Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Go to this amazing adventure where you will be able to see the Mexico's gentle giants - whale sharks! Cruising the Gulf of Mexico with an expert guide, you'll visit the biggest fish and maybe spot dolphins, manta rays, and turtles on this small-group snorkeling adventure off the Yucatan coast.
*NOTE: WE CAN OPERATE A PRIVATE WHALE SHARK TOUR ALL DAYS (EXCEPT 30 OF EACH MONTH).
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 5 years
This tour requires a minimum number of passengers to operate. There is a possibility that the tour may be canceled after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be provided the option to take the tour on an alternative date or be refunded in full.
We only permit Mineral sunscreen.
We recommended to ask your doctor if you can take seasickness pills before your tour.
Whale Shark ‘No Sighting’ Guarantee: Unfortunately, we can never 100% guarantee a wildlife sighting. But we can guarantee to do everything we can on the day to maximise your chances of swimming with a whale shark.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bilingual naturalist guide
Water and soft drinks
Use of snorkeling equipment (life jacket, visor, fins, snorkel)
Shared Transportation
Fish Ceviche and Sandwiches
Gratuities
Alcoholic Beverages
Personal expenses
ENVIRONMENTAL TAX AND DOCK USE $20.00 USD IN CASH PER PERSON PAYABLE THE DAY OF YOUR TOUR
What To Expect
Join us for an informative briefing at Marina Xtabay, where our certified guides will share fascinating insights about whale sharks and the unique ecosystems of the region. Learn more about these gentle giants and their natural habitat before your adventure begins.
Playa Norte
Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard, just off the coast of Isla Mujeres—home to one of the world's most stunning beaches, as recognized by Condé Nast in 2013. Take time to swim and relax in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of this tropical paradise.
Options
Riviera Maya Departure
Departs from Riviera Maya hotels •EXACTLY PICK UP TIME WILL BE PROVIDED ONE DAY BEFORE YOUR TOUR BY A MESSAGE ON VIATOR.
Cancun Departure
Departs from Cancun hotels. •EXACTLY PICK UP TIME WILL BE PROVIDED ONE DAY BEFORE YOUR TOUR BY A MESSAGE ON VIATOR.
Tulum Departure
Pick-ups will be in Super Aki Market in Tulum.
•EXACTLY PICK UP TIME WILL BE PROVIDED ONE DAY BEFORE YOUR TOUR.
Pickup included
Without transportation
Pick up place directly in Marina Xtabay, Carretera Puerto Juárez, Carr. a Punta Sam Supermanzana 84, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.
Playa Del Carmen Departure
Departs from Playa del Carmen hotels. •EXACTLY PICK UP TIME WILL BE PROVIDED ONE DAY BEFORE YOUR TOUR BY A MESSAGE ON VIATOR.
Reviews
894 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Whale Sharks
Kimberly R,
Jul 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00The pick up was prompt, the marina was only a quick 20 minute drive. We were offered 2 options for safety based our swimming level. We could use a wet suit (not included) or a life jacket. Being a very good swimmer (swim team for 15yrs) and very confident ocean swimmer I choose the wet suit. That was a good call, it would have been very difficult to swim with the whale sharks in a life jacket. I was able to keep pace with them for a good amount of time in the life jacket. We set out in a very clean and well kept boat. The captain was knowledgeable and safe. The ocean was calm and the ride out enjoyable. We reached the whale sharks as expected and were able to jump in and swim right along side them in pairs. It was an amazing experience!! The lunch provided was simple but delicious. We were back at the Hotel early afternoon. I highly recommend this experience for people who can swim decently and love encountering sea life in its element.
Yay team Naara
KatherineB,
Jul 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Naara and her team were amazing! They made sure everyone got to be in the water and got wonderful footage.
Swim fast and enjoy!
Thomas K,
Jul 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00You have a lot of fun but you are only swimming with the whale sharks for a short time. Be sure to kick your feet as fast as you can to keep pace with the shark!
Once in a lifetime experience
Christina M,
Jul 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Overall an amazing experience Fully communicated everything we needed to know prior.. The transportation they provided was punctual and friendly. Our tour guide for the excursion, Naare, the captain and the snorkel guide were fantastic and was able to find a large group of whale sharks to snorkel with. The fresh guacamole and ceviche tasted delicious. Couldn’t have had a better day! I would highly recommend following the suggestion of either Dramamine patch or pill prior as others became a bit sea sick.
Not what I expected, but still a good experience
Emily B,
Jul 12, 2025
- Viator
4.00It's not what I expected, but still a great experience. I thought they would bring us to a location and let us snorkle with the whale sharks. They drive you up close to a whale shark and you jump out of the boat with one other person. You swim up to the whale shark as fast as you can, and swim next to them as long as you can. You get to do this twice. It would be a struggle for little kids. We were very lucky, we saw so many whale sharks, at least 15, probably more. Our guide, Michel, was very knowlegable and kind. Afterwards we relaxed for a little while at a beach, and snorkled for a little while at a boat reck. They offered coffee and toast in the morning, and later a sandwich and ceviche in the afternoon. It was not 10 hours as avertised. We really enjoyed ourselves. It was amazing to see so many whale sharks. I feel very lucky for the experience.
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Operated by EcoColors Mexico