WHALE SHARK TOUR
- Duration: 6 Hours (approx.)
- Location: Isla Mujeres, Q.Roo
- Product code: SLWST
Please make sure to book your space in advance since the numbers available are limited! Price is subject to change once the Government approves the permits and the price for the season.
The Whale Shark tour leaves daily in the morning and is, of course, reliant upon the weather. Scuba diving with
whale sharks is prohibited by the Mexican government. All tours are snorkeling only!
Here is some general information about the tour and the booking procedures:
Included on your tour:
1. Snorkel equipment and life jacket
2. Immersions with the whale sharks if the number of sighted whale sharks is enough, otherwise is just sightseeing (see “Rules for whale shark tours”)
3. Water and soft drinks and a final stop to relax at Playa Norte with some freshly prepared ceviche as lunch (ceviche can be fish or shrimp)
Rules for whale shark tours
Please be aware that we are going to visit a Federal Natural Protected area. These rules are from the Mexican government for all tour operators and for the protection of the animals. Please read the following:
1. Touching the whale sharks is absolutely forbidden.
2. Jumps are made by couples + a guide. There are only 2 people allowed with a guide in the water at one time.
3. There is a maximum of 2 jumps per couple.
4. Please keep the proper distance from the whale shark. 2 meters from the front area, and 5 meters from the tail. They swim by moving their tail from one side to the other and if they can accidentally hit us.
5. No sunscreen is allowed in the area. They are filter feeders and these products are made of oils and other ingredients. When we enter the water they get washed away and stay on the surface of the water where they come to feed. If you would like to apply some (only Biodegradable ones) on your face and hands which are usually the most unprotected areas, you can do it before getting on the boat. For the rest of your body please cover it with t-shirts, towels,
rash guards, hats, etc.
6. You are only allowed in the water when the number of whale sharks sighted is more than 5.
7. If you see at least 1 whale shark, this is considered a successful sighting.
8. You are not allowed to bring any alcohol on the boat.
9. You will be using a life vest with or without a wetsuit while in the water. There are no exceptions.
If you don’t see any whale sharks you have the choice to either join the tour on another day for half price. You will not be receiving any monetary refunds.
Children are allowed on the whale shark tour. There are no age restrictions, although we do highly recommend making a responsible decision about the children entering the water depending on the abilities of the child and the conditions at the site.
There are no tours on the 30th of every month.
What your day will be like:
You are going to head north of Isla Mujeres to the deeper waters of the Caribbean sea area. The travel time to the Whale Shark area is around 1.5 hours but remember you are going to be in the sea, we never know where they are, or what we can see on the way! Always have your eyes wide open!
Once on the boat, you will get a life vest, mask, snorkel, and fins. The life vest is mandatory while the boat is moving and during water activities.
As soon as they are found, the group needs to get ready. There will always be two people and one guide per jump into the water and swim with the whale shark. It is NEVER allowed to touch a whale shark! When you touch a whale shark you disturb its natural protection and transmit bacteria from the land to a sea animal. They don’t have any natural defenses against our bacteria and can get very sick from it.
You can be in the water for approximately 5 minutes or less, each jump, but that depends on you! Due to the rules, each couple is allowed 2 jumps, so it's important to pay attention to all the information provided so you can enjoy your time in the water as much as possible.
Please try to avoid using any sunscreen!
We recommend wearing a long-sleeved shirt as protection against the sun or,
if necessary, then only biodegradable sunscreen, and this only before entering the boat.
Once you have entered the boat the use of sunscreen is prohibited.
This is a rule of the government for the protection and health of the animals.
There are no tours on the 30th of every month.
Pricing
The tour costs per person $ 150 USD (if leaving from Isla Mujeres)
We offer a Pick Up in Cancun for an extra of only + $ 25 USD
All bookings must be reserved in advance since the spaces are limited. The deposit is 50 USD.
Please be aware that the balance is 2000 mexican pesos per person to be paid to the supplier the day of the tour. It can be paid in cash pesos or dollars (exchange rate of the provider of the day) or card (+6%fees).
Please note also our cancelation policies:
In case of a refund or cancellation, the transaction fees are not refundable.
You are able to cancel until 1 day before the tour.
You will receive a full refund (minus eventual transaction fees).
Cancelation on the same day is NOT possible.
You will not receive a refund.
We will require a deposit of $ 50 USD (+6% Fee) per person,
the rest can be paid on the day of the excursion.
PLEASE ALSO BE AWARE THAT EVEN IN CASE OF NO SIGHTINGS NO REFUNDS WILL OCCUR.
In these cases, we can offer you to go out on a second day for 50% of the costs if you wish.