WHALE SHARKS and MANTA RAY EXPEDITION

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

2025 TRIP DATES
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JULY 7-12, 2025
6 day expedition / 4 days Snorkeling with Whale Sharks
- 4 of 6 SPACES LEFT -
$3188 Per Person

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Whale Shark Dive Adventure

Every summer, off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, the ocean comes alive with one of nature’s most spectacular events. Millions of tiny fish eggs rise to the surface, creating a seasonal feast that attracts the largest gathering of whale sharks on the planet.

These gentle giants, the largest fish in the ocean, can grow over 40 feet long and are often seen gliding through the warm, clear waters with their massive mouths open wide, feeding in a mesmerizing display.

On this trip, you’ll have the rare opportunity to swim alongside these incredible creatures.

The visibility in the waters around Isla Mujeres is often exceptional, allowing you to see the whale sharks up close as they move gracefully beneath the surface.

It’s not uncommon to encounter dozens of these peaceful animals during a single dive, making it one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences imaginable.

But the magic doesn’t stop with sharks. Manta Rays are also frequent visitors, joining in on these unique feeding event.

Watching these magnificent animals glide and twirl through the water is an awe-inspiring sight that adds to the magic of the experience.

This trip is guided by experienced professionals who prioritize your safety and ensure respectful interactions with the wildlife.

Whether you’re an experienced diver or trying this for the first time, the opportunity to witness the largest aggregation of whale sharks in the world is an adventure like no other.

If you’ve ever dreamed of an up-close encounter with the ocean’s giants, now is your chance. Join us for an extraordinary journey into the heart of this natural phenomenon.

An $800 deposit is required to reserve your space.

*ADD $500 for single occupancy.

PRICE INCLUDES

  • 5 nights stay at our hotel - ( Dbl. Occ. )
    - Add $500 for single room occupancy

  • Round trip private van transfers from Isla Mujeres to the Cancun International Airport ( CUN )

  • Ferry ride from the port (to and from) the Island

  • Taxi ride ( On Isla ) - from Ferry Port to Hotel (R/T)

  • 4 days in the water with whale sharks and possibly manta rays.

  • Continental Breakfast at Hotel

  • Lunch and Snacks on the boat (soft drinks and waters)

  • Photo Coaching During the Trip

PRICE EXCLUDES

  • Airfare, Dinners, Crew and Hotel Gratuities, Trip Insurance, Alcoholic Beverages, Meals on Travel Days

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🔥 YOUR NEXT MOVE
- You can book your trip now - Or request more information on the trip.

TRIP ITINERARY

  • DAY 1 - TRAVEL DAY
     We pick you up via, private van in front of the Cancun international arrivals building (#3) between 12-1 PM. We drive you to the ferry port, Puerto Juares, (30 minute drive). From there we take a (30 minute) ferry ride to Isla Mujeres.

    Taxis will deliver you to your hotel. We will help you check in - the rest of the afternoon is yours, to prep cameras and explore the island. At 7PM, we will get together (hotel bar), for a pre-expedition meeting to discuss the morning plans.

  • DAY 2 - 5 ( 4 DAYS )
    We eat a light continental breakfast. After, (around 7:30am), we climb on our boat, and head out to the whale shark grounds, and spend the rest of the morning swimming with the sharks and possibly manta rays. (we average 6 hours at sea each day).

    Please note; these are snorkel encounters only.

  • DAY 6
    Taxis will pick you up in the early morning and drive you to the ferry. Upon arriving back in Cancun, our driver will pick you up and drop you off in front of the Cancun International departure building for your return flights home.

    Make your departure times after 2PM.

TRIP REPORTS

THE ACCOMMODATIONS
Our host hotel for the trip is the beautiful Playa Arena. A seaside hotel, within two blocks of the main tourist and restaurant area on the island. A/C, Wifi

Our beach side hotel, makes it easier for loading your cameras and dive gear on and off the boat each day.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • This experience is a snorkel-only expedition! No scuba certification required – this adventure is designed for everyone.

    Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, this experience is open to all.

    All that's needed is your comfort with a mask and snorkel in the open ocean environment.

  • Several airlines serve Cancun International Airport (CUN).

    Some of the major international airlines that commonly operate flights to and from Cancun include:

    1. American Airlines

    2. Delta Air Lines

    3. United Airlines

    4. Southwest Airlines

    5. Aeromexico

    6. JetBlue Airways

    7. British Airways

    8. Air Canada

    Check with the airlines for the most up-to-date information on flights.

  • ARRIVAL DAY:
    Upon your arrival at Cancun International Airport (CUN), A member of our team will be waiting for you in front of the arrivals building (#3) between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. You'll be comfortably transported via a private van to the Puerto Juarez ferry port, its a 30-45 minute drive.

    Once at the ferry port, a brief and enjoyable 30-minute ferry ride will take you to Isla Mujeres.

    Upon arrival on the island, a taxi service will promptly deliver you to our hotel for the week.

    In the rare event of flight delays or if you are running late, please note that you may need to make your own way to the hotel. We will provide you with detailed directions to guide your taxi driver to ensure a smooth journey to the island.

    DEPARTURE DAY:
    On the day of your departure, a taxi service will pick you up in the early morning from our hotel at (7:30AM), and transport you to the ferry (8AM).

    Upon returning to Cancun, our driver will be waiting to pick you up at the ferry port (8:40 AM).

    You'll be dropped off in front of the Cancun International Airport departure building (9:30 -10AM), making your journey back home hassle-free.

    We recommend scheduling return flights for departure after 12NOON to ensure a stress-free and seamless experience.

    Please note that if you have booked an earlier flight, you may need to organize your own transportation to the airport. We will guide you on the best way to organize it.

  • Please note that these expeditions involve wild animal encounters, and while there is never any guarantee of sighting wildlife, we strategically plan our visits during the best times of the year for the greatest chances of success.

    Over the past two decades, our whale shark expeditions have achieved an outstanding track record, consistently spotting these magnificent creatures every season.

    Whether witnessing the spectacle of over 200 whale sharks feeding together or encountering a smaller group, each trip offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience.

    Every encounter is different, and the duration is solely at the discretion of the animals.

    We want to highlight that touching wildlife is strictly NOT permitted.

    Participants caught manhandling wildlife may be asked to leave the water or the area.

    It's essential to maintain a safe distance and show utmost respect towards wildlife.

    Furthermore, if the animal is not interested in interacting with us or shows signs of stress, we will leave the animal alone and go find other wildlife to encounter. 



    YOUR SAFETY AND THE WELL-BEING OF THE ANIMALS ARE OUR TOP PRIORITIES.

    We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in preserving the beauty of the wildlife and their environment.

  • Solo Travelers signing up for land-based trips individually will be charged the single occupancy rate.

    To help keep costs down, you have the option to inform us if you would like to share a room with another solo guest of the same sex.

    We'll make every effort to find you a roommate. However, if no one else wishes to share, you will be charged for a single room.

  • A non-refundable deposit of $800 USD is required to reserve a space on SDM adventures.


    50% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 180 days prior to departure.


    100% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 90 days prior to departure.


    A 4% surcharge is applied to payments made via credit card.


    A 3% paypal surcharge is applied to payments made using paypal.


    Payments can also be made via wire transfer. Just let us know and we will send you the bank transfer info. 
Please add $40 to cover bank fees.


    Payments can be made by mailing a U.S. Check, or U.S. Money Order Payable to:


    SDM adventures:
    
332 East 15th St.

    San Juan, Texas 78589

  • All cancellations made more than 120 days prior to departure will receive refund (less an administrative fee of $800 USD per person). This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if we manage to fill the trip after you cancel, we will apply the deposit towards any of our trips that you sign up for, during the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, you will lose the deposit.


    Cancellations made (91 to 120), calendar days prior to departure, are assessed a cancellation fee of 50% of the entire trip price, (including extensions).


    Cancellations made within 90 days of departure date will not be refunded, therefore we strongly recommend all guest purchase travel insurance.


    All cancellations must be made in writing by mail or by email to sdm@sharkdivermag.com, - received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.


    We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.


    No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after an expedition begins.


    We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.