Cancun Whale Shark Tours
In the summer months, mid May to the middle of September, the Whale Shark is a welcome visitor to the waters surrounding Cancun Mexico and provides a fantastic chance to be at one with the environment as you swim and snorkel next to these majestic sub-sea behemoths .
The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is the biggest fish in the sea and measures up to 40 feet in length with the largest individuals weighing in excess of 75,000 lbs. Despite their name and size the Whale Shark is not a Whale at all, it is a filter feeding shark which feasts upon algae and plankton. In fact, it is the traveling plankton it eats that brings this beautiful underwater giant to the beautiful azul waters of the Mexican Caribbean.
In the Cancun area of Mexico, Whale Sharks gather off the shores of Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox and offer an exciting day trip diversion for those holidaying in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
The little boats that transport you to encounter the Whale Sharks are small craft with room enough for around 10 persons plus staff , and the quantity of boats are strictly controlled by licence. It’s usually an early start (7am) returning early afternoon around 2pm . During your trip soft drinks and a light lunch is included , and many offer an open bar on the way back .
The whale sharks are more often than not easily located and once their location is pinpointed guests enter the water two at a time to swim and snorkel alongside them. This ensures that the animals are not spooked and also gives maximum opportunity for some fantastic unobstructed underwater photography. Whale Sharks travel at a velocity of just 3mph so it is easy to keep up with them. Each session lasts around 10-15 minutes per couple, and during the trip there will be 3 or 4 opportunities for a combined swim time of up to an hour per person. All swimmers must wear lifejackets and no feeding or touching of the whale sharks is permitted. Non eco-friendly sunscreen is also prohibited.
Most whale shark tour operators , including those below, also include a further stop to snorkel at a nearby reef to enjoy the colorful and varied underwater coral and fish that this particular area of the Caribbean is known for.
For more information and to make a booking please check out our Whale Shark Tours Cancun website.
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