moviegal06

Just wanted to offer a follow up after our excursion.

We left from Cozumel on a ferry to Playa del Carmen about 45 min to 1 hour ride. From Playa we took a van ride to Cancun another 45 min to hour. Once in Cancun we took a boat ride for another hour before arriving where the whale sharks are feeding. The travel time was around 2.5 - 3 hours to arrive at this point. We were on a small, fast boat out in open water. You can not see land! There were only 7 of us on this trip, which allowed for plenty of time in the water. I'm not sure how it works with other tour guides but these guys kept us focused and moving fast. Because we spent so much of our time traveling we had very limited time to explore the whale shark area, therefore it's important to be ready to jump in when they tell you and you must keep swimming in order to see the whale sharks, they don't stop for you! The waves are rough to handle but once under the water its fine. I, along with my husband and son, are good swimmers but the waves are a beating and after 15 min in the water you will need a break. We came in for a few minutes and the guide was ready to get us back in the water. I struggled jumping right back in but my husband and son were off and in the water. I followed but when jumping into the water I swallowed a lot of salt water.... lesson learned. Do not put the mouth piece in when jumping, wait till in the water. After about 10 minutes of swimming I was done and I had to get out of the water. The rocking of the boat is intense and our boat ride was not comfortable. The snorkel gear they offer is not the best so take your own if you have it.

Now, I have been to Cozumel three times and would never return on this excursion again. I missed the leisure snorkel I get when at a private beach area and relaxing in the sun. My husband loved this excursion and would do it again, just a matter of preference on how you want to spend your day. My son was happy with seeing the whale sharks but I do think he missed out on experiencing the beautiful beach in Cozumel.

Upon our return to port, right about 5:30, we had no time for shopping, it was time to leave Cozumel.

If we were in Cancun I would probably book this trip again but not from Cozumel, too much travel time for me.

Thanks to everyone for their input prior to our cruise and happy cruising to you all!

SLCruisers - thank you so much for the very detailed review! I look forward to seeing pictures when you have time to share them. How long would you say that van ride is one way? Is there room on the speedboat for each person to carry a backpack with towel, sunscreen and snacks? Did you arrive back in port at the time expected and not feel rushed? Thanks again for all the detail, It sounds like it was totally worth the travel time so I look forward to going with my husband and son.

Thank you all for your input, the travel time is my biggest concern but since we are booked thru Carnival I'm hoping we will not have any issues. Does anyone have personal experience with this excursion? Would you say it's worth the travel time vs. the time you get in the water?

We are looking to book the Whale Shark Excursion on our July 25th Carnival Cruise. I'm hoping to get some reviews from anyone here that has been. I'm wondering how long the transportation is from Cozumel port to Cancun.