Cancun Whale Shark Private tour
Welcome to the 2025 Whale Shark Season!
This snorkeling adventure is one of the most spectacular experiences in the world, as we encounter the largest gathering of whale sharks globally during their annual migration from mid-May to September 17 (the last permitted day by federal law).
Each tour is limited to 10 guests per boat for a more personal and comfortable experience. Our departure point is in Puerto Juárez, just north of Isla Mujeres and 200 meters from the Villas del Palmar Hotel — most guests walk! Round-trip transportation is also included from all hotels in Cancun, Playa Mujeres, Costa Mujeres, Puerto Juárez, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Welcome to our site
Avoid crowds and enjoy the freedom of a private boat. Your schedule, your pace, and a fully personalized experience tailored to your preferences.
Flexible Departure Times
While the early morning is the best time to see whale sharks, with a private tour, we can adjust the departure time to suit your needs.
Uninterrupted Whale Shark Encounters
With no other guests on board, you’ll have more time in the water with these magnificent creatures. We ensure that your guide is fully dedicated to your group, offering expert insight into the whale sharks’ behavior and ensuring your safety.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Whether it’s a family reunion, romantic getaway, or just a day of adventure with friends, a private tour gives you the flexibility to make your day extra special.
Cancun Whale Shark Tour – Small Group Private Charter
Swimming and snorkeling with the Whale Sharks in Cancun and Isla Mujeres is one of the best tours available in the summer in Cancun. Over the years, we have developed this private whale shark tour as an intimate experience, ideal for small groups, couples, and families seeking a VIP private experience .
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with our private whale shark tour in Cancun. Jump into the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and swim alongside these magnificent creatures, the largest fish in the ocean. Manta rays are also often seen in the whale shark area.
Our exclusive excursion offers a personalized experience, ensuring you have more time to observe, photograph, and appreciate the beauty of these gentle giants. Book your private tour now and create unforgettable memories swimming with the majestic whale sharks.
- Early departure (7:00 am check-in)
- Early time in the Whale Shark Area
- Conservation and dock fees included (No additional fees)
- Water, snacks, fruit, cookies, sodas & sandwiches included
- No additional stops to spend more time in the whale shark area
- Up to 5 passengers per boat
- You have more than twice water time than shared trips
- 2 pax at the time in the water with the guide
- Snorkeling equipment included
- Certified captain & guide
- More than 15 years of whale shark experience
During the Cancun Private Whale Shark Tour, you have the freedom to swim with the whale sharks for as long as you desire. The boat is exclusively reserved for your party, accompanied by our guide and captain. You have the flexibility to determine the duration of your interaction in the whale shark area.
To ensure a better experience, we prioritize departing earlier than other companies, aiming to avoid crowds. But if required, we can depart a bit later for your convenience.
Whale Shark Season Cancun
The best time to see and snorkel with whale sharks in Cancun is from June to September. Experience one of the biggest whale shark migrations in the world. We normally encounter manta rays in our trips too!
With more than 20 years of experience in whale shark snorkeling tours in Cancun and Isla Mujeres, we guarantee you will have a great time.
Why Is This Tour a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience?
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as you swim alongside the majestic whale sharks—the largest fish in the world! This incredible experience allows you to witness these gentle giants up close in their natural habitat, making it one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in the Mexican Caribbean.
How Does the Tour Unfold?
Your journey begins early in the morning with a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer from your hotel to the marina. Arriving, our staff and captain will be aboard our well-equipped boats. Once we reach the area, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel beside these magnificent creatures. We frequently encounter manta rays (Manta Birostris) as well, as they feed alongside the whale sharks.
- 95% success rate for whale shark encounters
- Natural encounter, not a zoo — sightings vary based on weather and behavior
- Not recommended for guests under 4 or pregnant women
- Take motion sickness pills if prone to seasickness
- Return to hotel by approximately 1 PM depending on conditions
- 6:50 AM – Arrive at the marina. Pickup varies by hotel (15–45 min before)
- 7:00 AM – Depart toward the whale shark area
- 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM – Snorkeling with whale sharks, multiple jumps
- 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM – Stop at Playa Norte (Isla Mujeres) or snorkel a reef near Contoy, with lunch
- 1:00 to 3:00 PM – Return to Cancun (may vary from 1–3 PM depending on sighting time)
- Round-trip transportation
- Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, life jacket, or wetsuit if rented)
- Professional guide & captain
- Fresh ceviche & guacamole
- Unlimited water, soft drinks, fruit & snacks
- Boat bathroom
- Optional reef snorkel or Isla Mujeres beach stop
- Wetsuit rental – $15 USD pp
- GoPro rental – $55 USD (includes SD card & accessories)
- Tips and gratuities
- Secure credit card link
- Weather-related cancellations rescheduled or refunded 100%
- 100% refund for cancellations made 45–8 days in advance
- 75% refund for cancellations 8–2 days prior
- No refund <36 hours before
- No refund after midday the day before
- No refunds for no-shows or lack of shark sightings (federal regulation)
- Tour not available on May 30, June 30, July 30, August 30
- Towel & change of clothes
- Hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, sandals
- Biodegradable sunscreen (apply at hotel only)
- Cash for tips, souvenirs, extras
- Valid photo ID
- Snacks, especially for early pickups
- Extra t-shirt or light long-sleeve shirt
To confirm your date, send:
- Number of guests
- Preferred date
- Hotel or meeting point
- Dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, etc.)
