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Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya

star-4.5554 Reviews
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Cancún, Mexico
Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya
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Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya
Swim with whale sharks
Whale Shark
Whale Shark
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From $144.00

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Number of travelers
1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults10 Adults11 Adults12 Adults13 Adults14 Adults15 Adults
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon7 hours  (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 9 more

Overview

Snorkel with Mexican whale sharks on a full-day group snorkeling tour off the Yucatan Coast from Playa del Carmen. Under the direction of an expert guide, swim with the world’s largest fish while looking out for dolphins, manta rays, and turtles. Immerse yourself in the marine magnificence of Mexico’s waters on this spectacular small-group adventure.
  • Whale shark snorkeling adventure off the coast of Cancun
  • Comprehensive narration from a professional guide
  • Lunch on the boat off the coast of Isla Mujeres in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
  • Complimentary pickup and drop off from most Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum hotels
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From $144.00

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Bilingual biologist/naturalist guide
Lunch
Water and soft drinks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Use of snorkeling equipment (life jacket, visor, fins, snorkel)
Gratuities
Alcoholic Beverages
Personal expenses
ENVIRONMENTAL TAX AND DOCK USE $15 USD IN CASH PER PERSON PAYABLE THE DAY OF YOUR TOUR
This operator has two meet-up options available. You can either meet at the departure point below or select a location for pick-up.
Marina Hacienda del Mar , Carretera, Carr. a Punta Sam, Puerto Juarez, 84, 77500 Cancún, Yuc., Mexico
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Carretera Puerto Juarez, Carr. a Punta Sam Km 1.5, Juárez, 77500 Cancún, Q.R. Marina "Hacienda del Mar"

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Suppliers and travelers coordinate start times within the given time periods.
Tulum Departure
5/24/2022 - 9/17/2022
Monday - Sunday:05:00 AM - 03:00 PM
5/24/2023 - 9/17/2023
Monday - Sunday:05:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Riviera Maya Departure
5/24/2022 - 9/17/2022
Monday - Sunday:06:00 AM - 01:00 PM
5/24/2023 - 9/17/2023
Monday - Sunday:06:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Playa Del Carmen Departure
5/24/2022 - 9/17/2022
Monday - Sunday:06:00 AM - 01:00 PM
5/24/2023 - 9/17/2023
Monday - Sunday:06:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Without transportation
5/24/2022 - 9/17/2022
Monday - Sunday:07:30 AM - 01:00 PM
5/24/2023 - 9/17/2023
Monday - Sunday:07:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Cancun Departure
5/24/2022 - 9/17/2022
Monday - Sunday:06:00 AM - 01:00 PM
5/24/2023 - 9/17/2023
Monday - Sunday:06:00 AM - 01:00 PM
This activity will end right where it started.-. AIRBNB STAYS .- We fully accept tours with Airbnb reservations, the pick-up will take place in a nearby public place or a more central meeting point in order to speed up the arrival times to the tours. Tour departs from major hotels around Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and from the Super Aki Supermarket in Tulum. Tour returns to the original point of departure
Depart from your Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum hotel to begin your aquatic adventure with gentle marine giants. Board a comfortable vessel and set sail with your small group to explore the Yucatan Peninsula, one of the only places in the world where you can share the water with whale sharks. 

Observe the calm waters surrounding Isla Contoy, Holbox, and Isla Mujeres for whale sharks, then once you’ve spotted one, don your snorkeling gear and plunge into the iridescent water to snorkel alongside the fascinating fish. Glide resplendently beside the incredible creatures, watching them feast upon microscopic plankton while enjoying the tropical temperatures of the Yucatan’s water. 

Return to the boat and relax as you cruise towards the silken sands of Isla Mujeres, to a blissful beach known as Playa Norte. Recline upon the white sands and swim in the glittering turquoise waters before feasting upon a delicious lunch of traditional Mexican dishes. Naturalists will delight in the abundance of bird and marine species on the island.

Back on the boat, listen as your onboard biologist regales with fascinating facts about the local wildlife. Information on how to safely interact with marine life will also be provided to ensure your safety and security at all times. 

The small number limit of 10 participants ensures an intimate and enjoyable experience on the Mexican Whale Shark Snorkel Adventure. 

