Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks & Playa Norte Beach

If you’re after an adventure that combines the thrill of being face-to-face with the world’s largest fish and the relaxing beauty of a Caribbean beach, this tour offers just that. For $199 per person, you get about six hours of action—including swimming with whale sharks off Contoy Island and unwinding at Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres. The tour is operated by Aquaworld Cancún, with a small group size ensuring a more personalized experience.

Two things we love about this experience are the opportunity to see the whale sharks in their natural habitat, an incredibly rare chance to share the water with these gentle giants, and how smoothly the operation seems to be run, especially with experienced guides and a well-organized boat trip. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, safety briefings, and transportation adds value and peace of mind.

A possible consideration is that the tour is weather-dependent, meaning if conditions aren’t ideal, the experience might be delayed or canceled. Also, it’s not suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility issues, so check your health and comfort level beforehand.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and those looking to combine natural beauty with a bit of thrill. If you’re comfortable in the water and want a memorable, authentic experience, this could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Unique encounter with whale sharks in their natural environment
• All-inclusive: transportation, gear, and guides included
• Relaxing end at Playa Norte with optional snorkeling
• Small group size (limited to 10) for personalized attention
• Weather-dependent activity that could impact your plans
• Suitable mainly for non-swimmers, pregnant women, and those with mobility issues are advised against participating

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This tour kicks off early at the Cancun marina, where you’ll receive a warm welcome with coffee and bread before the safety briefing. The guides and crew are bilingual, which makes communication smooth for travelers from abroad. Once on board a comfortable 36-foot boat, you’ll set out toward Contoy Island, known for hosting the world’s largest congregation of whale sharks.

The Journey to Contoy Island

The boat ride itself is part of the adventure. It’s a relaxing yet exciting trip across turquoise waters, with plenty of chances to snap photos of the Caribbean scenery. The crew’s professionalism shines through, with many reviews praising the expertise of guides and the captain’s skill.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

Once at Contoy Island, the real highlight begins. You will typically get 2 to 3 opportunities to swim alongside these impressive creatures, with guides in the water to keep everyone safe and help maximize the experience. The guides’ skill in positioning the boat to attract the whale sharks is often mentioned positively in reviews—many visitors find this part spectacular and emotional.

As one reviewer from Spain noted, “We were able to do three jumps and it was incredible. The captain positioned the boat so that the shark came right towards us and the view was spectacular.” This indicates a level of attentive guiding that really enhances the experience.

Post-Swimming Relaxation at Playa Norte

After your exciting encounters, you’ll head to Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres, often rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Here, you can relax on soft sands, snorkel more, or enjoy snacks and drinks supplied by the tour, including ceviche. It’s a fitting way to unwind after the adrenaline of swimming with huge marine animals.

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Ending the Day

The return trip provides a chance to reflect on your experience, and the crew usually wraps up with a smooth ride back to Cancun’s marina. The entire tour lasts around six hours, making it an accessible and manageable day trip.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Transportation and Comfort

Traveling by roundtrip transportation from Cancun ensures you don’t need to worry about logistics. The boat, a comfortable 36-foot vessel, is well-rated for stability and space, important for a smooth ride in open waters. The crew provides life vests and snorkeling gear, so you’re ready to go without extra fuss.

Guides and Crew

The guides are certified, bilingual, and highly knowledgeable about the marine environment and safety procedures. Several reviews praise the guides’ expertise, with one traveler from Italy saying, “The very good guide and the captain hawkeye!! He knew the right time to dive and be face to face with the whale shark.”

The Whale Shark Experience

The core activity involves swimming alongside whale sharks, which can be a surreal experience. You’ll be in the water with 2 people plus a guide at a time, always ensuring safety. Expect 2 to 3 swim sessions, lasting long enough for impressive close-up sightings, but also respecting the animals’ space.

The Beach Visit

After the main adventure, the tour slows down in a beautiful setting at Playa Norte. This stop offers ample opportunity to relax, snorkel, or simply soak in the Caribbean sun. The tour includes snacks like ceviche, making the stop both refreshing and tasty.

Costs and Additional Fees

Included in the price are transport, equipment, water, soft drinks, and snacks—a solid value considering the experience. However, there’s a $20 USD docking and marine park fee, payable in cash at check-in. Photos and videos are not included, so if capturing your memories is a priority, consider bringing your own camera.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Many travelers highlight the knowledge and professionalism of the guides. One reviewer mentioned that their guide “knew the right time to dive and be face to face with the whale shark,” which speaks volumes about the experience level of the crew.

The scenic boat ride and the opportunity to see the whale sharks in action are the main draws. Plus, ending the day at one of the Caribbean’s top beaches makes the tour a well-rounded day of adventure and relaxation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re an adventurer eager to see marine wildlife in its natural habitat, this tour has your name on it. It’s perfect for snorkelers, wildlife lovers, and those wanting a unique story to tell back home. Because it’s not suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, or people with mobility issues, it’s better suited for active, healthy travelers comfortable in the water.

The Sum Up

This six-hour tour from Cancun offers a rare chance to swim with whale sharks—an experience few will forget—paired with the chance to unwind at a gorgeous Caribbean beach. The small group size, expert guides, and all-inclusive setup make it a well-organized and enjoyable outing.

While weather can influence the schedule, most travelers find the experience well worth the effort. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation, this tour checks all the boxes and delivers a memorable day in Quintana Roo.

For those who want an authentic, educational, and fun experience with minimal hassle, this trip is a strong contender. Just be sure to respect the weather forecast and your own comfort levels before booking.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from Cancun is included, making the logistic part of your day effortless.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sandals, camera, and cash for the marine park fee.

Can I participate if I don’t swim well?
The activity involves snorkeling, so you should be comfortable in the water. Non-swimmers may find this challenging, and it’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

What is the marine park fee?
There is an additional $20 USD fee payable in cash at check-in, which goes toward marine park regulations and conservation.

Will I see whale sharks if the weather is bad?
The tour operates subject to weather conditions. Poor weather may lead to cancellations or delays for safety reasons.

Are photos included?
No, photos and videos are not included, but you can bring your own camera to capture the moments.

This tour balances thrilling wildlife encounters with relaxing beach time, making it an ideal choice for travelers interested in nature and authentic experiences. It’s a well-organized, small-group adventure that leaves you with unforgettable memories—just remember to prepare for a day on the water!

You can check availability for your dates here: