lifestyle, travel This is Cozumel

The annual migration of whale sharks is well underway again.

Big groups are being seen around the tip of the Yucatan peninsula, about 75 miles (120 km) from Cozumel.

There are only a few months each year when the world's biggest fish make their visit, so it's worth seeing them now, while you can.

 
Cozumel whale shark
Whale shark tour from Cozumel.

We offer an incredible tour to swim with these gentle giants at their feeding grounds from June to September, and customers that have made the trip so far this year have not been disappointed.

Whale sharks 2012
Whale shark photo taken on our tour just a few weeks ago.

As many as 500 whale sharks are reported to be in the area and tour groups have been sighting 10-20 individuals per trip, on average.

After arriving by ground or air from Cozumel, you board your boat for the 4 hour whale shark tour, which includes experienced multilingual guides, plenty of time to have a close encounter with these amazing creatures, snorkel equipment, drinks and sandwiches.

Swim with whale sharks
This lucky visitor got a close view last month.

The tours first started when local fishermen noticed the amazingly friendly behavior of huge spotted sharks, they are in fact the world's largest living fish species.

Cozumel whaleshark tour
You too can swim with these magnificent creatures.

Nature is amazing in this area, the beaches have fluffy white sand and shallow waters, and further out are pretty reefs and amazing marine life, like whale sharks and manta rays.

Whale sharks in Cozumel
The world's largest living fish species.

After the whale shark swim - and if time allows - you stop at a beach on Isla Mujeres to try seafood ceviche and relax before crossing back to the mainland for your flight or ground transfer back to Cozumel.

Whale Shark Tour by Ground from Cozumel - $169 per person.

This tour starts from the ferry dock at Playa del Carmen. This way you purchase your own ferry tickets and are able to choose with which company you return to Cozumel. (There are 2 alternating companies between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel).

Cozumel whale shark excursion
Fast boat for an unforgettable tour (actual craft may vary).

You should take the 6am ferry so you are at the meeting point on the Playa del Carmen ferry pier at 6:40 am.

A private A/C ground transfer will bring you to the boat in about 1 hour.

Includes:

  • Round trip ground transfer from Playa del Carmen to Punta Sam where the boat departs.
  • 4 hour whale shark tour by boat.
  • Snorkel equipment, multilingual guide, drinks and sandwiches.
  • Stop at beach for seafood ceviche if time allows.

Not included:

Round trip ferry crossing to Playa del Carmen (approx. $23 per person).

Tip: purchase one way tickets as you may want to return on a different company depending on your return time.

Private tours are also available. Contact us for more details. Private tours may choose a different departure time.

What to bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes and light clothing.
  • Swimsuit, towel and change of clothes.
  • Sun protection (preferably biodegradable lotion).
  • Cash for the ferry, tips and souvenirs.

Whale Shark Tour by Air from Cozumel - $321 per person

The tour by air has its meeting point at Cozumel Airport at 7am and takes off with a 25-30 minute scenic flight over the coasts of Yucatan peninsula in a small aircraft, from Cozumel to Cancun airport. You fly low enough to enjoy spectacular views!

Cozumel plane tour
Great views on the whale shark tour by air.

Then, after landing at Cancun's domestic terminal, you are transferred to Punta Sam where your fast boat from Isla Mujeres is waiting to take you on an unforgettable whale shark tour.

Includes:

  • Round trip flight Cozumel-Cancun-Cozumel in small aircraft, ground transfer to Punta Sam.
  • 4 hour whale shark tour by boat.
  • Snorkel equipment, multilingual guide, drinks and sandwiches.
  • Stop at beach for seafood ceviche if time allows.

Minimum 3 passengers, available for 2 passengers with an extra $59.00 per person supplement.

Not included:

$35 airport tax per person to be paid in cash at the airport.

Private tours are also available. Contact us for more details. Private tours may choose a different departure time.

Duration:

Tour lasts approximately 7 hours in total, returning to Cozumel airport around 2pm.

What to bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes and light clothing.
  • Swimsuit, towel and change of clothes.
  • Sun protection (preferably biodegradable lotion).
  • Cash for airport tax ($35pp), tips and souvenirs.

Cruise Ship Passengers:

This tour is available for cruise ship passengers, we can adjust tour duration and departure time to your docking schedule. Contact us for more details.

Scuba Divers:

The flight from Cozumel to Chichen Itza and back has a height of 1,500 - 2,500 feet, which is a low flight. To be extra sure there are no problems for divers, the local hyperbaric chamber recommends 12 hours between your last recreational, no-decompression dive and the flight to Chichen Itza. Normal dives on Cozumel are no-decompression dives; you can enjoy a normal day of diving before taking the Chichen Itza by Air Tour. You should be out of the water at 7 pm the day before the flight; night dives are not recommended on the night before this tour.

E-Ticket and Booking Confirmation Voucher:

For every confirmed booking you will be required to print a voucher which is presented at the destination. You will receive your voucher via email once your booking is confirmed.

Local Operator Information:

Complete operator information, including directions and local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your voucher.