Note: The tour includes two jumps into the water with a possibility for more, time allowing.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Minimum age is 8 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.
  • It is not recommended for pregnant women and people with heart and back problems.
  • We only permit biodegradable sunscreen and we invite you to use it when you are in your Hotel before your trip because we care about your health and marine life.
  • We recommended to ask your doctor if you can take seasickness pills before your tour.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Environmental tax and dock use excludes ($15 usd in cash per person payable the day of your tour)
  • You can bring your own bottle of water (glass or recyclable)
  • We use mouth covers all the time
  • We use gel antibacterial
  • We wash our hands every 30 minutes
  • We do not touch our face, noise and mount
  • We say “Hello” with 1.5 mts of distance
  • We take the temperature to our employees every day
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
  • OPERATED BY EcoColors Mexico
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya?
A:The policy on face masks and attendee health is:

  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
See all safety measures taken by Small-Group Eco Friendly: Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "You can't wear sunscreen so bring a long sleeve shirt and hat to keep the sun off your skin." See review

Reviews by Viator travelers.  We perform checks on reviews

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
554 Reviews
5 stars
442
4 stars
54
3 stars
21
2 stars
14
1 star
23

Reviews by Viator travelers

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 554 reviews
star-5
Whale sharks are cool
Kathy_G
, Aug 2022
It was a long boat trip to the site and a bit bumpy. Thank goodness the seats were somewhat padded. The captain would listen to the radar o to see where they were and would move the boat often. I think that even though we went two at a time, we all had a good look.
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star-5
Once in a lifetime opportunity!
Caleb_B
, Aug 2022
Truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I fulfilled a childhood dream I thought I never would. Amazing crew from pick-up, tour guide, and captain/chef. Highly recommend!
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star-5
A most spectacular experience
Sheri_M
, Aug 2022
It was one of the coolest tours I have ever been on. The experience was truly breathtaking and far more than I ever expected. Nothing could have prepared me for this adventure. It's a must-do when you're in Cancun.
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star-5
Worth it!! Bring dramamin!
Leah_F
, Aug 2022
Getting to swim with a whale shark was exhilarating. Highly recommend for adventure seekers who are relatively fit and able to swim with a life vest. Don’t recommend for children until 10. Buy dramamin!! The visit to the surreal beach of isla mujeres north was fantastic. The food served was good but was a lot less than other similar tours I’ve been on. The tour guide was very knowledgeable in whale sharks and the local ecosystem and was eager to share which was good.
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star-5
Amazing experience
Leeanne_L
, Aug 2022
Amazin experience staff very nice and friendly seen a few whale sharks would diffo recommend 👌 food was good
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Lifelong Memory with the Whale Sharks and Locals❤️
ariellebuffett
, Aug 2022
From the the personal connections made, to the opportunity to meet some locals and to swim with some incredible whale sharks; this was a beautiful memory created. Our guide, Angela, was incredible. Her knowledge, openness, and kindness was tangible. She went above and beyond for all her guests, and, most importantly, the Whale Sharks. We not only got to observe but swim twice with them. To be able to swim with these gentle giants is beyond any words but has so many emotions. This experience was worth so much more than was asked. Thank you Angela for a life long memory with one of the most incredible animals on our planet in such a beautiful part of our world!
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star-4
Good but be aware…
Graeme_H
, Aug 2022
If you want to experience time with some of natures most beautiful creatures then this tour is recommended. It’s true that the time spent travelling to the Whale area is material but the inconvenience is offset by the encounter you will be part of. You can’t wear sun protection so you need to cover up well (rash vest, hats,, towels for legs etc) as there is limited protection on the boat. Waters can be rough as you do go a decent distance out in to the gulf. Nice hosts, captain and ship mate. Clean and tidy boat. Very enjoyable trip. Note: Time from Cancun pick up 15-30 mins Time from Riviera Maya is 60-90 mins Time from Playa del Carmen 90-120 mins Then… 90-120 min boat ride each way. 45-60 mins near whales and only 10 mins in water with the Whales.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Expeditions of life time
Chenshen_L
, Aug 2022
We had a very close and unforgettable encounter with the Whale Shark ! The tour guy , the dive lady are very person oriented which make the trip very pleasant one!
