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Cancún Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Cancún Dolphin & whale watching

Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks

1. Cancún: Swim with Whale Sharks

Snorkel with whale sharks on this day trip from Cancun (from May to September). Take a boat out whale shark reserve in the waters surrounding Isla Contoy follow your naturalist or marine biologist guide for once-in-a-lifetime experience. Savor a delicious lunch and drinks on the boat. Be picked up early in the morning from your hotel in Cancun and hop aboard a comfortable van for the drive to Puerto Juarez (Marina Hacienda del Mar). Listen to an informative briefing to help you understand whale sharks and the area's ecosystems. Depart from Marina Hacienda del Mar on a boat and head towards the whale shark reserve in the waters surrounding Isla Contoy. Use high-quality snorkel gear to see whale sharks. Feel confident snorkeling with the help of your guide. Sit down to a filling lunch on the boat with stunning views of the coast of Isla Mujeres. Afterwards, cool off with a swim in the clear turquoise waters. Travel back to Marina Hacienda del Mar and transfer by van back to your accommodation.

Cancún: Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour & Swim with Dolphins

2. Cancún: Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour & Swim with Dolphins

Take a catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres, with a stop to snorkel at Cancún Underwater Museum en route. Explore the island, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and relax at the beach club. Get up close to dolphins. Play with them, hug them, and shake hands. Learn all about these intelligent creatures. Board the catamaran at Playa Langosta and head straight to Cancún Underwater Museum. Put on a snorkel and mask and take a dip to discover the creative sculptures on the seabed. Marvel at how nature has taken over, adding its own twist to these artworks. Spot fish and other marine life. Climb back aboard the catamaran to head to Isla Mujeres, one of three Magical Towns in Quintana Roo. Embark on a guided tour of the center of the island for an hour. Discover its natural wealth, Mayan vestiges, and Caribbean culture. Immerse yourself in the island's relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Next, have a short briefing before your swim with dolphins. Choose between 3 options, ranging from 40 to 60 minutes. Take part in different activities such as handshaking, hugging, and belly-riding. Feel the excitement of being foot pushed by dolphins. Learn about the species from the specialists. Finally, enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch and take advantage of the open bar at the Discovery Island beach club. Sunbathe on a lounge chair, take a dip in the swimming pools, and generally unwind after your fun-filled morning. Return to Cancún aboard the catamaran in a party atmosphere.

Cancún: Dolphin Encounter on Isla Mujeres with Buffet

3. Cancún: Dolphin Encounter on Isla Mujeres with Buffet

Interact with friendly dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery center on Isla Mujeres, departing from Playa Langosta in Cancún. Suitable for all ages, this program is suitable for non-swimmers. After you spend some time with your new friend enjoy a hearty buffet lunch with soft drinks service. Board the ferry at Playa Langosta in Cancún and sail to Isla Mujeres. Upon arrival, proceed to the Dolphin Discovery center where you will meet your marine mammal specialist who will guide you through the experience. Next, proceed to the underwater platform, which you will be standing on at all times, so the dolphin can come and meet you. Your specialist instructor will teach you some interesting facts about dolphins, their diet, and their behavior. Also, hear about nursing programs taking place at the center. After your encounter, enjoy the rest of the day at the center by taking a dip in one of the pools, or with some sunbathing. Enjoy a delicious buffet and sip on some soft drinks from onsite. After relaxing in the afternoon, board the ferry back to Cancún in the late afternoon.

Cancún: Dolphin Swimming Program on Isla Mujeres with Buffet

4. Cancún: Dolphin Swimming Program on Isla Mujeres with Buffet

Enjoy swimming and interacting with friendly dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery center on Isla Mujeres, departing from Playa Langosta in Cancún. After you enjoy some time frolicking with the dolphins in the water, enjoy a hearty buffet lunch with open bar service. Board the ferry at Playa Langosta in Cancún and sail to Isla Mujeres. Upon arrival proceed to the Dolphin Discovery center for your swimming program where you will meet your instructor. Get ready for your experience by learning about dolphins as a species, specifically about their behavior and diet. Hear more about the reproductive and nursing programs taking place at the center, as well as special tips to protect our environment. Once in the water, say hello to your new friend in a relaxed and joyful setting. Shake hands with them, and then participate in a variety of exciting activities, including giving them a hug and a thrilling boogie push movement through the water. After your experience, enjoy the rest of the day at the center by taking a dip in one of the pools, or with some sunbathing. Enjoy a delicious buffet and sip on some drinks from the open bar onsite. After relaxing in the afternoon, board the ferry back to Cancún in the late afternoon.

