If you are planning a trip to Cancun to swim with the whale shark, you should check this blog post.
Swimming alongside whale sharks is an unforgettable experience that the Mexican Caribbean proudly offers, and it's no surprise that multiple travel agencies provide tours for it. However, with so many options available, choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming.
No need to worry! We've covered you with a list of the top whale shark swim tours departing from Cancun and nearby areas.
Don't know what the tour consists of? Learn all about Isla Contoy Experience's whale shark tour here.
When booking a whale shark swim tour, there are several operators to choose from. Here are some options to consider:
Whale Shark Tour Cancun is one of the most popular companies offering whale shark tours. They sail in small groups, with a maximum of 10 people per boat. They have a private version of the tour, and you can add transportation to the final price.
Isla Mujeres Whale Shark Tours is a company that departs from the Muelle 7 restaurant on Isla Mujeres. They offer a per-person fee and a private version that typically takes 1 to 6 passengers. You can also taste fresh ceviche at the end of the experience.
Here's how to get to Isla Mujeres.
Isla Contoy Experience is a nature excursion company specializing in exploring the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean, including the Isla Contoy National Park tour. Their whale shark tour guarantees encounters with these majestic giants and offers several amenities. After the tour, they also provide a complimentary time for a final dip in front of Playa Norte before returning.
Ocean tour offers you more than just a whale shark experience; it is one of the longest tours. It includes breakfast at a dock in Cancun, a coral reef swim in Isla Mujeres, and some free time in Isla Mujeres with lunch and drinks.
Cancun Adventures offers more than just a whale shark swim tour; they have a variety of land and sea activities to choose from. However, if you're looking for a basic whale shark tour, Cancun Adventures has got you covered.
With this half-day tour, Eco Tours Adventure guarantees a shark encounter without breaking the bank. Plus, for an extra fee, you can get some souvenirs to remember your unforgettable experience.
Delphinus is a renowned tour agency that specializes in dolphin tours. Within their whale shark tour, they have two options available. One solely involves swimming with whale sharks, and another where you can interact with dolphins.
Aquaworld is a premier land and sea tour company in the Caribbean. It offers a wide range of water activities, including diving courses, fishing tours, and snorkeling, with the bonus of having a whale shark tour in their catalog.
To make an informed decision, we suggest checking out each company's website and reviews from other travelers. To assist you further, take a look at this handy table detailing the prices of each tour option:
| Company | Adult price | Child price | Private |
| Whale Shark Tour Cancun | USD 195 | USD 160 | USD 1,350 |
| Isla Mujeres Whale Shark | USD 150 | USD 150 | USD 1,500 |
| Isla Contoy Experience: Whale Shark | USD 219 | USD 180 | Quote your group |
| Ocean Tours | USD 239 | USD 219 | USD 1,655 |
| Cancun Adventures | USD 174 | USD 174 | |
| Eco Tours Adventures | USD 175 | USD 165 | USD 1,550 |
| Delfinus World Wow Connection | USD 147 | USD 139 | |
| Delfinus World Dolphin Connection | From USD 195 | From USD 195 | |
| Aquaworld | USD 199 | USD 199 |
There's no shortage of options for swimming with whale sharks. Whether you're looking for a quick tour of the dive site or a more comprehensive experience with food and multiple stops, a tour out there is just right for you.
Check the prices of the whale shark tour in Cancun and the companies that sell it.