Enjoy the thrill of this close encounter with the largest and most majestic fish in the ocean, the whale shark. Each year, between the months of June and September, whale sharks migrate to the warm, plankton rich waters off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Despite their name, their enormous size and appearance, they are docile creatures and consume only plankton. The largest fish on the planet, they grow to an average length of 12m/40ft or more!
Our journey will take us off the coast of Cancun around the islands of Isla Mujeres and Contoy, where the annual plankton bloom attracts an incomparable amount of this giant species as well as an abundance of other amazing marine life! The largest concentration of whale sharks ever, was recorded here when over 400 of them gathered to feed. Manta rays, Eagle rays, turtles and dolphins often show up as well! Whale sharks feed moving gently on the ocean’s surface, you can safely snorkel with them or watch them from the boat. Specially trained and experienced guides are on hand to brief you about applicable regulations and procedures in order to ensure these peaceful animals are not harmed. Come explore the incredible world of the whale shark and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!
Your day begins between 5:30 and 7:30 am, depending on whether you are staying in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or elsewhere along the Riviera Maya. You will be picked up at your hotel by comfortable air conditioned vans and driven to the marina at Punta Sam, North of Cancun, where you will be greeted with hot coffee, tea and snacks. After receiving a short briefing on whale shark behavior and safety, we’ll board the boat and head out to the whale shark reserve in search of our giant friends! Once we arrive you’ll enter the water in groups of two, taking turns until everyone has had plenty of time to interact with these magnificent creatures. Bring a waterproof camera for some awesome photo ops! Full snorkel gear, masks, fins and life-vests are provided to make your experience safe and comfortable, and wet suits are available for rent upon request. Once everyone has tired themselves out, we’ll have lunch on the way to the next location – the shallow waters off of Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, for some more swimming or just chilling out on the boat. While we’re in the water your guide and Captain will whip us up a delicious, fresh ceviche to satisfy our hunger for the ride back to Punta Sam. Your estimated return time to your hotel will be between 2:30 to 4:30 pm (again depending on where you are staying).
Isla Contoy National Park is located 30 km north of Isla Mujeres where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. The island waters are a rich source of nutrients that support plankton and more than 234 species of fish including sailfish, manta rays and whale sharks. Every year whale sharks migrate to the area of Isla Contoy to join these other species for a feast. The abundance of plankton, krill and sardines in the waters off this island, cause a feeding frenzy from the bottom of the food chain to the top, and you can guess who holds that position! To add to your day on the Caribbean, enjoy a view of Isla Contoy, well known for its beaches, often regarded as some of the most beautiful of the Yucatan Peninsula!