🐋 Aloha Whale Shark Tour – Pricing & Booking Info

💰 Tour Prices:

• 👤 Adults (12+ years): $199 USD

• 👶 Children (3–11 years): $189 USD

💳 Reserve your spot with just a $50 USD deposit per person.
The remaining balance is paid on the day of the tour to your guide (cash or credit card).

✅ Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund of your deposit!

💵 Additional Costs (Payable on Tour Day):

• 🛥️ $20 USD Dock & Marine Reserve Fee (cash only, per person)

• 🚐 $10 USD transportation surcharge for pickups in Tulum

📣 Groups of 10+? Contact us for custom options and group rates.

📅 Cancellation Policy

✅ 100% Refund If:

• 🌀 The tour is canceled by us (e.g. bad weather) and rescheduling isn’t possible

• ❌ You cancel at least 24 hours in advance

• 🤒 You cancel due to illness with a doctor’s note

• 🔁 You request a date change 24+ hours in advance, and no new date is available

⚠️ 50% Refund If:

• ⏰ You cancel after 5:00 PM (local time) the day before

• 🔁 You request a date change after 5:00 PM the day before, and no new date is available

🚫 No Refund If:

• ❌ You don’t show up on the date and time of your scheduled tour

A Family Adventure You’ll Never Forget!

Our friendly and knowledgeable guides are here to make your Whale Shark swimming adventure the highlight of your holiday. We absolutely love sharing this magical experience and can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

Your guide will pick you up right at your hotel, whether you’re staying in the Riviera Maya or Cancun. From there, we’ll take you to our pier where the boats are ready to start the adventure!

Before we head out to swim with the Whale Sharks, we’ll enjoy a tasty continental breakfast at the pier in Cancun — freshly prepared just for you. Then, we’ll board the boat and set off on a scenic speedboat ride of about one hour to the special area where these gentle giants gather.

Once we find the perfect spot, it’s time to jump in and snorkel alongside the incredible Whale Sharks. We aim for you to get at least two chances to swim with them, but this depends on the weather, sea conditions, and where the Whale Sharks are that day. With over 15 years of experience, our team knows exactly how to give you a safe, unforgettable experience.

After the Whale Sharks, we’ll visit another stunning spot—the coral reef at Isla Mujeres—where you can snorkel among colorful fish and beautiful underwater life.

Next up, it’s time to relax and have fun at Playa Norte, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Here, we’ll enjoy lunch, drinks, and some well-deserved downtime.

When the day winds down, we’ll head back to the pier in Cancun, and your guide will safely bring you back to your hotel. Expect to be back around 3:30 PM if you’re in Cancun or about 4:30 PM if you’re staying in the Riviera Maya.

We can’t wait to share this incredible family adventure with you!

What’s Included ✅

✅ Round-trip transportation in air-conditioned vehicles

✅ Experienced and friendly bilingual guides

✅ All necessary insurances and fees (except dock fee)

✅ Coffee and continental breakfast at the pier

✅ Drinking water & soft drinks onboard

✅ Scenic speedboat ride to Whale Shark area

✅ Swimming with Whale Sharks (with snorkel and safety vest)

✅ Beach swimming and snorkeling at Isla Mujeres coral reef

✅ Relaxation time at Playa Norte beach

✅ Snorkel equipment and floating safety vest (mandatory for all boat tours)

✅ Delicious Caribbean-style “ceviche” lunch (fish or shrimp salad with guacamole, totopos, and fresh fruit)

❌ Dock & Nature Reserve Fee NOT INCLUDED!($20 USD per person, paid in cash to the guide)

🧳 What to Bring for Your Whale Shark Adventure

Here’s everything you should bring to make the most of your day with us!

✅ Essentials

• Swimsuit – You’ll be in and out of the water.

• Towel – For drying off after snorkeling and beach time.

• Comfortable Clothing – Lightweight, light-colored clothes are best. A long-sleeved cotton shirt is great for sun protection.

