7-12 Hour Trip, Pickup

Overview

This Ocean Tours Mexico trip runs from June to mid-September, when whale sharks gather in the waters north of Cancun. The day starts around 06:00 with hotel pickup from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum or the Riviera Maya, followed by a coffee break at the pier and then roughly five hours out on the water. The boat then stops for reef snorkeling and time at Playa Norte before the ride back.

Transfers make this a long day, between 7 and 12 hours door to door depending on where you are staying and traffic. Groups are capped at 10 travellers with a bilingual guide, and ceviche with totopos and guacamole is served on board. Reviewers consistently describe bumpy conditions on the boat, so motion sickness tablets come up again and again. It suits families with children aged three and up who can handle a full day at sea, and it is not recommended for pregnant travellers or anyone with serious back or heart problems.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupRound-trip transportation picks up from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya hotels. Transfer length depends on your location and traffic.
2. Meet at the pierIf you book without transportation, meet at Flamingos Seafood Kitchen on Carr. Puerto Juarez, Km 3.5, Cancun, for a 06:00 start. A coffee break happens before departure.
3. Boat passageThe boat passes by Isla Mujeres. Admission is included for this part of the route.
4. Whale shark swimmingThe boat activity lasts about 5 hours on average, covering whale shark swim entries, reef snorkeling, and time on the water. Duration can run longer depending on weather, whale shark location and swim opportunities.
5. Isla ContoyA stop of 2 hours with free admission, part of the same boat day.
6. Playa NorteAbout 1 hour at Playa Norte with free admission.
7. Return transferThe tour ends back at the original meeting point, with hotel drop-off for those who booked transportation.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up repeatedly in reviews and in the operator's own briefing notes, and they shape the day more than most people expect.

• Motion sickness. Many reviewers urge taking Dramamine before the van ride and the boat swells. The boat ride out is described as bumpy, and the crew are described as helpful if you do get seasick, but bring your own supply.
• Sun protection. The listing asks that sunscreen, even biodegradable, only be applied to exposed skin beforehand at your hotel, since it harms reefs. Several reviewers recommend SPF clothing instead, and one reported getting sunburned.
• Fitness and swimming. Swim entries happen from the boat in open water with a guide in the water providing directions. One reviewer noted non-swimmers could still snorkel with a guide's help, and the reef snorkel adds more time in the water.
• Food and drink. A coffee break comes early in the day. After the swims the crew serves fish or shrimp ceviche with totopos and guacamole. Vegetarian and gluten-free options exist on request if you flag them when booking.
• Photos. An HD video and photo package of the swim is sold separately and is not included. One reviewer said they bought all the pictures to capture the memories, so budget for it if you want images from the water.
• Group size. The tour caps at 10 travellers, and reviewers describe a small-boat feel with a captain, guide and first mate.

Common issues. The honest downsides: wetsuit rental and the photo package cost extra, and a government fee of US$25.00 per person is payable on top of the tour price. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for pregnant travellers or those with back problems, and weather can lengthen the day or cancel it outright. One reviewer also reported feeling sore and sunburned after a long, bumpy day on the water.

Common Questions