Playa del Carmen

10 Best Playa del Carmen Whale Shark Tours

These whale shark trips are for Playa travelers willing to earn it. The boats leave from up near Cancun and Isla Mujeres, so expect a pickup before sunrise and a long day out. Season runs mid May to mid September, and I would aim for July or August inside that window.

1.Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day All Inclusive Tour From Riviera Maya

Experience the thrill of swimming with whale sharks on a full-day tour from Riviera Maya. This all-inclusive tour offers an unforgettable wildlife encounter in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.

Most Popular★ 5.0

“We had a great time on this tour. We saw whale sharks and swam twice with them. The crew on the boat were great and very helpful. Jane our tour guide was terrific. The lunch on the boat was good. Snorkeling on Isle Mejures was…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

2.Private Whale Shark All Inclusive Experience

Experience the ultimate all-inclusive private whale shark encounter. Swim alongside these gentle giants in a once-in-a-lifetime experience that includes transportation, guide, snorkeling gear, and refreshments.

★ 5.0

“We had an incredible day with Ocean Tours seeing and swimming with whale sharks. We loved every second of it and feel so lucky to have seen so many whale sharks and had 2 dives with them. Our guide, Xenia, was superb - she was…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

3.Riviera Maya: Full-Day Whale Shark Encounter

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Riviera Maya as you plunge into the world of whale sharks - but what mysteries lie in wait beneath the waves?

★ 4.3

“The tour is amazing. The guide, Dory, was very caring and made sure everyone was safe and attended to every part of the day. The captain and the tutor of the boat did not test till we found the shark and that everyone could swim…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

4.From Playa Del Carmen: Whale Shark Tour

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure with the 'From Playa Del Carmen: Whale Shark Tour,' where the ocean's gentle giants await - are you prepared to dive in?

★ 4.3

“We had the best time with Carlos doing the whale shark tour. A bucket list moment and will defo be doing it again if we return to Mexico!!”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

6.Whale Shark Experience From Playa Del Carmen

Mysterious and captivating, the Whale Shark Experience from Playa Del Carmen promises an encounter like no other, leaving you craving for more of its hidden wonders.

★ 4.5

“Our driver was excellent. Pickup from hotel is very convenient. 45+ minute drive from playa to Cancun. Comfortable passenger van. Our captain did excellent job in giving everyone an opportunity to see and experience the whale shark. Was able to get in twice. Fresh ceviche…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

7.Whale Shark Snorkeling Adventure With Lunch

Curiosity leads to an extraordinary encounter with gentle giants in the 'Whale Shark Snorkeling Adventure With Lunch'...but what else awaits beneath the surface?

★ 4.0

“We went to Mexico in July shortly after it reopened due to COVID. We loved loved loved this adventure. Swimming with the whale sharks can not be replaced. Also I was very pleasantly surprised to see how careful and the high tech investments that they…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

8.Private Whale Shark Ecofriendly Tour From Riviera Maya

Uncover the secrets of the ocean's gentle giants on the Private Whale Shark Ecofriendly Tour, where conservation meets exhilaration and surprises await.

★ 5.0

“Outstanding tour from start to finish. This was our second whale shark tour with this company. We thought our first time out was amazing with 15 whale sharks in our area. This time we swam with about 40 whale sharks and a few manta rays…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

9.Snorkeling With Whale Sharks – Isla Mujeres

Hear the haunting melodies of the deep as you embark on a mesmerizing adventure snorkeling with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres, where secrets of the sea are waiting to be unraveled.

★ 4.5

“Excellent experience despite the bad weather we got. Nuria our guide was always helpful and making her outmost to assure this nice experience explaining all the details and providing confidence to all the participants. Thanks Nuria and the captain for this excellent day!”

Check Availability →Read my full review →