Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

Recommended by 95% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Great choice

20+ bookings last month.

7 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Glide alongside whale sharks and then soak up the sun on Isla Mujeres on this guided day trip from Cancun. A speedboat takes you to a prime viewing location, where you slip on snorkel gear and hop into the water. Marvel at the gentle giants floating by. Then, relax on the white-sand shores of Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte (North Beach). Lunch and hotel transport from Cancun and Playa del Carmen included.

Whale-shark swim encounter and beach time at Isla Mujeres
Swim and snorkel in 15-minute rounds near whale sharks
Unwind on the postcard-perfect North Beach on Isla Mujeres
Lunch and hotel transport from Cancun or Playa del Carmen included

What's Included

Breakfast

Packaged fruit juice, sweet bread, coffee, yogurt, fruit, packaged chocolate biscuits, iced tea, water.
Lunch

Fish or shrimp ceviche, guacamole, fruit, and bread.
Beverages (Water and soft drinks)
Professional guide
Use of Snorkeling equipment

Use of Snorkelling equipment
Snorkeling with the whale shark and any wild life encounter like manta rays, dolphins and turtles
Another stop for snorkeling on the way back near isla mujeres
On request: vegetarian food.

Entrance fee - Nacional Park

$20.00 per person

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Every where in the Riviera Maya playa del carmen cancun.

Start time
.6:00 am

Itinerary

Begin bright and early with morning pickup from your Cancun or Playa del Carmen hotel and transport to the departure pier, where you’ll pause for breakfast before boarding the boat. Cruise to a selected spot with your guide and group, then drop anchor and hop into the water to swim with whale sharks and other marine life in 15-minute shifts.

Afterwards, continue on to Isla Mujeres for another swim or snorkel before stopping on Playa Norte for lunch featuring ceviche, guacamole, beer, and soft drinks. Finally, take in views during the return cruise to the departure port and transfer back to your hotel.

Punta Sam

7 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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
Most travelers can participate

Not permitted for children 5 years old and under.
Not permitted for pregnant women.
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide.
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
What to bring: Cap, sunglasses, shirt, swimsuit, towel, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, money for souvenirs.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Dr_Mike_M

Phenomenal experience from start to finish! Our guide, Flor, was amazing! Super knowledgeable and accommodating in every way. All safety precautions were in place, which was very comforting. Once on the water, we were greeted by a pod of spinner dolphins playing all around us. Then, after only about 45 minutes of cruising we came upon the main attraction! Literally, almost 100 gorgeous and huge whale sharks gracefully feeding atop the surface, not caring at all about our presence. Additionally, there were about 5-7 giant manta rays who were summersaulting around, getting in on the action. Just an absolute bucket list experience! Chilling at Isla Mujeres on the way back to shore was a nice touch, allowing us to wade and relax at the stunning beach. A perfect day!

Reviews

4.8

based on 657 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Sort by: Most insightful

Excellent

Geoffrey_G, Jul 2026

Excellent experience. Jane is a great guide. Great balance of info and fun. Ceviche lunch was phenomenal

Awesome experience with a twist

Michael_W, Jul 2026

The experience was excellent. Edgar was an awesome guide and taught us a lot about the wildlife we encountered. The only complaint/concern is the excursion is listed for 7 hours. It was not disclosed to us that the trip could extend an extra 3-5 hours and would not allow us to make it back in time for wedding commitments we had made that day.

Everything We Hoped For

Eric_E, Jun 2026

The experience was exactly as advertised. Jane and the crew put us on a school of whale sharks and we swam around with the gentle giants. Amazing and inspiring! After that, a quick reef snorkel and a ceviche lunch at Isla Mujeres. Good vibes only!

