Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya

Embark on an eco-friendly small-group tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya to encounter majestic whale sharks. Snorkel with these gentle giants and spot dolphins, manta rays, and turtles.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of the few places in the world where you can share the water with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark. Your personalized, small group cruise sets out in search of these gentle creatures for a snorkeling experience you’ll never forget.

After having spotted a whale shark, you’ll have the chance to jump in the water and snorkel alongside it (conditions permitting) for a wildlife encounter few people ever experience. Found in the world’s tropical and warm-temperate oceans, the majestic whale shark glides peacefully through the clear waters along the Yucatan coast close to Isla Holbox, Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy during the summer months, feeding on the microscopic plankton which thrives in this environment.

You’ll then have time to have lunch, relax and unwind off the coast of Isla Mujeres, in Playa Norte, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Be on the lookout for dolphins and manta rays as you enjoy the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. 

A biologist/naturalist will be onboard throughout the day to answer questions you may have about whale sharks or any other wildlife you’ll see during your adventure. They will also provide you with information on how to interact with the local marine life to ensure you have a safe and fun experience.

With a maximum of 10 participants, the Mexican Whale Shark Snorkel Adventure is an intimate experience which will leave you with memories lasting a lifetime.

Points of Interest

  • Cancun Transportations

  • Isla Contoy

  • Playa Centro

What's Included
  • Lunch
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Water and soft drinks
  • Use of snorkeling equipment (life jacket, visor, fins, snorkel)
  • Bilingual biologist/naturalist guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • ENVIRONMENTAL TAX AND DOCK USE $20.00 USD IN CASH PER PERSON PAYABLE THE DAY OF YOUR TOUR
Additional Information

Join us on this exciting journey where Mexico’s friendly whale sharks await your presence! With our professional guidance, you will sail in the Gulf of Mexico to meet the largest of fishes and possibly encounter dolphins, manta rays, and turtles during this intimate snorkeling escapade off the Yucatan coast.

*PLEASE NOTE: OUR PRIVATE WHALE SHARK TOUR IS AVAILABLE EVERY DAY (EXCLUDING THE 30TH OF EACH MONTH).

