, this is the tour for you ! Enjoy a wonderful private tour as you and your group board a private boat in Cancun and head to have one of the most unique experiences. You will snorkel with whale sharks and enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own boat which includes snacks, drinks and lunch at Isla Mujeres. You will be able to swim with giant and harmless sharks, The Whale Sharks and have a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Aboard the boat, you will be accompanied by a professional guide inluding snacks, beverages(beer, softdrinks and water). You will enjoy a cevivhe and chicken sandwiches lunch at Isla Mujeres and then head back to the marina. Snorkel equipment is included(Life jacket, snorkel, mask and swim fins * wetsuit optional for rent), so you can relax and have the best time with your family or group of friends. After a wonderful day with whale sharks, you will be dropped-off back at your hotel. Note: Price displayed is per boat. One adult equals one boat. Select 1 adult at checkout to book a boat for up to 6 people
Options
Private tour 1 to 4 people
Private guide Cancun Private van & boat Pickup included
Privtae tour 5-9 people
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Snorkel gear
Professional multi-lingual guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Soft drinks, water and beers on board
Air-conditioned vehicle
Private transportation
Light lunch and snacks
Whale shark protected area
Port facility usage
Pickup points
Playa del Carmen Ferry Port
Hilton Garden Inn Cancun Airport
Carr. Cancun-Chetumal Km. 22, Ext. Lado Tierra Cun 20111 Cancun Mexico
Planet Hollywood Cancun Adult Scene by Royalton, An Autograph Collection
Carrertera, MZA 002, Lt.7 Costa Mujeres Mexico
Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres
Carretera Libre 85, Manzana 2 Punta Sam Mexico
Hotel Riu Latino
SM 006, Mza 002, Lte, Subcondominio Playa Playa Mujeres Mexico
Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres
Boulevard Vialidad Playa Mujeres Mexico
Planet Hollywood Cancun by Royalton
Punta Sam Costa Mujeres Mexico
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Private tour/boat is worth the extra money!
L735BKdanielb,Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Carlos, Capitan Lionel and First Mate Eric/Eddie (lol), were fantastic! The tour company didn't have photo services other than renting a GoPro for $60 bucks. Carlos offered not only guide us, but to film us with his GoPro for $80 and it was completely worth it! Eddie and Carlos, (clearly accomplished divers) would swim under the Whale Sharks to film us on the surface following behind. Made for some amazing videos/photos and less stress for us, as we weren't worried about capturing the moment, we were just enjoying it. Additionally, booking a private tour/boat was completely worth the extra money for our family of five. With your own boat, you get to dive several times with these amazing creatures rather than just two times on shared tours.
Great Family Excursion
Danielle B,Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful experience for our family. We each got in the water with the whale sharks multiple times. The extra cost of the private tour was well worth the price. If we had been in a much larger group, we would only have been able to get in the water twice at most and may not have been able to see the animals nearly as well. We got some cool video of the experience as well! Captain Pablo and Guide Carlos were informative and attentive. We accidentally left our shoes on the boat, and Pablo personally delivered them to our hotel after the tour. It was great, and I highly recommend this tour and this company!
Great experience, picture price insane.
Inspiration789572,Aug 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our tour guides Javier and Joseph were great! They let every person on the boat swim with the whale shark twice. The experience was amazing HOWEVER the price for pictures and video were outrageous! One picture was close to $100 US dollars. We did not get any pictures because of this but will always treasure the memories.
Whale shark
shirleyz863,Jun 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The 100 point tour... the attention was the best. And live the experience and both the instructions of the excellent guides... I would definitely take it again with them
Thank you Robert, Manuel and Lobo for an amazing day!
P6800ETkarenl,Jun 1, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Robert, Manuel and Lobo for an amazing day! We did a private whale shark tour for a multi generational party of 10. It was amazing from start to finish. We booked our tour with Robert who was so kind, patient, and knowledgeable - we had kids and adults in their 70s. On our tour day, Jerry provided excellent car service. The boat was immaculate and Manuel was extremely informative and hospitable. Lobo was THE CAPTAIN OF CAPTAINS! It is SO challenging managing a boat, your guests and other (crazy) guests in the water while also maintaining a respect of the incredible whale sharks. Lobo was amazing. We were well cared for and loved working with a local company (Manuel and Lobo are both Isla Mujeres residents). Their love and respect for the ecosystem is wonderful and we loved to see that in a tour company. Thank you all for a fantastic, unforgettable day!! Karen
COSTA RICA TO CANCUN SHARK WHALE
jorgedV979LM,Jul 19, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After imagining being with these beautiful animals for a lifetime I achieved a goal of having them less than one meter, THANKS to CARLOS an excellent guide who accompanied us at all times, I recommend 1000% live this experience accompanied by high level professionals with all the attention. Rhincodontidae Rhincodon they live!!!!!!!!!!
Has to be the best no doubt!
Sophia T,Aug 11, 2021
- Review from Viator
5.00Best value. Great people. Great for small groups :) they catered the trip to how we’re were feeling and what we wanted to do most. Made us feel very safe with no worries coming into the water. Super professional and fun guides during the whole process.
Once in a lifetime adventure!
Road596756,Aug 3, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a once in a lifetime experience! Not only will I cherish the memories, but the tour guide also captured pictures for us. They made us feel very comfortable with the experience, and I felt very knowledgeable before getting in the water with these giant fish! Although I used a patch for sea sickness, I still got sick towards the end. The guides took great care of me, and I was able to rally and enjoy a tasty lunch in a picturesque location. I highly recommend this adventure!
Fantastic memories made
Sightseer33347,Sep 8, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I felt very nervous prior our trip. However our trip guide Willy and Skipper Joseph, assured me it will be ok. We had the most amazing day, Willy held my hand as we swam close to the whale shark. My husband and daughter had a fantastic day swimming with the whale shark and manta rays. It was a truly amazing day. We had the best guide and skipper, and group on the tour was a great bunch of people. Honestly one of our best days of our holiday. Thanks for the memories
Incredible experience
Lcb00,Aug 27, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our second time taking a private boat tour swimming with whale sharks. Omar and Herbert, the guide and captain were spectacular. We truly felt special. We will go back...
Related Experiences
Operated by Contoy Excursions