False promises and mismanagement

Alyssa_N, Jun 2026

After doing another tour, I felt compelled to go though with writing an honest review of the Whale Shark experience. So, let's start off. The day prior to the tour, I asked many questions regarding the logistics. When will we get to the launch point? When will we return back? How much time will we get in the water? What activities are included and their timelines?" Every answer provided was a lie, and there's no way they didn't know this going into it. Our arrival at boat launch was 1.5hrs later than they said. We only got 2 chances of ~2-5 minutes to swim with the Whale Sharks instead of "at least 15 minutes each". We were 2 hours late arriving back. We did NOT get 1 hour on the beach. We did NOT get 45 minutes snorkeling the reef. Snorkeling was perhaps ~20 minutes and beach was another ~30 minutes. I would even argue to say that this tour was grossly falsely advertised. Next, our tour guide did not provide any information about the whale sharks or other animals we were seeing. She told us nothing of the area during the car ride or on the boat. Only after we provided less-than-average feedback did she backtrack and then forced us to change our responses on our feedback card. Next, I was injured on the boat and cut off the top of my toe on an exposed hinge when the boat veered. I was actively bleeding and my toenail was torn off, with my skin flapping in the wind. When I tried to tell the guide in between launches, she brushed me off. For nearly 10 minutes she practically ignored me asking for a bandaid or alcohol or any first aid. She said, "no we don't have any, no we don't have any" when the vessel captain did, in fact, have some. The boat itself was choppy -- my partner and I personally did not get sick but many on the boat did. You should be aware of this if you're considering this tour The whale sharks were very cool to see, which is why I provided a 2 star review and not a 1 star. However, the communication was filled with lies and the experience was NOT AS ADVERTISED. Be warned. No amount of questions will get honest replies from the EcoTours team.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

you have no words cancel the review !!!!!

Great Experience. Friendly Guides

Lyzzi_H, Jun 2026

Absolutely amazing experience, I would absolutely come again. I would recommend doing a full read through of what’s included and what isn’t so there are any surprises. As long as you go into it knowing what to expect it’s great. Our guide, Roberto, was so friendly and knowledgeable, willing to answer questions and check in with each person throughout the day. We were really lucky to that there were several whale sharks around. They are wild animals so there’s no guarantee that they’ll be found. If you time your trip near the middle of the sharks’ migration instead of the beginning or end you should have better chances of seeing them. We also saw a manta ray, dolphins and sea turtles on our day out. The entire crew, from our driver to the boat captain and in-water guide, was super nice and helpful. The ceviche lunch was delicious, but let them know in advance if you don’t eat meat or have other restrictions.

My daughter and I had the...

Amy_E, Sep 2025

My daughter and I had the most amazing experience swimming with the whale sharks! It was truly unforgettable to be so close to these incredible creatures. The crew did an outstanding job from start to finish—professional, knowledgeable, and so friendly. They made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable while also keeping the experience exciting and fun. This was a bucket-list adventure, and it exceeded every expectation. Highly recommend!

Very good except not received photos of my experience

Derek_S, Jul 2025

The trip was very good and bring in with the whale sharks was amazing a dream come true the only downside was I paid for photos on the 16/7 and was told it would take 48 hours to receive we are now on 21/7 and am waiting for them to be sent

Book with this company

Allison_M, Jun 2025

Our tour was rescheduled a couple of times and ultimately canceled due to a combination of weather and the fact that there had not been any recent whale shark sightings in the days leading up to the tours. I wanted to leave a positive review since the company handled it so well. I was initially apprehensive to book since I was worried we would spend all day on a boat and not see anything. Because they were keeping track of recent reports, we ended up being able to see lots of other things in Mexico and it got refunded quickly once we cancelled. I recommend booking your tour early in your trip so that you have flexibility if there are not a lot of whale sharks around. I also recommend booking with this company since they are trying to give you an authentic experience and won’t take your money unless they think there’s a good chance you’ll see them!

Do NOT book this tour!

Michelle_S, Jun 2025

Do not book this tour! They conducted an illegal swim with a whale shark. After looking and not finding any whale sharks for 5 hours, we were headed back to shore. They got a radio call that there was 1 juvenile whale shark an hour away and decided to go. It is illegal to get in the water with whale sharks unless there are more than 4 in an area. So even though there was only 1–and about 20 boats surrounding it, as we got closer they proclaim ‘Ah look! There are cinco whale sharks’’ Total lie! There was only 1 and the poor thing was blocked and attacked by all these boats. This company is a FRAUD! Do not use them!

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Heavy statements, which require proof, for now I reserve the right to report you for defamation and slander, you will receive news from our lawyers.

Wonderful whale shark snorkeling

Jon_A, Sep 2024

We took the last whale shark tour of the season and our guide Jane and her Capt put us on the last whale in the area. We were very lucky as late season can be hit or miss. Jane was so knowledgeable about not just the whale sharks but all wildlife in the area. She flowed effortlessly between Spanish and English. We also snorkeled the large reef and her ability in the water really shines there. Lunch was prepared by our captain was fantastic. We highly recommend this tour.

