Ocean Safari, All Included

Overview

This ocean safari puts you in the water with wild whale sharks off the coast near Isla Mujeres, run by a local operator from the island with well over a decade of experience in the activity. The day runs about 6.5 hours door to dock to door, with hotel pickup available from Cancún, Costa Mujeres, Puerto Morelos or Playa del Carmen. Guests staying on Isla Mujeres can instead meet directly at Perla Negra Dock #2, the departure point, and save on the transport option.

After ground transfer to the dock, the group boards a 32 ft boat with two engines and heads roughly an hour north-east to the feeding area. There, swimmers enter the water in pairs, with a certified guide alongside, and can get in the water up to two times. Swimmers get fitted with fins, mask and lifejacket before the ride out, and drinks flow for the whole trip.

The way back mixes snorkeling over a shallow reef or a stop at Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, where the crew serves fresh ceviche, guacamole, chips, fruit and sandwiches, with vegetarian and vegan options on request. The crew runs the tour in English and Spanish. It suits travellers who want a full day on the water and understand that the sharks are wild, so sightings vary from a single animal to many, and occasionally none.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup or dock meetGuests on the Cancún option are collected from their hotel by air-conditioned vehicle; Isla Mujeres guests meet at Perla Negra Dock #2. Ground transport can take 1 to 2 hours depending on pickup locations.
2. Speedboat to the feeding areaThe boat rides north-east for about one hour toward where the whale sharks feed.
3. Swim with whale sharksSwimmers enter in pairs with a certified guide and can get in the water up to two times. The operator notes the total time can run 2 to 3 swims depending on conditions.
4. Caribbean Sea returnSandwiches and drinks are served on the ride back toward Isla Mujeres.
5. Reef snorkel or Playa NorteThe stop covers shallow reef snorkeling and/or time at Isla Mujeres North Beach, with a tropical meal of fresh ceviche, guacamole, chips and fruit.
6. Speedboat and drop-offThe boat returns to the departure dock, with two drop-off options at the end of the day.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from what to wear to how the swims actually work.

• Swim in pairs. Entry into the water happens two swimmers at a time with the guide, a fixed rule of the activity. Time in the water depends on conditions and swimming ability. Reviewers describe getting two swims and getting very close to the animals.
• Bring the basics. The listing asks for a towel, a long-sleeved shirt, beachwear and cash. Cash covers tips for the crew, which are not included, and any GoPro photo or video package, which costs extra and can be arranged with the guide.
• Food and drink. Lunch, snacks and drinks are included for the whole tour, with fresh ceviche, guacamole, chips, fruit and sandwiches. Vegetarian and vegan food is available on request. Several reviewers singled out the ceviche and guacamole as a highlight.
• Motion sickness. The boat ride out lasts about an hour and the day involves long stretches on the water. One reviewer specifically advised taking seasickness tablets before boarding.
• Group feel. The listing promises a small group format to avoid crowds. One reviewer reported a group of around 12 people on their trip.
• Wildlife is wild. The operator is clear that the sharks roam free, so a day may bring one animal, many dozens, or on rare occasions none. One reviewer reported two successful swims even very late in the season. Go in with open expectations, as the listing itself advises.

Common issues. Sightings are never certain because the whale sharks are wild, and the operator states plainly that some days none appear. The ride out to the feeding area alone takes about an hour, and the day involves long stretches on the water, enough that one reviewer recommended taking seasickness tablets before boarding. Photos and videos from the day cost extra, and some travellers wanted optional costs like photo packages and port fees spelled out more clearly upfront. Tips for the crew are also excluded from the price.

Common Questions