  • 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.
  • Environmental tax and dock use excludes ($20.00 usd in cash per person payable the day of your tour)
  • You can bring your own bottle of water (glass or recyclable)
  • 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.
  • 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
Location
Carretera a Punta Sam
Carretera Puerto Juárez, Carr. a Punta Sam Supermanzana 84, 77500 Cancún, Q.R. "Marina Xtabay"
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(840 Ratings)
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Drew_g
Jul 29, 2024
Go see the whale sharks! - Swimming with the whale sharks was incredible! They were so peaceful and majestic. The guides Alex (Boca), Hector, and Dany did an amazing job getting us out to the spot to see the whales and explaining everything along the way. It was about 25 miles from the shore, but the hour boat ride flew by. After swimming they made us fresh guac and ceviche which was so good after a long day. Totally worth the money for the unforgettable adventure!
Review provided by Viator
Samantha_w
Jul 27, 2024
Highly Recommended - It was an amazing tour with Boco and Hector! Communication was clear, lots of knowledge shared, great food, and great memories!
Review provided by Viator
Esmeraldag799
Jul 26, 2024
Outstanding..Don’t miss this experience! - If you are looking for a reliable tour operator in the Riviera Maya, Ecocolors is your solution. They provide excellent service from the reservation process and address any questions you may have. From pick-up to return, the service is outstanding. Our guide Alex Boca, lifeguard Hector—who is also an excellent photographer—and our captain Dani, who took us to the perfect spots for the tour, all went beyond my expectations. They are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. If you book this tour, be sure to ask for them; you will have a wonderful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_a
Jul 26, 2024
Amazing - Well run tour with Alex. Saw the whale shark as planned. Good ceviche done by the captain Julio. Recommended
Review provided by Viator
J7945tcrebeccal
Jul 26, 2024
Excellent - From the very start of communication, pick up and the whole experience (fabulous music taste on board the board), the hospitality, food and service, absolutely amazing and second to none. We were given breakfast and after swimming with the sharks, we were taken to Isle of Mujeres, where we went snorkeling, given homemade beautiful food, beer or a soft beverage. You can see the passion that the staff have for the beautiful sharks and the respect they have for nature and they also help in the conservation of these beautiful creatures. Alexandra and the team are amazing on the board and Jasmin is excellent in always communicating with you and keeping you up to date.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Azjackie1022
Jul 23, 2024
Bucket List Dream Come True - This was such an amazing tour that we took with Eco Color Tours! It has been a bucket list item for a long time and we finally got to do it! We were picked up very early, 6:00 am as we were the furthest down (Playa Del Carmen) and had to go up to the top of Cancun. Our driver was Angel (I'm not sure if I got his name right). Our guide Naa'ra greeted us when we exited the lobby. She was very sweet and we chatted while we made 5 other stops to hotels/resorts on the way up to Cancun.When we finally arrived at the dock we waited for just a short time before we were escorted to the boat "Eisha" where we met the captain, Reyes and the sailor Lalo. Lalo was the one that went into the water with us to guide us. On our way out to the spot, Naa'ra spent some time letting us know about the rules about our jumps and what was expected of us, which was very helpful to know. It took an hour or so to get to the spot where we made our first dive. There were a lot of boats there but didnt seem to be too crowded. We took turns jumping in with Lalo to guide us. It was amazing! The whale sharks are huge! Very majestic and very regal, swimming along seemingly without being bothered by the people. We got in 2 jumps each for only a few minutes and both were amazing. We even saw several dolphins swimming along with the whale sharks. When we were done, they gave us some sandwiches and water as we headed back to Isla Mujeres. The sandwiches were very simple but very tasty. While we were at Playa del Norte we had some delicious ceviche and guacamole that I believe Reyes the captain made. I'm sure the whole crew helped with it. We finally headed back to Cancun and we were driven back to our resort. It was a marvelous day spent doing something so unbelievably marvelous. I will never forget it! A huge shout out to Naa'ra, Reyes- captain of "Eisha" and Lalo, our sailor. You all were amazing and we will definitely book with you again when we next come to Playa Del Carmen/Cancun! Thank you for making a dream come true!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ruthmarlyngrace
Jul 23, 2024
So lucky to see some whale sharks! Incredible. - Excellent day! It was a small group on a boat, which is exactly what I had expected. Before we set sail, Alex provided a briefing. Although he informed us that we might not see any whale sharks due to the morning rain, he assured us it was a “mission possible” to spot them—and we did! It was incredible to see some whale sharks swimming up close in the ocean. The group was divided into four smaller groups, and each person had the chance to dive twice. I have to say that the swimming time with the sharks was really short. Unfortunately, during my second dive, I had an issue with my snorkel and couldn't breathe underwater, so I couldn’t spend as much time swimming with the whale sharks. I also booked their “paparazzi” photography service for $80 USD, but for the price, I barely got any good photos or videos near the whale sharks. While I received some videos of the whale sharks, there weren't many with me in them. Given the price, it was really too much
Review provided by Tripadvisor
941elsieg
Jul 21, 2024
Magical - This is my 2nd time whale shark snorkeling with EcoColors and definitely don’t regret using them again. We came last year as a couple but this time we brought more family with us to have this magical moment and EcoColors showed out! Alex Bocanegra and his crew were amazing. Not only did we find the whale sharks earlier than other boats but they also got my mother-in-law (who is terrified of water) to gather the courage to do the activity. I was in awe. They handled her with care and she felt comfortable in the water. The ceviche and guacamole was so delicious. I can go on for hours talking about this amazing experience. Look no further and book with EcoColors. PS: we were lucky to swim with 3 dolphins too!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vsusikov
Jul 17, 2024
Great experience - This whale sharks tour was an amazing experience. Big thanks to Alex and the rest of the team for doing everything to keep us informed and entertained. Offered food was simple but fresh and tasty. And swimming with a huge whale shark was just great! Thanks guys!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melanie_s
Jul 15, 2024
Amazing - Absolutely loved our experience! The crew went above and beyond to ensure we had an epic time! Thank you!!
Review provided by Viator
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