Full-Day Whale Shark Tour Puerto Morelos with Pickup and Lunch

This detailed review explores a popular full-day whale shark snorkel tour departing from Puerto Morelos, Cancun. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, we’ve gathered insights from travelers’ reviews, tour details, and the experience outline to give you a balanced look at what to expect. If you’re a lover of wildlife, adventure, and authentic encounters with nature, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

We particularly appreciate the small group size, which promises a more personal experience with fewer crowds, and the eco-conscious approach that respects these gentle giants. That said, you should be aware of some hidden costs and the long boat ride involved — each point worth considering before booking. This tour generally suits travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, with good physical mobility, and those eager to explore Mexico’s natural marine wonders closely.

Key Points

• Small group experience enhances intimacy and interaction with whale sharks.
• Eco-conscious approach emphasizes conservation and respectful wildlife viewing.
• Long boat ride can be tiring; bringing motion sickness remedies is advised.
• Includes lunch and snorkeling gear, adding value to the overall experience.
• Additional fees for protected area entrance and government charges apply.
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Overview of the Whale Shark Snorkel Tour

This tour offers a rare chance to swim alongside whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, in their natural habitat off Cancun’s coast. The experience is carefully designed to balance thrill with respect for these gentle creatures, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious travelers. With a maximum of 20 travelers, the small-group setup promises a more personalized and less commercial atmosphere, which many reviewers found appealing.

The tour is priced at $175 per person, which, considering what’s included, represents a decent value for such a specialized experience. It’s popular enough to be booked around 9 days in advance, indicating strong interest and the need for early planning.

Daily Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Isla Contoy — The Search for Whale Sharks

The adventure kicks off early, with a 7:00 am pickup from a designated meeting point in Puerto Morelos. From there, you’ll board a boat that heads towards the open sea near Contoy Island — a protected area known for its pristine waters and vibrant marine life.

Here’s where the excitement begins: the boat will search for whale sharks, which are often spotted between late spring and early fall. The actual search and snorkel activity lasts about 4 hours, giving ample time for multiple swims if you’re lucky.

Travelers like Jeremiah appreciated the experience but noted some hidden costs — specifically, the $15 fee for the whale shark protected area and a $10 government fee — which are not included in the tour price. Be prepared for these extra expenses.

Stop 2: Isla Mujeres — Lunch and Relaxation

Following the whale shark encounter, the tour continues to Isla Mujeres, a charming island known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches. Here, you’ll dock at Playa Norte and enjoy a 2-hour break, which includes a delicious onboard lunch—a highlight for many, as it provides a chance to relax and refuel.

The lunch is included in the tour price, and you’ll be able to enjoy beverages, snacks, and a variety of refreshments. Reviewers have highlighted how the provision of snacks and drinks adds to the convenience, especially after a physically demanding morning.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, coffee, tea, snacks, soda, bottled water, and lunch, which collectively add significant value. The inclusion of these amenities means you won’t have to worry about bringing your own gear or snacks, making the day more hassle-free.

However, some costs are not included, notably the $15 protected area fee and the $10 government fee. These are common in marine protected areas but can catch some travelers off guard if not anticipated.

The pickup happens at a specific Puerto Morelos location, starting at 6:00 am, so early risers should be prepared for a full day. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides for their professionalism and friendliness. Garrett R, who lauded the tour as “outstanding,” appreciated how the guide Carlos provided helpful tips, punctual pickup, and make the experience enjoyable. His advice to take Dramamine was echoed by others, given the lengthy boat ride and potential seasickness.

Ashley G described the experience as “once in a lifetime,” noting that patience and preparation—like bringing sea bands or Dramamine—are key to fully enjoying the day. Family travelers loved sharing the adventure with children, emphasizing the tour’s suitability for all ages, provided the kids are reasonably comfortable with boat rides and snorkeling.

Jeremiah, however, flagged hidden costs and a lack of initial clarity about safety gear requirements, so travelers should be prepared for optional wetsuit or life jacket rentals.

The Value for Money

Considering the cost of $175 per person, the tour provides a comprehensive experience. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks adds to the value, especially when compared to other excursions that may charge separately for equipment or meals.

The small group size enhances the overall quality—you’re less likely to feel rushed or lost in a crowd—and the chance to see whale sharks in their natural environment makes the price worthwhile for wildlife enthusiasts.

That said, the extra fees for protected areas are standard but should be budgeted for. For travelers who value eco-responsibility, this fee helps support marine conservation efforts.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers eager for a truly unique experience. If you’re comfortable on boats and have a moderate physical fitness level, you’ll likely enjoy the long boat ride and snorkeling. Families with children over 7 will find it suitable, especially given the small group setting, which allows for more personalized attention.

It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to combine wildlife encounters with cultural and scenic stops in Isla Mujeres. However, if seasickness is a concern or if you prefer a less physically demanding day, you might want to prepare or consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This full-day whale shark tour offers a rare opportunity to witness one of the ocean’s most incredible creatures in their natural habitat. With small-group intimacy, eco-conscious practices, and a well-rounded itinerary, it appeals to travelers looking for meaningful, responsible adventure.

The inclusion of lunch and snorkeling gear significantly boosts its value, and the flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind. The tour’s main drawbacks — the extra fees and the long boat ride — are manageable with proper preparation.

Overall, if you’re after an authentic, memorable wildlife experience that balances adventure with comfort, this tour is well worth considering. It’s best suited for those who value personalized service, natural encounters, and eco-awareness.

FAQs

What is the starting time for this tour?
The tour begins early, at 6:00 am, to maximize your time with the whale sharks and enjoy the full day.

Where does the tour meet?
It starts at a specific pick-up point in Puerto Morelos, at a location on Av J. Zetina Gasca near the 7-Eleven, and ends back at the same spot.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch is included, along with snacks, beverages, and bottled water, making the day more convenient and enjoyable.

What costs are extra?
You should budget for the $15 protected area fee and the $10 government fee, which are paid at the site and are not included in the main price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, the tour includes use of snorkeling gear, so you won’t need to bring your own unless you prefer to.

Who is this tour suitable for?
It’s ideal for travelers with moderate physical fitness, those comfortable on boats, and families with children over 7.

What should I bring?
Bring seasickness remedies if needed, sun protection, waterproof gear, and possibly a towel. Having some cash for extra fees is also advisable.

How long does the whale shark search last?
Approximately 4 hours, giving plenty of time to find and interact with these gentle giants.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

In essence, this tour provides a well-balanced mix of adventure, education, and comfort—making it a memorable addition to any Cancún itinerary for wildlife lovers and curious travelers alike.