Swimming with Whale Sharks

Imagine yourself in the open sea, surrounded by deep blue water on all sides, the wind in your hair, salty water splashing your face, a sense of excitement mounting.  Suddenly you hear a cry from the guide to look off the starboard bow, there she is, a mountain of a creature, bigger than the boat, calmly swimming with its beautiful spotted body skimming the surface.  The guide says “Go!” and you hit the water with your partner, snorkel and mask in place, waterproof camera at the ready.  You get your bearings underwater and then you see it, the gentle giant cruising beside you, gigantic mouth open to capture its plankton lunch, seemingly oblivous to the human activity beside it.  You are experiencing one of the most exciting moments you may ever have in your life, swimming with a whale shark.

The whale shark is a member of the fish family, the largest fish in the ocean in fact.  There have been reports of whale sharks measuring more than 12 meters in length and weighing up to 21 tonnes, that’s a whole lot of fish!  They are “filter feeders”, using their huge mouths to pass water through the gills, trapping algae, plankton and tiny fish for their lunch and expelling anything too large with a “cough”.  Whale sharks tend to congregate in warm waters, though their migration patterns are still somewhat of a mystery. While their size and name may be intimidating, the whale sharks are not considered dangerous to humans and peacefully allow us to join them in their home in the sea.

Visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico are very fortunate indeed, the whale sharks annually congregate in the waters near Isla Holbox and Isla Contoy between the months of May and September.  Thousands of tourists from Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres and the state of Yucatan take advantage of this unique opportunity, enjoying a once in a lifetime thrill.  During the season, it is almost guaranteed that you will spot not just one, but many whale sharks gathered together where the plankton lives in abundance.  Your adventure begins with a ride on a small boat (Gravol is recommended for anyone who might suffer seasickness!), travelling to the open sea in search of the whale sharks.  The length of the boat ride varies depending on where the sharks have decided to play that day, usually from one to two hours out to sea, somewhere near the islands of Contoy and Holbox.  Group sizes are limited, maximum ten guests per boat, allowing plenty of time in the water with the whale sharks.  Guests are paired up with a “jump” partner (each time you enter the water it is called a “jump”) and pairs rotate their time in the water.  With your masks, snorkels and fins you will glide beside the whale sharks, taking in their immense beauty, watching them feed as they watch you swim.  Underwater cameras are vital items to bring, you will want to capture these moments for eternity!  After everyone has swum with the whale sharks, the boat will take you to a nearby reef to snorkel with the colorful fishy cousins of the whale shark, perhaps you’ll even spot a turtle, a ray or a wild dolphin in your journeys!

This is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss.  If you will be visiting Cancun or the region between May 20th and September 15th, this is a “must do” tour.  Dtraveller is thrilled to offer the Whale Shark Adventure, contact us today to reserve your spot!  See you in the water!