Not a great experience

Nancy_H, Sep 2024

The tour guide was not very personable. I did this last year with a better Viator guide No direction when we got to the whale sharks. Didn’t get any good photos or videos. Barely saw the whale shark. Would not recommend. The captain made a great ceviche tho

Great experience and guide

Callum_M, Sep 2024

Overall the trip was great. Our guide Jane was very friendly, funny and very knowledgeable and passionate about the animals. We seen a whale shark which was amazing then were took snorkelling to a reef and then onto Isla Mujeres for a light lunch. It is a long trip and very tiring, especially waking up sp early. Regarding sea sickness, we were given tablets by Jane and it really wasn’t bad when the boat is going full speed. You can’t wear sunscreen so will have to make plans not to be burnt but it is an amazing experience. They will also film and photograph the trip which you can buy for 50 USD, this is pretty steep but it is from the whole trip and includes everyone so not limited to pictures/videos of just yourself so split between two it’s alright.

Great tour swimming next to giants

Thomas_C, Sep 2024

It is a magical experience to swim next to a gentle giant like this. Tour was great and accommodating. Would definitely recommend and do again.

An exhilarating encounter with nature

Jessica_D, Aug 2024

This trip surpassed all expectations and was exceptional. The communication was excellent and consistent from the point of booking. Our guide Naria was exceptional throughout the day and shared lots of knowledge about Whale Sharks, conservation and was very supportive to all members of the group who were new to or anxious about swimming. The Captain was great and the lunch provided was delicious (they cater to vegan and gluten-free diets, you just need to say what you’d like on your plate). This is an amazing once-in-a-life-time experience (although, we plan to return to do another tour with them in the future). We had great weather and seen about 15-20 Whale Sharks. We also stopped to see some Dolphins on the way to Isla Mujeres (a place of unparalleled beauty) and came across a turtle. You will notice that this tour has a mindful and respectful approach to nature and participant safety and respect for the ocean are paramount. Top tips: - Buy an eco friendly Zinc based sun cream (you’re not allowed to bring another type on board) or even better, cover up! You’ll have an opportunity to rent a wetsuit ($20) or purchase one of their long sleeve tops for the same price. Ultimately, humans and tourism have had a devastating impact on the coral reefs and you’ll be able to see this. To do your bit and to save yourself the trouble of worrying about sunburn while helping the ocean to heal, consider these options - They allow you to bring your own wet suits, cover ups and Snorkel gear. You are not allow to do any free diving for safety reasons - Grab an early breakfast at your hotel (they offer a light breakfast before leaving) and take the sea sick medication they offer! It can be a bumpy ride - The photos and videos they provide are really good and you are shown these before deciding if you want to purchase ($50). If you want to take your own, get a waterproof sleeve for your phone or a go-pro - You get 2 dives with the Whale Sharks and the first one can be overwhelming (as we were not used to sea swimming) They’re gentle giants so as long as you follow the instructions, you’ll be fine! Enjoy it - The scuba diving trip led by the group leader is great, just be mindful of swimming in the same direction as the group (I veered off a few times) - Don’t over pack. There is space on board for bags to be stored safely. There are showers, toilets and an opportunity to get changed before and after the excursion - Tip generously. Everyone involved in the tour has a long day and goes above and beyond to make it comfortable and memorable

Outstanding tour! Experience of a lifetime 🐬

Irida_S, Aug 2024

After very extensive research I am so glad that I picked specifically this one, it was an excellent tour! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized. Our guide Jane was amazing, her passion for marine life and her extensive knowledge about whale sharks made the tour not only informative, but also deeply engaging. What stood out the most was Jane's commitment to ensuring we had the best possible encounter with the whale sharks while also respecting their natural environment. On the way to the location we got to see dolphins too and captain was able to get really close to them. 🐬 Another highlight of the tour was stopping by the gorgeous reef by Isla Mujeres to snorkel, we saw all kinds of fish and corals, fantastic value add! The food was good, that sandwich right after the water activities really hit the spot 😁 If you're considering a whale shark tour, I highly recommend this one, especially if you're lucky enough to have Jane as your guide. Have fun!

Great experience!

Samantha_W, Aug 2024

Overall experience was great. Guide and driver were fun and knowledgeable. Breakfast wasn't as described. Lunch was delicious. Whale sharks were amazing!