Cancun or Riviera Maya: Whale Shark Tour & Playa Norte Beach

5. Cancun or Riviera Maya: Whale Shark Tour & Playa Norte Beach

Swim with the largest concentration of whale sharks in the world, just north of Isla Contoy, on this cruise from Cancun or Riviera Maya. Enjoy up to three snorkel or swim immersions with sharks and even spot manta rays and dolphins. Finish with a visit to Playa Norte Beach in Isla Mujeres. Start your tour with early morning pickup from any hotel or Airbnb in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum. Head towards the all-new private marina located at the Punta Sam Ferry Terminal in Cancun for a quick check-in. Before boarding, enjoy pastries with coffee while listening to the instructions and safety briefing.  Once in the boat, get kitted out with mandatory life vests and full snorkeling gear. All boats depart at 8 AM and navigate for approximately 45 minutes to the whale shark area north of Contoy. Once you have found the sharks, begin the swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy 2 to 3 immersions per person always with 2 people and 1 guide in the water. Spend a full 2.5 hours in total with the Whale Sharks, also observing Manta Rays, Dolphins, and Turtles.  After swimming with the sharks, make a final stop in beautiful Playa Norte beach in Isla Mujeres, considered one of the 20 most beautiful beaches in the world. Here, the boats will remain for about 1 hour for you to relax on the beach or do some more snorkeling. Return to Cancun at around 1 PM where the transportation will take you back to your hotel or Airbnb.

From Cancún: Half-Day Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

6. From Cancún: Half-Day Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

Expereince the ultimate adrenaline rush in the Mexican Caribbean on this whale shark snorkeling tour from Cancun. Swim and snorkel with these gentle giants in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Be picked up from hotel in Cancun or the Riviera Maya and transfer to the marina to board a boat. Enjoy complimentary food and beverages on the way to the snorkeling site. Put on your snorkeling gear and get a safety briefing on what to expect in the sea before jumping into the ocean to snorkel with the world’s biggest fish. Come face-to-face with adult specimens that can measure up to 13 meters in length. Swim with the whale sharks for about 2 hours before heading to Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres to enjoy a delicious lunch. Return to the marina where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Riviera Maya: Full-Day Whale Shark Encounter

7. Riviera Maya: Full-Day Whale Shark Encounter

Be picked up from your accommodation at 5 AM in Tulum, 6 AM in Playa del Carmen, or 7:45 AM in Cancun. During the drive, your guide will explain the itinerary and teach you about whale sharks and their habitat. Upon arriving at the marina, relax and eat breakfast. Depart to the whale shark area and start your search. Once you spot a whale shark, go snorkeling. There is a maximum of 1 ship per whale shark and 2 people per guide. During the trip, your guide will teach you about the fauna of this ecosystem.  Sandwiches, fruit, soft drinks, and water will be served. Then, you will return to Isla Mujeres for lunch: sandwiches and shrimp ceviche or fish with guacamole and fruit. After an hour of relaxing or swimming at the beach Playa Norte in Islas Mujeres, return to the marina at 3:30 PM.

Cancún: Isla Mujeres Sea Life Encounter Program with Buffet

8. Cancún: Isla Mujeres Sea Life Encounter Program with Buffet

Enjoy an interactive encounter with friendly marine creatures at the Dolphin Discovery center on Isla Mujeres, departing from Playa Langosta in Cancún. After you spend some time with your new friends, enjoy a hearty buffet lunch with soft drinks at the onsite beach club. Board the ferry at Playa Langosta in Cancún and sail to Isla Mujeres. Upon arrival proceed to the Dolphin Discovery center, where you will meet your marine mammal specialist who will guide you through the experience. You will also learn fun facts about the animals you will meet. First, meet the adorable and intelligent dolphins. Enjoy the opportunity to give them a hug and a kiss. Feel a rush of adrenaline as your new friends pull you through the water with their dorsal fins, and push you from your feet to rise above the water. Next, share a relaxing time with gentle manatees. Prepare to stretch your arms wide and give these large and relaxed creatures the biggest hug ever. Then, meet the enthusiastic sea lions who are always eager to play. Play and laugh with them as they waddle and swim beside you. After your encounter, enjoy the rest of the day at the center by taking a dip in the infinity pool, or some sunbathing in the VIP area. Enjoy a delicious buffet and sip on some soft drinks from the open bar onsite. After a relaxing afternoon, board the ferry back to Cancún in the late afternoon.