- Wetsuit rental request (if needed)
Once confirmed, we’ll send you a secure payment link.
- 15+ years of experience
• Top-rated operator on TripAdvisor
• Professional, bilingual guides
• High-quality gear
• Small group sizes
• Free seasickness remedies
• Vegetarian meal options
• We are the direct tour operator
• Passionate crew
• 100% satisfaction focus
• Flexible customer care
We’re committed to excellent communication before, during, and after your tour.
WhatsApp:
- Eduardo: +52 998 227 4043
- Lorena: +52 998 116 4617
FAQs – Whale Shark Tour
✔ Let your guide know immediately — we’ll do our best to help recover it, but we recommend keeping valuables at your hotel.
✔ Yes, you may bring personal snacks and drinks, although we provide water, fruit, and snacks onboard, and amazing ceviche and guacamole
✔ Yes, all our boats have shaded areas to protect you from the sun.
✔ 5–6 hours total, plus transportation.
✔ Yes — vegetarian & gluten-free available with notice.
✔ Usually 3–4 jumps per person.
✔ Yes, GoPros are available for rent. You’ll receive all photos via download link.
✔ Spanish, English, and others by request.
✔ No
✔ Sharks – the largest fish in the ocean.
✔ No, those are the only legal dates.
✔ Yes — ask for parking info.
✔ We still go — rain usually passes quickly.
✔ Yes — Playa Norte or reef near Contoy.
✔ Yes, but price is the same.
✔ No — touching is harmful and prohibited.
✔ Yes, unless we leave early.
✔ Yes.
✔ Maximum 10 guests.
✔ Yes, ages 3 + with parent or guide.
✔ Yes, but tiny and harmless.
✔ Yes — but payment link required to confirm.
✔ Credit card via secure link.
✔ Yes, with a private tour or overnight stay in Playa.
✔ Yes, they are vulnerable.
✔ Yes — contact us for custom options.
✔ Yes.
✔ Yes, by multilingual professionals.
✔ As many as possible, usually 2–4.
✔ We do our best, but sightings are not guaranteed as is a natural ambient
✔ No, it’s not allowed for safety reasons.
✔ No, just basic swimming skills.
✔ Same sharks, different water color (blue water from Cancun vs green from Holbox).
✔ Limited spots — early booking ensures availability.
✔ Yes — 15+ years in business, top reviews.
✔ Small groups, 10 per boat.
✔ Yes — contact us to coordinate personalized assistance.
✔ Yes, but secure it with a strap. No pro gear allowed.
✔ Yes, but only small bags — leave valuables at hotel.
✔ Optional but appreciated.
✔ Yes — ask in advance.
✔ Yes from any place you said
✔ Yes, or use a wetsuit (preferred for comfort). $15 USD rental.
✔ Around 10–15 minutes.
✔ No, only two at a time per federal law. Early departures may help.
✔ Possibly — If you think so, take Dramamine, ginger tea, and use pressure bracelets.
✔ We provide life jackets, safety briefings, professional guides, and carry emergency communication and first aid kits on every boat.
✔ Children must be 4 or older. Tour is not recommended for seniors with mobility issues without prior consultation.
✔ Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own gear.
✔ As soon as possible — especially for July and August, as those dates fill quickly.
Diving with DeepLife was an absolute joy. We booked after arriving on holiday in Cancun and Eduardo was very helpful and responsive on booking emails and arranging transport. Added bonus was getting photos from Berto to remember our trip. I would completely recommend DeepDive and will definitely use them should we visit Mexico again.
Chole T.
I did 3 dives in one day including one deep dive (The Pit) and two shallow dives at Dos Ojos (The Bat Cave and The Barbie Line). They were all wonderful and unlike anything I have ever seen scuba diving before. The cenotes were beautiful and I hope to come back one day with my son. I would definitely use Deep Life Divers again.
Shane B.
I didn’t know what to expect but WOW I love it! Eduardo was our contact. He was very helpful with all necessary information. Cenotes xceeded my expectations! The transportation and our diving instructor Daniel made us feel safe!! Great level of professionalism and knowledge about the all area. Definitely, I’m coming back!