Whale Shark season is from mid May to mid September off the Coast of Holbox Island near Cancun Mexico. The largest fish in the world, the Whale Shark reaches lengths of greater than 40 feet (13 meters) as well as a weight in surfeit of 21 tons. Whale Sharks come back to the waters around Holbox year after year due to the rare ecosystem and timing of accessible food which occurs every spring and continues all through the majority of the summer.
The Whale Shark is a filter feeding fish with a primary diet of plankton and other tiny plants and animals and has been observed on occasion feeding on incredibly small schooling fish. The surroundings around Isla Holbox are perfect throughout the summer months as it is uniquely located close to the joining points of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. This union of three oceans produces a prosperous seasonal explosion of life.
The Whale Shark poses no risk to humans on a snorkel or diving expedition. In reality, it is a wonderful occasion to alter the incorrect belief that sharks are man eaters. The Whale Sharks around the Island of Holbox truly appear to take pleasure in and appreciate the human interaction and are very gentle and slow moving. The experience of swimming with these magnificent fish is awe inspiring.
Isla Holbox presents the ideal and closest land location in the world to experience an encounter with these very sizeable splendid and peaceful creatures with access only 20-60 minutes from the island by boat. Tours and expeditions from this Mexican island location have been featured by National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, Shark Diver Magazine and many others.
The average Whale Shark swimming experience requires simply a snorkel, fins and mask although most whale shark tour operators also insist on and make available a life vest. Subsequent to a briefing on suggestions and safety, you will receive an early morning boat ride from Holbox Island to the feeding locations of the Whale Sharks where they lazily graze on plankton near the surface. You are then escorted in small groups or pairs with your biologist guide into the water where you swim along side one of natures oldest and largest creatures, it really is a Jurassic experience!
The calm and slow swimming pace of the Whale Shark makes access to these impressive fish comfortable for most people, children as young as 5 years of age and as old as 90 have swam with the Whale Sharks. The candid interaction with these incredible animals is a once in a lifetime experience. Getting to the sharks is an adventure in itself with schools of dolphin common and a range of tropical birds including; Flamingos, Pelicans, Cranes and a wealth of others local to the area.
If you are interested in this incredible encounter, there are a number of fantastic Holbox hotels ranging from luxurious boutique hotels to cabanas on the beach. Isla Holbox is a welcoming fishing village hosting a populace of around 1500 permanent residents, mostly fishermen, hoteliers and excursion operators. Golf carts are the number one mode of transportation on this peaceful Tropical Island and ecological playground.