Cancun & Riviera Maya: Swim with Whale Sharks Tour w/ Lunch

9. Cancun & Riviera Maya: Swim with Whale Sharks Tour w/ Lunch

Enjoy a light breakfast before you prepare yourself for the boat safari. On your way to the whale shark protected area, look out for dolphins, sea turtles and enormous manta rays. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, and you can easily spot them this time of year because they are hungry. Their primary meal, plankton, can be found near the surface. After an hour or two you will be rewarded with the first views of the whale sharks. Observe them from the boat and jump off the boat to swim up close, if you dare. With your fins and mask, you can snorkel alongside a whale shark. Do you feel the adrenaline?  After the whale shark activity, get your gear and snorkel at the coral reef to see some tropical fish and corals. Enjoy a delicious Caribbean style lunch while lounging in the water at one of the most beautiful beaches of the world.

From Playa del Carmen or Cancun: Swim with Whale Sharks

10. From Playa del Carmen or Cancun: Swim with Whale Sharks

Swim with the mighty whale sharks off the coast of Cancun on this guided boat trip. Be surrounded by these massive creatures, learn about their behavior, and enjoy a hearty lunch after your swim. Start with pickup from your hotel and then hop on a small powerboat from Cancun. The conservation and protection of the area is of top concern so the number of visitors is limited every day and you can only swim with whale sharks with a certified captain and expert guides. Your guide will teach you how to swim with whale sharks in Cancun with instructions that ensure you maximize your experience while causing no harm to the delicate ecosystem. Swim with the whale sharks as many times as you wish during a 3-hour stay in the area. Professional guides will make sure you feel safe and you have the best possible views of the whale sharks – even if you are not an experienced snorkeler. Learn why the whale sharks are called “dominos”, what is “bottling” and why these gentle giants are only interested in eating microscopic meals. Thankfully. Your whale shark adventure from Playa del Carmen or Cancun includes a lunch of the freshest local ingredients to refuel after your huge adventure.

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Frequently asked questions about Cancún

What are the best day trips and excursions from Cancún?

The best day trips and excursions from Cancún are:

Tulum

Other Sightseeing Options in Cancún

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What people are saying about Cancún

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 4 reviews

A great day out! We initially just booked the catamaran & dolphin experience but glad we changed to this one! The catamaran is big & you can sit in the sun whilst on it. Snorkelling equipment is included in the price (only a short swim in the ocean, not a huge amount to see but still an experience). Drinks were also included on the boat - Both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. We then went to Isla Mujeres where you get 2 hours to explore. You can rent a buggy or get a taxi tour to drive round the island & take photos at tourist spots (both options are around $50) we jumped in with another couple so it only cost us $25 to do. They then take you straight to Dolphin Discovery … such an AMAZING experience!! The buffet food here was delicious, couldn’t fault it. Having done the Royal Swim and Swim Adventure in the past, I’d happily recommend the middle package (Adventure) over the Royal Swim, but definitely pay for the photos! We finally headed back to Cancun whilst watching the sunset.

This was a great experience! I would definitely recommend this activity to my friends. It was my very first time swimming with dolphins and snorkeling & I enjoyed both activities! I do not claim to be an excellent swimmer, but we were provided life vests for all activities, so it is okay for low level swimmers/ beginners. Just know that we had to swim a long path when snorkeling so be prepared. Also, do. not. swallow. the water! I made that terrible mistake. Still a 10/10 experience!

Totally worth the experience - the dolphins are amazing creatures. The manatees are fun to get to know and are bossy for lettuce lol. Get the pics/videos they are priceless!

Very entertaining staff and excellent experience with the dolphins

Great experience, dolphin and trainer were amazing and fun!