Swim with Whale Sharks
Whale shark season is almost here!
From May 15th through September 15th, although more heavily in July and August, these remarkable creatures visit the Caribbean Sea along the northern Yucatan Peninsula. Whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, migrate off shore from Holbox and Contoy islands – near Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean – to reproduce and to feed along the coral reefs of the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, an area rich in nutrients.
Since whale sharks are endangered by commercial fishing, protecting these awesome creatures is vital. To assist with whale shark preservation and education, August 30th was officially declared International Whale Shark Day (Día del Tiburon Ballena) by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) in Mexico.
Whale Sharks & People
Whale sharks, also called Domino Sharks, are enormous creatures that can grow up to 60 feet (18 meters) long and weigh more than 18 tons. Their appearance consists of a dark blue-gray color contrasted with round white spots inside a checkerboard pattern on top and a solid white underbelly.
Officially a fish and not a whale, whale sharks are curious, friendly, gentle, solitary animals who find humans fascinating. Whale sharks have very small teeth and are harmless to people. They’re known as filter feeders, swimming very slowly near the ocean surface and eating large quantities of small fish, plankton, krill, and squid. Fearless and mild, they will not attack even when provoked; will allow people to swim close to them; and will often swim near people for a closer look.
Swimming with Whale Sharks
When you vacation in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, Mexico, from mid-May to mid-September, swimming with the whale sharks is a tour that can’t be missed. Since whale shark watching and swimming has become increasingly popular, government agencies have implemented measures to protect these awesome creatures so they’ll return to this area of the Yucatan Peninsula every year.
Whale shark tours originate in Isla Holbox which can be reached from the ports of Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Isla Holbox has been recognized by the Mexican government as the only port authorized for offering tours to swim with whale sharks. Using scuba equipment is prohibited, although snorkel gear is allowed. For non-swimmers, whale sharks can be seen from the boat.
Whale Shark Tours
Whale shark tours begin early in the morning at 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. and last about five or six hours. Professional guides with special training conduct safe whale shark tours for both humans and whale sharks, and they are qualified to provide accurate information about whale shark history and behavior.
Tour size is limited to 4 to 10 people. Sometimes drinks and snacks are included. Cost of the whale shark tour is approximately $2,400 Mexican Pesos (or about $200 USD) per person. Reservations are requested, since space is limited.
Although there are various companies providing whale shark tours, option 1 and option 2 are just two of them.
Swimming with whale sharks is an extraordinary experience that you won’t find everywhere. Even if you took a vacation just for the whale shark tour, it would be worth it. For this exceptional tour and other vacation attractions, consider taking your next vacation in the tropical paradise of Cancun or the Riviera Maya with one of our exceptional vacation packages.
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Chanel, TravelSpot is a travel blog that provides information about travel, vacations, and culture in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Mexico.
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