Whale Shark Encounter Experience from Cancun
Overview
Experience an unforgettable encounter with the world's largest fish in the crystal-clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean!
Enjoy a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 travelers, allowing for a more personalized adventure.
Experience either a whale shark sightseeing or a guided swimming activity from the boat under the guidance of certified professionals who prioritize your safety and respect for marine life.
Discover one of Cancun's most extraordinary seasonal wildlife experiences while following responsible eco-tourism practices. Relax on board with complimentary refreshments and a box lunch as you search for these gentle giants.
Create lifelong memories during one of nature's most remarkable marine encounters!
What's Included
- Round-trip boat excursion from Punta Sam
- Soft drinks and water
- Box Lunch: sandwich, fruit, ceviche
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Whale shark sightseeing (subject to natural and weather conditions)
- Federal Tax Port
- Ground transportation from hotels in Cancún (extra cost)
- Photo package (optional with extra cost)
Meeting Location
Punta Sam
Q.R., Mexico
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Your adventure begins at Marina Punta Sam, where guests are welcomed on board and provided with a box lunch before departure. Please arrive by 7:15 AM for check-in, as the boat departs promptly at 7:50 AM.
From there, you'll head into the Caribbean Sea in search of whale sharks in their natural habitat. As these are wild animals, sightings cannot be guaranteed and depend entirely on natural conditions. The experience is conducted in accordance with strict environmental regulations to ensure the protection of this species.
If fewer than 5 whale sharks are present in the area, guests will enjoy whale shark sightseeing from the boat.
When 5 or more whale sharks are present and sea conditions permit, participants will have the opportunity to enter the water in pairs, always accompanied by a certified guide. Each pair takes turns entering the water before returning to the boat, giving every participant the chance to swim. Depending on sea conditions, guests may enter the water up to three times.
Please note that whale sharks swim at approximately 5 km/h (3 mph). For this reason, participants must be confident swimmers and comfortable in open-water conditions.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This tour is not recommended for children under 11 years old.
- Swimming skills are required to participate in this tour.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Whale shark sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Whale Shark Encounter Experience from Cancun?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-124378P19
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.25 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Round-trip boat excursion from Punta Sam.
- Soft drinks and water.
- Box Lunch: sandwich, fruit, ceviche.
- Use of Snorkelling equipment.
- Whale shark sightseeing (subject to natural and weather conditions).
- Federal Tax Port.
- Ground transportation from hotels in Cancún (extra cost).
- Photo package (optional with extra cost).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 11. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Whale Shark Encounter Experience from Cancun is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This tour is not recommended for children under 11 years old.
- Swimming skills are required to participate in this tour.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Whale Shark Encounter Experience from Cancun will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Round-trip boat excursion from Punta Sam
- Soft drinks and water
- Box Lunch: sandwich, fruit, ceviche
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Whale shark sightseeing (subject to natural and weather conditions)
- Federal Tax Port
- Ground transportation from hotels in Cancún (extra cost)
- Photo package (optional with extra cost)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- This tour is not recommended for children under 11 years old.
- Swimming skills are required to participate in this tour.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Whale shark sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
