Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya
Overview
Available languages
8 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.
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
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
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.
Without transportation
Pick up place directly in Marina Xtabay, Carretera Puerto Juárez, Carr. a Punta Sam Supermanzana 84, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.
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.
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.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
925 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bucket List Amazing Experience
tamylallen,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience from start to finish! Many thanks to victor, Carlos, Tito, and Jamie! A bucket list item is now complete!
Whale Shark Experience with Victor, Carlos, Tito, and Jaime
paxtonm892,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful time with Guide Victor Driver Carlos Sailor Tito, Captain Jaime. I got sea sick and they took very good care of me and still made sure I stayed cool and helped me a ton. They also made the swimming experience elite, never seen better boat drivers in that chaotic of a scene. Didn’t have any trouble fantastic job would do again.
Fantastic Experience
tashamU1004GO,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The day was amazing! The guides were fantastic! We saw several what sharks and it was everything we had hoped for! I would go again tomorrow 😊
Amazing experience!
Hailey N,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was so awesome! We saw lots of whale sharks, manta rays, and even some dolphins! Mo and the team were amazing and very knowledgeable. Everything felt very safe and smooth! The lunch was delicious, and we stopped for a little beach relaxation on the way back, which was really great. Definitely take Dramamine before the boat ride; it was very choppy as we had a little weather, and stopping to get in with the whale sharks made a few people a little seasick. Also, when they say to put whatever you don't want to get wet in their cabinet, they mean it! I would recommend just wearing your bathing suit the whole boat ride because you will get soaked! Overall 11/10, I highly recommend!
A “We Didn’t See The Sharks Review”
Kiefer J,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Yes- this is possible, and there is no refund for this. We sadly did not see the whale sharks, but we had an enjoyable experience. The crew did everything possible but we understand that this is not something that can be controlled. Allowing us to snorkel in a coral reef was an amazing experience as an alternative, however. The staff are genuine and try their best. Guiermo went so far above and beyond to return a left sun hat to our hotel. Opportunity for improvement: awareness updates and communication with attendees could be significantly improved- often you waited in silence for 60+ minutes without getting any information. Additionally, there is no bathroom on the boat, and you will be out at sea for several hours without any clarity on when you will be able to use the restroom. Finally, offering some form of accommodation or discounted follow-up trip could be a nice incentive for excursions where the sharks are not seen. Overall, it was a nice time, and I’m sure when you are lucky enough to see the sharks, it makes the journey a 10/10 no matter what.
Life changing. Everything...
Stephanie C,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Life changing. Everything taken care of by the tour. Pick up, breakfast pastries, and lunch was homemade ceviche. Knowledgeable tour guides. If you are deeply interested in ethical whale shark swimming, I'm not sure if this was. Several different tour companies circling the whales and then jumping in the water around them. Great experience tho
Just do it
387madsa,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect! The best guide in the world Chepelino🙌
Best Experience in Tulum!
104elenie,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Truly incredible experience! Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly! We highly recommend!
Up close encounter with whale sharks!!
Lori L,Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a bucket list activity for me! The tour guide and captain were wonderful! The whale sharks were amazing and our guides were informative and helpful. The ceviche and guacamole made fresh on the boat at Isla Mujeres were delicious!! Highly recommended!!
Great experience! Got see...
Taylor R,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! Got see so many sharks and get pretty close to them as well. Would definitely recommend
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