Top 8 Whale Shark & Whale Trips from Playa del Carmen

1.Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 519 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $170Our pick

Leave early from Cancun or Playa del Carmen for a guided boat trip to swim near whale sharks in short turns, then snorkel and relax by Isla Mujeres. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, gear, and hotel transport are included. Guides have included Jane, Dory, and Denys, though staffing varies. Expect a fast, sometimes bumpy ride and wildlife sightings that cannot be guaranteed.

“This trip surpassed all expectations and was exceptional. The communication was excellent and consistent from the point of booking. Our guide Naria was exceptional throughout the day and shared lots of knowledge about Whale Sharks, conservation and was very supportive to all members of the group who were new to or anxious about swimming. The Captain was great and the lunch provided was delicious (they cater to vegan and gluten-free diets, you just need to say what you’d like on your plate). This is an amazing once-in-a-life-time experience (although, we plan to return to do another tour with them in the future). We had great weather and seen about 15-20…”

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2.Private Whale Shark All Inclusive Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 136 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $1,095

Travel by private boat to the whale shark area with an expert guide, then swim in the open sea when conditions allow. The day also includes snorkeling near Isla Mujeres, lunch at Playa Norte, and private round-trip transport. Guides have included Xenia, Nicholas, Vanessa, and Reuben.

“We had an incredible day with Ocean Tours seeing and swimming with whale sharks. We loved every second of it and feel so lucky to have seen so many whale sharks and had 2 dives with them.”

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3.Whale shark encounter Private tour – swim with whale shark cancun

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $975

From Mayan Riviera pickup, head by boat to search for whale sharks, then snorkel in guided pairs and watch for mantas, dolphins, and turtles. Jane, Abraham, and other guides have led trips. Breakfast, equipment, light snacks, and lunch are part of the day, which ends with a stop at Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres.

“An unforgettable private whale shark tour! 🌊 From the moment our guide Abraham and Armando picked us up in Playa del Carmen to the smooth return ride, everything was perfect. Captain Antonio and Steven made us feel safe, cared for, and made sure our sons (3 & 8) had an amazing time—whether swimming with whale sharks or enjoying from the boat.”

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4.Half Day Whale Shark Tour From Playa del Carmen

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $185

Leave Playa del Carmen early for a boat trip toward Isla Contoy, where whale sharks gather from May through September. You can take turns swimming beside them or stay aboard, with a guide and crew helping coordinate the search. The day includes shared hotel transport, snacks, drinks and lunch near Isla Mujeres. Bring cash for the extra port and protected-area fees.

“IT WAS SUCH AN AMAZING, INCREDIBLE TOUR!! Highly recommend! It was such a pleasure to see and swim with this beautiful gorgeous creatures! So much fun and adrenaline! Whale sharks are absolutely lovely and docile creatures so there is nothing to be scared about! YOU HAVE TO TRY IT! It’s recommended to go in the full moon because then there is more of them!”

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5.Whale Shark Experience from Playa del Carmen

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · from $49Best value

Set out from Playa del Carmen for a summer whale shark trip near Cancun, with hotel pickup, a small group of up to eight, snorkel gear, and an expert guide to explain the animals before you enter the water. The outing lasts about five hours and may include a stop near Isla Mujeres for ceviche and guacamole. Whale sharks visit from May to September.

“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 & guacamole in the waters at Isla Mujeres was fun and different. ✔️ off the bucket list”

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6.Whale Shark Snorkeling Adventure with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 9 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $225

From Playa del Carmen, ride to a Cancun marina for breakfast and a boat trip in search of whale sharks. You enter the water in pairs with a guide, then stop at Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres for lunch and free time. The tour runs seasonally, includes hotel transport and gear, and takes about 10 hours.

“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 much fun and very knowledgeable. Angel told us a lot about where we were located, about the whale sharks and answered all of our questions. Our day far exceeded our expectations. I definitely want to do this again!”

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7.Private Whale Shark Ecofriendly Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $895

Travel from your Riviera Maya hotel to VNV Marina, then head toward the whale shark grounds with a bilingual guide and crew. Snorkel in short turns beside these gentle giants, with up to 50 possible in the area. Lunch, bottled water, snorkel gear and private transport are included. Past guides have included Guillermo, Riaz and Marcela.

“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 rotating in and out of the water over a 2+ hours”

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8.Snorkeling with Whale Sharks – Isla Mujeres

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · 7 hours (approx.)

Travel by air-conditioned van to Cancun, then head by boat to search for whale sharks, with no more than two snorkelers per guide. The June to September tour includes breakfast, lunch, drinks and snorkeling gear, plus a stop near Isla Mujeres for more snorkeling and time at Playa Norte. Guides include Nuria and Patricio, also called Pato.

“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!”

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