Jane was excellent and...

hannanguyen1993, Aug 2024

Jane was excellent and knowledgeable tour guide. There were plenty of whale sharks around at the time we went - it was a remarkable experience!

Bucket list

Kelley_M, Aug 2024

Amazing team and care about the animals. Absolutely perfect day out on the water. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Great tour

Janne_M, Jul 2024

We had a great time on this tour. We saw whale sharks and swam twice with them. The crew on the boat were great and very helpful. Jane our tour guide was terrific. The lunch on the boat was good. Snorkeling on Isle Mejures was nothing great but ok and we stopped to swim in the water there which was nice. Sun block is not allowed so take clothing that covers as it gets very hot.

Great tour group!

Brenden_S, Jul 2024

Great experience and professional company. Had a great time on the tour, the staff were friendly and very knowledgeable about the sharks. Also amazing customer service. I had originally planned to go with my partner but when she got sick last minute I ended up going alone and later on they refunded me for her ticket! Great tour group!

So much fun with Whale Sharks

Brandi_P, Jul 2024

We had a fantastic experience with 2 swims with whale sharks. Jane was an excellent guide with lots of information about what to expect, about whale sharks, and lots of fun experiences around Cancun! Pablo was an excellent capitan and we had a lovely lunch! Definitely get the video they make it's much smoother than your phone and allows you to truly enjoy the experience!

Once in a lifetime

Damian_L, Jul 2024

A huge box ✔️ for me and my family,taken out to swim alongside these graceful giants. All round great organisations,timings and value for money

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Hello Damian! Thank you for sharing your amazing experience with us! ⭐ We are so glad you enjoyed swimming alongside these majestic creatures. We hope to see you again soon for more unforgettable adventures! 🐋💦

Awesome Experience!

Landry_J, Jun 2024

Great trip swimming with gentle giants. Equipment was good and food was great. Recommended for those looking to do something out of the ordinary. I wouldn’t recommend for younger children as it requires some fast swimming to keep up with the sharks.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Hello Landry! Thank you for recommending our experience to those who are looking for something extraordinary! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed the experience. We hope to see you again soon! ✨🐋☀

Ripped off

Charles_G, Sep 2023

The guide could not find a whale shark. We wasted an entire day of vacation and Viator refuses to refund the tour cost.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

I´m sorry for your disapoint.

Ship wrecked, and no apology or compensation!

Yvonne_K, Jul 2023

It was absolutely terrible, our boat broke down, we had to jump in the water in swim to another boat without mask and fins 5 different times cause none of the other boats wanted to make us their responsibility. We were told to put everything in our bags and they would be handed to us, which did not happen, so I was forced to leave behind my cameras, phone, food, sun covers and money. My daughter and I sun burnt so badly because we were given a seat in the sun on the other boats or no seat at all. It was such disorganization. No one knew what to do with us. We finally got to swim with a whale shark for 2 min, no way of recording since I had to leave all my stuff in the ship wrecked boat. When I tried to contact the company the days following the tour I received no answer, no apology. Don’t book with Eco Tours Adventure. Look elsewhere, they’re plenty of others.

Whale shark excursion

Jamie_H, Jul 2023

The whale shark encounter was one of a kind it’s my most favorite thing I’ve ever done yet! Amazing amazing encounter!! I gave 4 stars because I think the restroom situation needs to be at the very least presented prior to purchase of excursion. With 3 young kids on the boat it was difficult with no restroom for hours, highly recommended changing to a boat that has a restroom available. It was a rough ride to and from the whale sharks, but that was expected. The encounter and excursion was amazing and so was Pablo our guide!!

My fault but wow!

