Whale Shark Tour Riviera Maya: Full-Day Review & Guide

Thinking about swimming alongside the biggest fish in the sea? A whale shark tour from Riviera Maya can be, like your chance to do it. That being said, it’s almost vital to know what to expect, especially with an “all-inclusive” promise. Very, I’ll be offering you the lowdown on what these tours really are. Very few experiences rival seeing these gentle giants up close, still it’s good to be armed with data before you book.

Why Go on a Whale Shark Tour from Riviera Maya?

Whale sharks are, actually massive but very calm filter feeders that cruise through tropical waters. As I was saying, between May and September, they gather near Riviera Maya to munch on plankton. First, these tours give you the opportunity to snorkel right beside them in their ocean environment. Just a little magical, seeing one of these big guys move gracefully through the water. By the way, an all-inclusive tour can remove much of the trouble, so you just focus on seeing some ocean life.

Of course, you might be wondering if it’s very safe. In that case, the tours are monitored by knowledgeable guides, and there’re fairly rigid regulations to protect these sharks. Seemingly, the intention is that everyone will get an awe-inspiring experience while being gentle to ocean creatures.

What to Expect on an All-Inclusive Tour

Generally, when they say “all-inclusive,” that tends to suggest a couple different things. Now, it mostly covers transport from your hotel in Riviera Maya, which can very helpful. Anyway, it removes the worry of locating meeting points early in the day.

Clearly, expect some light grub and drinks, maybe like your simple breakfast to get going, alongside bottled water during the day to remain hydrated. First, snorkeling equipment’s often included too. Just a little reassuring, ensuring you don’t need to hunt down a trustworthy rental location yourself.

Apparently, the tour typically covers the boat journey to where the whale sharks are chilling, plus a guide who will provide assistance and keep an eye on security. Usually, you’re also going to find things, too it’s almost like a photo and video service available, in that case capturing those special moments, too it’s almost good to confirm what is or is not included prior.

A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Tour Day

First, you’ll be waking up early! As a matter of fact, pickups from hotels in Riviera Maya usually commence very early. Just, you want to get to the marina in time.

Alright, you’re going to receive a briefing. That is that the guides normally give a briefing about whale shark behavior. Likewise, the tour provides the safety protocols and rules for snorkeling.

Of course, you are going to cruise out to see those sweet whale sharks. That is that the boat ride can be pretty fun, commonly taking roughly one to two hours, maybe kind of just depending upon where the sharks are. Naturally, the team is communicating with local fishermen to look out for the sharks, which really does help pinpoint the position.

Meanwhile, jump in! Then again, snorkeling alongside a whale shark is a completely different experience. So, you normally get several possibilities to enter the water in pairs or small groups. Definitely, the guides assist with remaining safe, too it’s almost good to have people look out for you.

For instance, grub and some drinks come up on the boat, thus after your swims, expect refreshments onboard, typically with soft drinks. To be honest, it is ideal for re-energizing for that ride back.

First, a lot of trips consist of a visit, so to speak to Isla Mujeres or some other beach to relax for some time and even have lunch. Just, you will feel relaxed, thus ending a perfect day right after your snorkeling. Anyway, transfers back to your resort, after you are dropped off. Pretty much, tired, nonetheless filled with incredible memories.

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

Picking the correct tour operator truly is important for a fun and well-handled experience. In fact, research for reviews and request suggestions from travel forums. Alright, it’s frequently useful getting other people’s insight.

Pretty much, see if the operators follow responsible tourism methods. Pretty much, this protects the sharks plus ecosystem. That being said, search for certification or affiliation with nature agencies.

As a matter of fact, evaluate the dimensions of the boat. Definitely, fewer individuals normally suggests more one-on-one time in the ocean plus with your team. First, think about if they’ve got multilingual guides if, in some respects you do need something in another language.

Tips for a Fantastic Whale Shark Encounter

Put on biodegradable sunscreen. Just, it protects the sea plus the whale sharks. Clearly, you are not polluting the waters where these giant chill, by doing this.

Honestly, don’t come very close to the whale sharks, as well as touching them. Anyway, admiring from afar maintains everyone, too it’s almost like you and the animal is very comfortable.

You know, go along with a waterproof camera to take images but remember to be thoughtful regarding your photo. By the way, flash photography are, actually sometimes frustrating to the sharks.

If you tend to get seasick, maybe kind of just take medication before getting to the boat, seriously just you are very relaxed. Seemingly, being prepared means enjoying the ride without getting nauseated.

Honestly, hear the team. Right, that know the animals and waters effectively. To be honest, their suggestions assist to make sure that the tour really runs effortlessly and safely.

What to Bring With You

Anyway, you are going to want to put on some swimwear and a rash guard or a light shirt that defends against sun. I mean, more protection from those harsh beams truly is wise.

Right, bring a towel, even if one is furnished, simply you might choose an individual one. To be honest, flip-flops or some sandals are convenient to slip on or off.

Definitely, a hat plus sunglasses help prevent sun. Basically, those rays bounce off of that water!

Right, bring a reusable water bottle. Well, keep yourself properly hydrated without depending on plastic, basically keep up the hydration levels.

Of course, bring some cash for guidelines or mementos if there might be things you like. Mostly, it may be handy to express gratitude to your team or purchase something to bear in mind your excursion.

Potential Downsides to Consider

Clearly, boat trips may feel crowded, just somewhat you’re very sharing the sea with some other excited travelers. Honestly, accept this just part of the total trip. So, the sea can often be erratic. Basically, conditions depend on the day and often impact comfort through that trip.

Arguably, seeing whale sharks can never be something that’s guaranteed. That is that that’s nature. To be honest, whilst teams attempt to get them, that might well happen there isn’t a whale shark, that’s how nature goes. In other words, occasionally, images from those tours overstate how close you are going to be, remember to continue being sensible regarding viewing animals. Obviously, examine exactly what their cancellation is basically and what refund is there whenever the sea is, really just bad or you may not view any kind of whale sharks during that specific trip. Seriously, stay informed.

Is an All-Inclusive Whale Shark Tour Worth It?

Arguably, so for people that value ease and also want a stress adventure, absolutely an all-inclusive whale shark excursion can be priceless. Really, by dealing with travel, meals and also tools, you may really only center your attention on admiring people with, seriously, gentle big fellas under water. Then again, while all-inclusive comes which has some type price mark, thus that just frequently warrants it when you consider most logistical nightmares so get averted, generally creating your valuable minutes. Honestly, being careful always with tour choice that promises clarity and outstanding values.