• Hat or Cap – To shield you from the sun.

• Sunglasses – Don’t forget UV protection!

• Sandals or Water Shoes – Easy to slip on and off.

🧼 Sun Protection

• Biodegradable Sunscreen – Please apply before leaving your hotel. Even reef-safe sunscreen can harm marine life if applied right before water activities.

🎒 Nice to Have

• Change of Clothes – A dry t-shirt or outfit for after the tour.

• Snacks or Energy Bars – Especially helpful for early pickups or when traveling with kids.

• Extra Cash – For souvenirs, tips, or optional extras. We accept USD, MXN, EUR (cash), and credit cards.

🎥 Optional Extras

• Wetsuit Rental ($15 USD) – Required only if you prefer it over a life vest while swimming.

• Photo & Video Package – Let your guide capture your memories with a professional adventure camera!

🐋 Why Choose Aloha Tours for Your Whale Shark Experience?

✅ Over 15 Years of Experience

We’ve been running unforgettable Whale Shark tours since 2005. With years of hands-on experience, our team knows where to find the whale sharks and how to give you the best and safest experience possible—no guesswork, just pure adventure.

✅ The Best Whale Shark Swimming Experience

We’re committed to making sure you have the best chance to swim alongside these gentle giants. Even on challenging days, our guides go the extra mile so you can jump in more than once and make the most of this magical encounter.

✅ Premium Snorkeling Gear

We only use high-quality snorkeling gear to ensure your comfort and safety. Our snorkels feature a special water-release valve for easier breathing, so you can focus on the experience—not your equipment.

✅ Stunning GoPro Photos & Videos

Capture every breathtaking moment! Our guides bring high-end GoPro cameras onboard to snap pictures and shoot HD videos you can purchase after the tour. Or bring your own waterproof camera if you prefer!

✅ Prescription Masks Available

Wearing glasses? No problem! We offer prescription snorkel masks at no extra cost. Just let us know in advance when you book.

✅ Passionate, Professional Guides

Our bilingual guides are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and certified. They love what they do and it shows in every moment of the tour. You’re in great hands from start to finish.

✅ Free Seasickness Prevention

We offer three complimentary seasickness remedies to keep you feeling great: dramamine, ginger tea, and pressure-point bracelets. Your comfort matters to us.

✅ Small Group Tours

With a maximum of 10 guests per boat, our tours feel personal and relaxed—like a private tour without the private price. It’s the perfect balance of fun and comfort.

✅ Delicious Vegetarian Lunch Available

On request, we’ll prepare a tasty vegetarian lunch including pasta salad with olive oil, tomatoes, and olives—served with guacamole, tortilla chips, and fresh fruit. Breakfast is also vegetarian-friendly.

✅ We’re the Experts!

When you book with Aloha, you’re booking directly with people who used to work as whale shark tour guides. We know the tour, we know what’s important, so we handpicked the best tour for you.

✅ We Care About You

Each boat is staffed with a captain, sailor, and bilingual guide/photographer to ensure you’re supported every step of the way. From safety to fun, you’ll be taken care of.

✅ We Go the Extra Mile

Keep your eyes peeled! Our experienced crew often spots marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and even sailfish during the journey—an unforgettable bonus to your tour!

✅ 100% Whale Shark Sighting Guarantee

No Whale Sharks? No worries. If for any reason you don’t see a whale shark during your tour, we’ll reschedule you or offer a voucher valid for 3 years—no hassle, no stress.

Aloha Tours offers the most complete, family-friendly Whale Shark tour in the Riviera Maya—thoughtfully designed to give you the adventure of a lifetime.

Whale Shark Tour – Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get seasick?
Some guests may experience seasickness. We offer free remedies including Dramamine, ginger tea, and pressure point bracelets. Our guides are trained to assist you and make your experience as comfortable as possible.

