Frequently Asked Questions
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Of course! On our private tours, you will have private round trip transportation and private charter boat with just your party onboard so you will have more freedom and time to spend on the water and enjoy swimming with the whale sharks and on the reef! For private tours, no matter if your group is 10, 7 or less than 5 people we charge the equivalent of 9 spots. If you prefer the shared public tour, you just need to pay 1 spot per person.
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The season runs from May 15th to September 17th every year but the really best time is usually between mid-June and mid-August.
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We sometimes see more than 100 whale sharks, but on average between 1 and 40.
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Under current regulations, snorkelers will not be permitted to touch the Whale Sharks. These tours are designed as eco-tours and in order to protect the Whale Sharks and the participants, rules specify that snorkelers do not go within 2 meters (6.6 feet) of the Whale Sharks.
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Not at all! Whale Sharks are the most docile creatures imaginable, there has never been a problem with them in all our years (since 2001!). The experience is never dangerous. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us. If the weather or the sea is not safe, the port is closed by the port master or we cancel the tour.
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There is no guarantee that you will see whale sharks. Also, there will be no refund of any kind in case we do not see them. It is very rare that we do not see them. It may happen once per season at the most. We always do our best to ensure you have a wonderful time, but sometimes the sea conditions do not allow us to see them.
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It is forbidden to dive with Whale Sharks, only snorkeling is allowed.
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Yes, he can go with you, many people just go on the tour to take pictures and enjoy the show but the price is the same for everyone as the spaces on our boats are limited.
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From our marina in Cancun, the boats we use have the biggest size authorized for this type of tour which is 30 to 35 feet long. They can fit up to 16 people but we only take a maximum of 10 people on board for this excursion. All of our boats have 2 engines, an emergency toilet and are without a doubt the safest and fastest of the region. They have a covering to protect you from the sun, comfortable seats as well as ladders to provide easy access in and out of the water. The boats we use for the tour in Holbox island are sometimes smaller.
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No more than 10 people onboard + a guide, one deckhand, and the captain, 13 people per boat maximum.
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This tour is ideal for families! The minimum age is 4 years old. Our guides always take very great care of them while onboard and in the water.
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You do not need to be a strong swimmer, as you will be wearing a life jacket and our guide will always be next to you. Please do not forget to tell him or her if you do not feel too confident in the water and need extra help.
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Pick up at your hotel, depending on the location will be between 5 to 6:45 am. You should be back at your hotel or condo depending on the location between 1 and 4 pm.
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Towel, Swimsuit, Comfortable shoes/sandals, Sunglasses, Hat, Biodegradable Sun Block (we sell some at the marina), Insect Spray, Cash/Credit card for Tips, souvenirs, etc.
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You will have a light breakfast when you get to the marina, coffee, tea, fruit juice, fruits, sweet rolls, and sandwiches. On the boat, there will be water and soft drinks, sandwiches, fruits, fish ceviche with totopos and guacamole. Special food for vegetarians and vegans is available upon request.
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Any day you choose is fine with us! We always recommend that you book the tour on the first 2 days of your stay, as we never know what the weather may hold. This will give you the flexibility to reschedule if the weather gets too bad and we cannot operate the boat. In case the weather does not allow us to go on the tour on that day, which is very seldom, we will be in the lobby of your hotel to inform you, and we will postpone the tour until another day. If for any reason you are no longer able to take part in the tour we will refund 100% of payment.
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We provide the pickup and drop off for the whale shark tour in Mexico from any hotel in Cancun, Puerto Aventuras-Akumal-Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Puerto Morelos. In case you are staying in Cozumel, the pickup will be in Playa del Carmen ferry dock at 6:30 am (you will need to take the 5:45 am ferry from Cozumel). From Isla Mujeres and Holbox Island we only pickup in hotels and condos, and after the tour, the drop off is at the main island dock.
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If you have a car, you may drive to our private marina in Puerto Juarez-Cancun, it is safe to park your car there. The price without transportation is $140.00 USD per person + $5 for the marine park tax.
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If you tend to get seasick easily and are not allergic to them, you should take some sea motion pill as we spend many hours at sea. This will allow you to fully enjoy this one of a kind experience.
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- Cancellations made from 45 to 8 days prior to the tour receive 100% of deposit back.
- Cancellations made from 8 to 2 days prior to the tour receive 75 % of deposit back.
- Cancellations made less than 36 hours prior to the tour get no refund but you will get the opportunity to do the tour any other day during the season with no extra charge.
- Cancellations made after midday the day before the tour get no refund at all or opportunity to do it again with no charge.