Swimming with Whale Sharks

In a small boat flying across the turquoise waters off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the sense of excitement builds as the captain reports with a smile that a large group of giant sea creatures has been spotted not too far away.  Just what we’ve been waiting to hear!  Our small group of adventurers are on a quest to find the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, and according to the captain we are just a few short minutes from fulfilling our dreams of swimming with these magnificent creatures.  The sea is calm and crystal clear, the sun is shining and fluffy white clouds fill the sky as we get closer and closer to the “sweet spot”.  We can see a small cluster of boats and as we get approach we get our first sighting of a fin peeking out of the water!  Then another and another and another, we quickly lose track of just how many there are, even the guides and captain are in awe at the numbers, estimating there to be about 150 to 200 whale sharks in the area, we’ve hit the jackpot!!

From mid-May to mid-September each year, the sea off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula becomes home to the migratory whale shark.  The warm waters and currents provide the ideal conditons for plankton to grow, a favourite for the filter-feeding whale shark.  Whale sharks are found in very few places in the world and nowhere are they found in such great numbers as they are around Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox, there have been reports of up to 450 whale sharks feeding in a group in this region.  Whale sharks are technically fish, the largest fish in the sea.  They can reach lengths of 12 meters or more, their mouths spanning up to 1.5 meters wide, and they can weigh up to 36 tonnes!  Their skin is covered with a beautiful “dot” pattern, leading to their nickname of “dominos”.  The spots and dots are distinctive in each animal, biologists use the patterns to identify individual sharks.  Their mouths are full of many rows of tiny teeth, but they do not use them to eat.  They simply open their mouths wide, allowing plankton-rich water to flow in, close their mouth and expel the water through their gills, trapping their lunch on the gill plates and pharynx where they can swallow it easily.  The whale shark is still somewhat of a mystery to biologists, little is known about their breeding habits or migratory patterns, though with scientists tagging and investigating, we’re sure to know more in the years to come.  It is known that they are “ovoviparous”, the eggs remain inside the body of the female and the pups are born live.  In 1996 a pregnant female was captured and found to have 300 pups inside!  Despite their size, whale sharks pose no danger to humans who choose to swim with them or dive with them, they are gentle giants, they mostly ignore the “insignificant” humans beside them, peacefully gliding by or diving into the depths.

Whale shark tours from Cancun and the islands are strictly controlled.  Tour operators must have permits and they are monitored by authorities to ensure they are respecting the whale sharks and the laws.  A maximum of ten people are allowed per boat, only two swimmers per boat may enter the water at one time, swimmers must keep a distance of 6-9 feet from the animals (though that is sometimes hard to control when they are coming right at you!), no touching is allowed, and life jackets are mandatory.  The captains and guides are experts in maneouvering through the territory, monitoring weather patterns and ensuring the safety of the whale sharks and the people in their care.  When booking your whale shark adventure, be sure that the operator is licensed, this is very important to prevent harm to the animals or to yourself.

Our day with the whale sharks was incredible, it’s actually difficult to express with words the excitement and emotion it stirred in me.  Our captain Cheche and guides Imar and Eduardo were experts, full of knowledge and respect for the sea and the whale sharks.  I lost track of the number of turns I took in the water, all of us on the boat had a seemingly unlimited amount of time with the whale sharks.  I would be gazing in awe at one right in front of me then get the “tap tap” on my shoulder from the guide, showing me another coming up to the right and one more coming up from behind, I was literally surrounded by 10 meter long beauties!  I tried to keep my distance, but on occasion with a wave or a current pushing myself or the whale shark, I was brushed by a tail or by a fin, the oh so soft skin giving me a shivery thrill.  Snorkeling through the water with nothing in sight, then suddenly a giant, wide-open mouth coming right for me, I squealed through my tube thinking I was about to enter the gaping maw only to have him dive under me at the last second, oh oh excitement like I have never felt before.  When the guide said it was time to return to shore, I said a wistful goodbye to my new whale shark friends, leaving fully sated and walking on air.  This is definitely one for your “bucket list’, a must do activity, it’s a unique adventure that you will remember for a lifetime, I still feel like I am walking on air.

For more photos, please see our Whale Shark set on Flickr.  Have you lived this thrilling experience?  Leave a comment, would love to hear from you!  If yo are looking to book this amazing tour, Dtraveller is happy to provide you with the ultimate whale shark adventure.

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!

Set Sail with Caribbean Carnaval Cancun Cruises

Looking for adventure on the high seas?  Join Caribbean Carnaval for a fantastic Cancun cruise!

Bring the whole family to enjoy the Caribbean Funday day trip to the beautiful island escape of Isla Mujeres.  Board the double decker boat in Cancun and set sail for Isla Mujeres while enjoying the ocean breezes and the energetic entertainers.  You’ll land on Isla Mujeres at a private beach club, “El Pescador” where you can enjoy a delicious lunch buffet, open bar and a variety of island activities including kayaking, snorkeling, bicycle tours and shopping (extra charge for some activities).  Not the adventurous sort?  Settle yourself in a hammock with a cold drink in hand and soak up the relaxing tropical vibes.  The party continues on the return trip to Cancun with high energy music and dancing to celebrate your day in paradise.

If you’re looking for an evening party cruise, check out the Pirate Assault or the Caribbean Carnaval.  Start the night off on a double decker boat ride to Isla Mujeres.  Enjoy the open bar with tropical fruit juices or your favourite alcoholic beverage while dancing and enjoying the antics of the entertainers on board.  Those aboard the Pirate Assault be warned, there´s pirates in them thar seas, you may just find yourself whisked away!  The party continues at the private beach club on Isla Mujeres with a fantastic dinner buffet, continuing open bar and a great show just for you with interactive activities and games.  This is not your typical “booze cruise”, it’s so much more with professional shows, exciting stunts and the friendliest staff in town.

On a personal note, (this is a real blog written by a real person after al!) I´ve done these tours a number of times and have laughed and danced and enjoyed myself immensely.  The buffet food is the highlight for me, you should not miss the fresh fish and the spread of desserts!  I always walk away eating far more than I should, but isn´t that what party cruises are for?  I can’t sing at all but find myself running to the stage for the karaoke contest every time. You’ve got to let your hair down, embrace the silly games and allow yourself to relax and enjoy this unique experience.  Let it all hang out!

Limited time discounts on Caribbean Carnaval cruises!  Book in October 2009 for tours up to December 20, 2009  and enjoy 20% discounts on all three cruises, Caribbean Funday for only $52 USD per adult (regular price $65 USD), and Caribbean Carnaval or Pirate Assault for only $63.20 USD (regular price $79 USD).  Three great tours at great discounts, contact Dtraveller’s bilingual customer service representatives to reserve now!