How long is the whale shark tour?
The tour typically lasts 5 to 6 hours, depending on whale shark location, sea conditions, and swimming time. Transportation time to our pier in Puerto Juarez varies: up to 3 hours from Tulum, 2 hours from Riviera Maya, and under 1 hour from Cancun.

Can I touch the whale sharks?
No. Touching whale sharks is prohibited and harmful to the animals.

Can I swim with whale sharks if I’m staying in Cozumel?
Yes, but only with a Private Whale Shark Tour. Currently, there is no early ferry available for our shared tour. Consider staying in Playa del Carmen the night before or booking a private tour.

Can children swim with whale sharks?
Yes! Children aged 3 and up can join with adult supervision. Child-sized gear is available, and ages 3–11 qualify for the child rate.

Can I join the tour if I’m pregnant?
No. For safety reasons, pregnant women are not allowed on the tour.

Are whale sharks whales or sharks?
They are sharks—the largest fish in the ocean—growing up to 12 meters or more.

How many times can I swim with the whale sharks?
Usually, guests swim at least twice. Conditions like weather and the number of whale sharks may affect this. We remain in the area for around 2–3 hours to maximize your swimming opportunities.

Whale sharks from Cancun vs. Holbox – what’s the difference?
The whale sharks gather in waters near Isla Mujeres (Cancun) or Holbox, depending on food availability. Cancun’s waters are typically warmer and clearer, but you’ll swim with whale sharks wherever they are on the day of your tour.

Do whale sharks have teeth?
Yes, but they’re tiny and used for filter-feeding. Whale sharks are gentle giants and pose no threat to humans.

Is the tour guided?
Yes, 100%. Our experienced guides speak English and Spanish and are trained to assist swimmers of all levels, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.

Are whale sharks dangerous?
No. They are harmless filter feeders that eat plankton.

Are life vests provided?
Yes, life vests are included and mandatory during the swim.

Can I swim if I have a disability?
Yes. We offer personalized assistance boarding the boat and entering the water. Please let us know your needs in advance. Prescription snorkel masks are also available upon request.

Is the tour available year-round?
No. The tour is strictly seasonal, from June 1 to September 17, as regulated by Mexican authorities for conservation purposes.

Are whale sharks endangered?
They are listed as vulnerable due to threats like pollution and accidental capture in fishing nets.

Do I need snorkeling experience?
No prior experience is needed, but you must be comfortable swimming. Safety buoys are available for extra support.

Can I wear glasses during the snorkel?
Regular glasses can’t be worn under a mask. We offer prescription snorkel masks (from -1 to -6) free of charge—please request one at least 24 hours in advance.

What if it’s raining?
The tour still operates in light rain. Weather conditions are monitored closely, and guides ensure guest safety and comfort.

Can I bring my camera?
Yes, but it must be securely attached to your body. Phones in waterproof cases are not recommended for use during the swim. We are not responsible for lost or damaged gear.

Do you provide professional photos?
Yes. Our guides use high-quality underwater cameras. After the tour, you can purchase a photo package with all your images and highlights from the day. Prices vary by group size.

Can I drive myself to the pier?
Yes. If preferred, you can meet us at the pier and leave your car there. Contact us for parking details and coordination. This will not affect the price.

Do you pick up from Airbnb or private homes?
Yes. Let us know your exact location, and we’ll arrange pickup. Some addresses may require meeting at a nearby pickup point.

Can I be dropped off at a different location?
Usually, pickup and drop-off must be the same. Contact us if you need a special arrangement.

How many people are in each group?
We keep group sizes small to ensure a personalized experience. Boats typically carry up to 12 passengers.

Can I tip the guide or driver?
Tipping is not required but appreciated if you’re happy with the service.

Do you cater to special diets?
Yes. We can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary needs. Let us know at least 24 hours in advance.

Which languages do guides speak?
English and Spanish are always available. Other languages (e.g., French, German, Italian) may be available on specific days—please ask during booking.