Swim and Snorkel with Whale Sharks: Riviera Maya Full Day

Get in the water with the ocean's largest fish, not just watch from the boat.

A full-day whale shark snorkel trip from Riviera Maya puts you in the water with the biggest fish in the ocean, plus dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles if they cross your path. Small groups stay under ten people. The operator guarantees a whale shark encounter—if conditions prevent one, you reschedule free or take a two-year voucher. A second snorkeling stop near Isla Mujeres breaks up the return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale Shark Encounter and Snorkeling

• Breakfast break
• Sail to adventure
• Spot dolphins, manta rays, turtles
• Unscheduled snorkeling with guide
• Swim and snorkel with whale sharks

The Experience

The day starts with breakfast on board—packaged fruit juice, sweet bread, coffee, yogurt and fruit—then the boat heads out toward the whale shark grounds. On the way, the guide watches for dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles; when any appear, he'll jump in the water with you for an unscheduled snorkel. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and three other languages, so communication is straightforward.

Once a whale shark shows up, the activities begin. You get a snorkel, mask and fins, and you swim alongside the fish—the largest species on the planet. The guide stays in the water with the group. On the return journey, the boat stops again near Isla Mujeres for a second reef snorkel before heading back to shore.

Lunch is fish or shrimp ceviche, guacamole, fruit and bread, with water and soft drinks throughout the day. Vegetarian meals are available if you request them when booking. The trip runs seven hours total. Weather can cancel the tour, but you'll get an alternative date or a full refund if that happens. Bring a cap, sunglasses, a shirt, swimsuit, towel, sandals and biodegradable sunscreen; money for souvenirs is useful too.

What’s included

• Snorkeling with whale sharks and any wildlife encounters (manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles).
• breakfast and lunch.
• snorkeling equipment.
• a professional multilingual guide.
• a second snorkeling stop near Isla Mujeres on the return.
• water and soft drinks throughout the day.
• vegetarian meals on request.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Eco tours adventure

Is this one for you?Swim alongside whale sharks with the guarantee that if you don't encounter one, you'll reschedule free or get a two-year voucher—the risk is entirely on us.

Traveler reviews

4.80★★★★★★★★★★

658 verified traveler reviews

5 ★588

4 ★38

3 ★11

2 ★13

1 ★8

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if we don't see a whale shark?

The operator guarantees a whale shark encounter. If weather or conditions prevent one, you can reschedule for another date at no extra cost or receive a voucher valid for two years.

Can children go on this trip?

Children are welcome from age five. Children under five are not permitted. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant women.

What wildlife might we see besides whale sharks?

Dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles often cross paths with the boat. When they do, the guide will jump in the water with you for an unscheduled snorkel at those moments.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes—snorkeling equipment is provided. You bring your own swimsuit, towel and biodegradable sunscreen.

How long is the full day, and what's included to eat?

The trip runs seven hours. Breakfast on board includes packaged juice, sweet bread, coffee, yogurt and fruit. Lunch is fish or shrimp ceviche, guacamole, fruit and bread, with water and soft drinks available throughout. Vegetarian meals are available on request.

Where does the tour pick up from?

Pickup is available from Riviera Maya, from your hotel in Tulum, or from Costa Mujeres in Cancun, depending on which option you choose at checkout.