subject: A Whale Shark Adventure in Cancun [print this page] A Whale Shark Adventure in Cancun A Whale Shark Adventure in Cancun
In the summer months, mid May to the middle of September, the Whale Shark is a welcome visitor to the waters around Cancun Mexico and offers a great opportunity to be at one with nature as you swim and snorkel alongside these majestic underwater behemoths .
The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish in the sea and grows up to 40 feet in length with the biggest ones weighing over 75,000 lbs. Despite its name and size the Whale Shark is far from a Whale at all, it is a filter feeding shark which feasts upon algae and plankton. In fact, it is the traveling plankton it feeds upon that brings this fantastic creature to the beautiful azul waters of the Mexican Caribbean.
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In the Cancun area of Mexico, Whale Sharks gather near to the shores of Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox and afford a great day trip option for those who vacation in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
The small boats that take you to see the Whale Sharks are small craft with capacity for around 10 people plus staff , and the quantity of craft are strictly controlled by licence. It's generally an early start (7am) and you'll return in the early afternoon around 2pm . During your tour soft drinks and a light meal is included , and many offer an open bar on the way back .
The whale sharks are usually easily located and once they are sighted guests enter the water two at a time to swim and snorkel alongside them. This ensures that the animals are not frightened and also ensures maximum time for some fantastic unobstructed underwater photography. Whale Sharks travel at a speed of only 3mph so it is not a problem to stay alongside them. Each session lasts around 10-15 minutes per couple, and during the trip there will be 3 or 4 opportunities for a total swim time of up to one hour per person. All participants must wear lifejackets and no feeding or touching of the whale sharks is allowed . Non eco-friendly sunscreen is also prohibited.
Most whale shark tour providers , including those below, also provide a further stop to snorkel at a nearby reef to enjoy the colorful and abundant underwater coral and fish that this area of the Caribbean is renowned for.
