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Whale Shark Tour in Cancun

16 September, 2021

The Whale Shark is the biggest fish in the world, could you imagine that? If you visit Cancun you'll find tons of different tours, but, the Whale Shark Tour is the most anticipated during the year. In this post, we are going to tell you everything about this!

 

The Whale Shark

 

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and are the only members of the prehistoric Rhincodontida family. Scientists believe that the whale shark species originated around 60 million years ago. These large fish are usually considered by those who study them as the friendliest giants in the ocean thanks to their peaceful nature and their diet of microscopic plankton and ocean nekton. Whale sharks inhabit the open seas of the world's tropical oceans and are rarely found in seas with temperatures below 21 ° C (70 ° F). They are classified as endangered species.

 

the whale shark

 

The average length of a whale shark is approximately 10 meters (32.8 feet). Although specimens have been reported that considerably exceed this measure. In fact, the largest whale shark ever measured was found off the coast of Pakistan and measured 12.65 meters (41.50 feet).

 

Its immense gray or dark blue body is covered by circular spots on the upper part and vertical and horizontal lines. In addition, its peaceful nature means that the proximity of the divers is not seen by the whale shark as a threat, which allows you to swim with them in complete safety.

 

Whale Shark season in Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula

 

Whale Sharks are always looking for warm waters, fortunately, the Mexican Caribbean has it most of the year. But the Whale Shark season in the Yucatan Peninsula goes from June to September. So, if you come to Cancun during those months, it is guaranteed that you'll find one of these amazing species on your tour. 

 

Holbox Island, Isla Mujeres, and Contoy Island are the main destinations where the tour departs to open waters in the search of these big fishes.

 

Whale shark tour cancun

 

Whale Shark Tour in Cancun

 

There are different agencies that offer Whale Shark tours, the tours have different amenities depending on the company. However, most of them offer round-trip transportation from your hotel to the pier where the boat sails out.

 

The Whale Shark tour includes all the snorkeling equipment, and also life vests. Some of them include a box lunch in the morning to start the journey. Once in the boat, the tour will take you to the northern part of Isla Mujeres where the guide will find the best spot to carry out the activity. 

 

snorkeling with the whale shark in cancun

 

You'll really enjoy the boat ride since you'll be sailing through the unique and splendid Caribbean sea. Admire the gorgeous turquoise blue, as we ahead to an unforgettable experience, during the journey you see birds, and if you are luck turtles, but if you are lucky enough dolphins might appear. 

 

Once on the spot, the guide will provide you with some instructions that you must follow, since this activity is regulated by the local authorities in order to protect these fantastic animals. Only one couple will descend from the boat at the same time to swim with the whale shark, respecting the guidelines provided. And this is how it works.

IMPORTANT: Do not bother or get too close to the whale sharks, this is in order to avoid stressing the animals. They are very sensitive and we want them to continue visiting us year after year. Please respect this gentle giants.

 

The next stop is for snorkeling time in Cancun a near reef, some tours also include snacks or food that are normally taken in Isla Mujeres. And this is how a fantastic Whale Shark tour ends.

 

Now you have all the details for making this great activity in Cancun.

 

Read our last blog post:  Top Islands in the Mexican Caribbean

 

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