5-day Adventure Swimming with Whale Sharks and Visiting Ruins

Embark on the five-day adventure of a lifetime, swimming with whale sharks, exploring the ancient world, and discovering Mexico’s rich culture.

In this action-packed itinerary, you will venture onto the Caribbean Sea to snorkel next to the world’s largest fish, the titanic whale shark. Then, receive a private tour of the world’s most famous Maya archeological site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza.

Along the way, you will swim in an ancient, fresh-water sinkhole and visit even more stunning archeological sites as well as stopping off at one of Mexico’s most underrated cities, Valladolid.

Of course, if you’d like to extend your trip to include more swimming with whale sharks or, perhaps, visiting more wonders of the Riviera Maya, just let us know and we can make it happen.

HIGHLIGHTS

Chichen Itza – Visit Mexico’s most celebrated archeological sites and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Ek Balam – Enjoy a privately guided tour around Ek Balam, home to the Acropolis and many more ancient ruins

Valladolid – Visit the dreamy Pueblo Magico of Valladolid, the first capital city of the Yucatan

Swim with whale sharks – Traverse the Caribbean Sea near Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres to swim with whale sharks

Day 1: Arrival in Cancun

After your arrival at Cancun International Airport, you will be met by a Journey Mexico guide and privately transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure, relaxing in your room or enjoying the delights of the resort.

Overnight: Nizuc

Day 2: Private whale shark expedition

Today, you will go on one of Mexico’s most thrilling natural adventures: swimming with whale sharks in the Caribbean Sea. This privately guided tour offers the chance to snorkel next to these docile behemoths with a personal, certified guide as your only company; providing a uniquely private experience.

Head onto the ocean and enjoy the ride, watching the sea sparkle in the Riviera Maya sunlight before reaching the area of your dive. Along the way, your guide will provide expert insight into the lifestyle and behavioral patterns of these enormous creatures. Upon arrival, it’s time to jump into the water and swim alongside the whale sharks. Take your time to marvel at these colossal yet passive creatures.

Overnight: Nizuc

Day 3: Private transfer to Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Valladolid en route

Today you will journey towards Mexico’s most famous archeological site, Chichen Itza, but stop en route at Ek Balam, a magical site home to several Yucatec-Maya ruins.

Go on an adventure into the ancient Maya world at Ek Balam, with your expert guide providing an insight into this much celebrated site of towering temples and intricate sculptures.

With the tour complete, a delicious lunch awaits in the gorgeous colonial city of Valladolid, which was awarded the title of Pueblo Magico by the Mexican government for its beauty and historical importance.

Later, arrive at The Lodge, a boutique hotel on the edge of Chichen Itza, where you can settle in and enjoy the rest of evening exploring the landscaped grounds or taking a dip in the pool.

Overnight: The Lodge at Chichen Itza

Day 4: Private Tour to Chichen Itza Archaeological Zone & Cenote Ik-Kil

Today, enter Chichen Itza, spending the morning visiting its great ball court, plazas, observatory, and temples. Your guide will share Chichen Itza’s troubled history and fascinating folk lore, plus you’ll get the chance to visit the celebrated stepped pyramid named El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulkan.

After this fascinating guided tour, enjoy a swim in Cenote Ik-Kil, one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s many gorgeous cenotes — natural and enigmatic freshwater sinkholes, once worshipped by the ancient Maya people for providing life-giving drinking water.

Overnight: The Lodge at Chichen Itza

Day 5: Departure Day

Your guide will meet you in the lobby for a private transfer to Cancun Airport for your departure flight.

Dates

This trip can be customized for a private journey from mid-June to mid-September (whale shark season can vary).

Prices

Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing.

Please note, our pricing guideline is a starting from price and is not necessarily applicable to the suggested hotels contained within the suggested itineraries on this web site. Itineraries are customized prior to final pricing.