Zoe_S, Jul 2023

So I didn’t get to go and it is mainly my fault. I actually chose this destination because I didn’t get to swim with the whole sharks at Mafia Island. My husband and I booked several tours while here. On the night before my whale shark tour I got a confirmation for pick up time at 745. I didn’t read it all the way aNd just assumed it was for the whale shark encounter. It was NOT! It was for an ATV tour I was to take 2 days later. While they did not send me a confirmation of pick up time, they waited for us and called us via what’s app but I don’t didn’t get it because my phone was off. This was really my fault and I was soo disappointed. The hotel staff are not allowed to ring our rooms before 9 am. But when he finally did, we were there but the bus was gone rightfully so. Here’s the issue, we jumped in a cab prepared to meet them at the departure port, but there was no address. Because I didn’t see the what’s app, I was calling the office which didn’t open until 9. Then they refused to reschedule and said I would have to pay again. That’s why I am writing this. I wish they had sent a pickup confirmation text and I wish that they would have been more accommodating even harging a penalty but giving some credit. I get that they waited and called. I’m sure it seemed like I was a forget you no show. I apologized profusely because I could only imagine being a passenger on a bus waiting so long. I shouldn’t destroy their ratings and would have given them a 5 star without going for the inconvenience I caused them and the passengers. But getting that confirmation would have solved the problem and being able to get even half a credit on the reschedule would have been great. It was an honest and fed up mistake and oversight on my part. I almost cried in real life. I’m just not the a hole that they must have thought I was to have kept my 380 dollars with no credit or empathy for an honest and no doubt brutal mistake. I booked again for another 380 with another company. After I booked, guess what they did? Sent me a text saying they would send a confirmation of pick up time text 24 hours before the tour. I apologize sincerely to eco yours and the passengers that waited for me and the driver. Man they waited for a long time. I just wish they had given me a little empathy and credit. For all thst went wrong maybe it wasn’t meant to be on that day.

Amazing experience

Teresa_W, Jun 2023

My kids & I had such a great experience! Dory & her crew was so amazing &helpful. Dory made sure we had motion sickness medication for everyone and bio-friendly sunscreen. Despite medication my daughter and I were seasick once we stopped in the area where the whale sharks eat.. We needed to take more medication & I brought some with me. Dory jumped in with me & my daughter and we swam next to the mist beautiful whale shark! It was like a dream! So amazing! Dory offered me another jump and to sit with my daughter so I could have a second jump to see the whale sharks again. So generous. My twin sons had their 2 jumps, and for 15 year olds they loved it! Talked all dinner about their experience! The boat ride was a little rough but to be expected. And we weren’t they only ones out there but I felt our crew had the best experience. Got us in front of the whale each time. My sons were able to swim next to the whale for quite a good bit of time. Lunch was so appreciated. Ham sandwiches which helped with mine and my daughter nausea. My sons loved the shrimp and they had the best guacamole I ever had. Hands down. Isle mujeres was beautiful. A nice quick break in the gorgeous water before lunch. My daughter had a blister so she didn’t want to wear her fins snorkeling, so Dory got her a buoy and pulled her along with a rope while we snorkeled. The snorkeling was amazing! On our boat ride out we saw mating turtles, flying fish, a sting ray. The kids loved trying to see what they could find. Despite wearing a lot of sunscreen I got burned pretty badly. My kids had on wetsuits and if I did it again I would chose that. It protected them from being burned like me. Dory and the crew were amazing and if we ever come back to Playa Del Carmen (the kids want to) we would do this tour again. Dory suggested that when my daughter is 18, that my little water bug come work down here and be a tour guide herself. When I told my daughter what she said she was super happy. She thought Dory was the best!!

Response from Host, May 2024

What a wonderful review, thanks for sharing it with us! It fills us with joy to know that you and your children enjoyed the experience with our team so much. We love hearing that Dory was able to anticipate your needs and make sure you were well prepared for this dream experience! And it would be an honor to have your daughter as part of our team in the future. We would love! 😍 Thank you again for choosing us for your adventure in Playa del Carmen. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again in the future. See you soon! 🌊🐠🌴🐋

Bucket list checked!

Meghan_M, Jun 2023

Alexandra and the whole crew were top notch! We swam with whale sharks, mantra rays. Lunch hit the spot, and the fresh cevuche and stop at Isla Mujueres was just beautiful. My husband and I had a wonderful time!

Response from Host, May 2024

What a fantastic review, thank you so much for sharing it with us! We hope that the memories of this adventure last for a long time and that you have the opportunity to return for more adventures. Thanks again for choosing us! See you soon! 🌊🦈🏝️

Very cool!!

Pamela_N, Aug 2022

It was an amazing experience. Except for about half our group getting sea sick. They offered motion sickness medication at our breakfast before embarking on the boat. Some people did not take it others did. Where we were to swim with the whale sharks there were 70 of them during the time we were there. It was incredible to swim next to these gentle Giants. Still waiting on email link for pictures we paid for so hopefully those come through soon.