Playa del Carmen
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.
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“Jane was excellent and knowledgeable tour guide. There were plenty of whale sharks around at the time we went - it was a remarkable experience!”
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519 reviews7 hours (approx.)From $170.00by Eco tours adventure
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“Rueben was the goat and lined us up to jump in the water right in front of the whale sharks. Craziest thing ever! Really fun trip overall. Enjoyed snorkeling and especially the beach at the end with beers.”
★★★★★★★★★★
136 reviews6 hours (approx.)From $1,095.00by Ocean Tours Mexico
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“Amazing once in a lifetime experience! Yes it takes time to get to the whale sharks as they swim far from the shore and yes your time in the water with them is limited to 2 swims of about 5-10 minutes but that is worth…”
★★★★★★★★★★
85 reviewsFrom $202
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!!”
★★★★★★★★★★
52 reviews7 hoursFrom $195by contoyexcursions
Fascinate your senses with a thrilling encounter on the Whale Shark Safari Snorkeling Tour, where a world of wonder unfolds beneath the waves.
★ 4.8“Date: 1st September We have seen a lot of whale sharks and Mantara. Everything was well organized and explained. #lifeexperience”
★★★★★★★★★★
27 reviewsFrom $235
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…”
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9 reviewsFrom $49by Turismo Channel
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 had an amazing excursion with Contoy Adventures. We had Angel & Carlos on the Caribbean Star. It was such a fabulous day starting with swimming with the whale sharks and then having lunch at the most beautiful beach in Isla Mujeres. They were so…”
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9 reviews10 hours (approx.)From $225.00by Pro Dive International
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…”
★★★★★★★★★★
7 reviews8 hours (approx.)From $895.00by EcoColors Mexico
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!”
★★★★★★★★★★
4 reviews7 hours (approx.)From $255.00by Dune Mexico Blue Dream
Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled adventure as you embark on a small-group excursion to swim alongside the majestic whale sharks in the crystalline Caribbean waters.
★ 3.77 hoursFrom $233by pata de peek travel
I use Playa as base camp: cenotes ten minutes inland, Cozumel across the channel, and tacos in between.