Swim With The Largest Fish In The Ocean!
For guests staying in Akumal, a whale shark tour is one of the most memorable excursions available and an incredible addition to any Riviera Maya vacation. Despite their impressive size, whale sharks are harmless filter feeders that spend the season feeding in the warm waters north of Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
Whale shark season typically runs from early June through mid-September, with the highest concentration of whale sharks often found between July and August.
Are whale shark tours available from Akumal?
Yes, but it means a full day trip to the Cancun area where authorized whale shark tours depart.
Most tours leave early in the morning from Cancun, Puerto Juarez, or Isla Mujeres. Guests staying in Akumal can arrange private transportation or rental vehicles for the approximately 90-min, drive north before embarking on their marine adventure. After the tour you can stay in Cancun for lunch, sightseeing, or shopping.
After a safety briefing, tour boats travel to protected feeding areas where whale sharks gather seasonally. Guests typically have multiple opportunities to enter the water in small groups accompanied by certified guides.
In addition to whale sharks, it’s common to encounter Manta rays, sea turtles, tropical fish, dolphins, and seabirds.
What to bring?
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunglasses and hat
- Waterproof camera or GoPro
- Light cover-up
- Motion sickness medication if needed
Most tour operators provide snorkeling equipment, life jackets, snacks, and refreshments.
You can find many reputable tour operators online.
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