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star-2
Not recommended. Way overpriced
Amy_M
, Aug 2022
5 hour's of transportation for 10 minutes in the water with the whales. Extremely rough water, no bathroom on the boat, many got sick. Older boat with no amenities, no option to buy beer, ham and cheese sandwich in tin foil for lunch. Have been on hundreds of excursions over the years, this was by far the worst trip for the most money I have paid. Definitely do not recommend.
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star-5
Well worth it
Richard_S
, Jul 2022
Excellent experience well worth going the tour guide and staff on the boat was amazing made me feel really safe in the sea
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Fantastic!
Richard_D
, Jul 2022
Loved the crew and seeing the whales, most definitely a life time experience i won’t forget! The water was crystal clear and most definitely not easy for the quizzy! If you are one to get car sick, make sure you wanna do it!
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star-5
A surreal experience hosted by an amazing staff
Brett_M
, Jul 2022
Awesome experience! Very kind and friendly staff, who guide you through everything perfectly. They know the spots, they know the procedures, they know it all and you can trust them to show you the best time possible. The Whale Sharks are incredible, and so cooperative with all of us side swimmers. Pretty surreal. I was also celebrating a birthday and they made sure to acknowledge it and even gifted me a piece of merch for the occasion. All around amazing experience. Would highly recommend.
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star-4
Know that this can be a...
Danika_W
, Jul 2022
Know that this can be a rough boat trip for some. We were fine but if you’ve never been on a boat that bounces hard on the waves it’s maybe not for you. Also you need to be able to swim well as sometimes you are trying to keep up with the whale sharks or to get to them. Our guide Jose on the boat Maximus was very sweet and caring and took good care of us. I do worry that all the boats throughout the day and people trying to swim with the whales could be stressful for them.
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star-5
Once in a lifetime
Adriana_A
, Jul 2022
In the group I was in and the day I went, everyone was able to swim with the whale sharks twice. The experience is really fast because they swim really fast. As soon as you jump into the ocean, they swim right by you and you get back onto the boat. Others only get to swim once, so if you are recording or taking pictures on your own make sure you are ready the first time around.
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star-5
Amazing excursion!!
Nathan_H
, Jul 2022
Great experience!! Swimming with the whale sharks was amazing. 2nd time using Eco Tours!! Picked us up from the resort and was on the water in no time! Relaxing on Isla Mujeres after was so amazing and sooo gorgeous!
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star-1
waste of time
Allison_M
, Jul 2022
we were unabl to use the trip due to my wife getting i’ll we messaged the tour operator to reschedule but never heard back. our experience walking with aa the men . Thank you Dennis Millar
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Whale Sharks Experience
Alison_G
, Jul 2022
Overall, this excursion was amazing. Our guide, Marie, was super knowledgeable, fun, confident, and accommodating. Prepare for about a 1.5 hour boat ride out to the area where the sharks are, which is pretty brutal due to rough waters and getting blasted with cold water the whole time. However, it was worth it when we got to see and swim with the whale sharks. They were amazing. The swimming part is pretty short because the sharks are actively swimming from you but it doesn’t matter much. The beach and fresh snacks were also great. We really had a lot of fun! Make sure you wear long sleeves and bring a raincoat to stay a little warmer on the boat ride. No sunscreen is allowed, not even biodegradable!
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star-4
Sharks!
Meghan_A
, Jul 2022
Our guide Fernanda was awesome. Be prepared to get wet sitting in the boat though! I only wish I could have spent a little longer swimming with the shark. It felt like by the time I got to it and got my bearings with the snorkeling that it was time to get out again. We did get a chance to go back in though which was cool. Overall it was an awesome experience!
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-4
GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!
Arkhos_C
, Jul 2022
GREAT EXPERIENCE... Need to do this at least one time in your life. Good attention from the owners from the time you arrive. Although the swim with the whale sharks takes only a few minutes, the crew makes the most of their ability to position the boat so you have a great encounter with the fish once you jump in the water. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
So many whale sharks!!
Kris_C
, Jul 2022
We had an amazing time! I highly recommend. Don’t eat before you go and take the Dramamine! There was at least 1 person on every boat “feeding” the fish.
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