Description

Snorkeling with whale sharks

an indescribable snorkeling experience!

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world. It can only be sighted in a few places on our planet under guarantee. That’s exactly why you shouldn’t miss this snorkeling with whale sharks experience during your visit to the Yucatan Peninsula. Because we have here the best place in the world to snorkel with whale sharks.

The best period of the year for this adventure is from the beginning of June to the end of September. This is because the water is warmest in the Caribbean and therefore during this time we can observe probably the largest population of whale sharks in the world. Whale sharks are mysterious and usually solitary animals that follow the plankton currents of our planet. However, large aggregations of up to 300 animals are possible here.

Things to know about our “Snorkeling Whale Sharks Tour

Although the whale shark belongs to the shark family, it is absolutely harmless to us humans. Whale sharks filter the water through their 5 gills and thus take in enough food and oxygen. Like sharks, they date back to the time of the dinosaurs. Their history thus began more than 450 million years ago, long before land vertebrates existed.

Sharks and all ray species have a cartilaginous skeleton, unlike the rest of the fish species. Fish have a bony skeleton. An adult whale shark is about 10 meters long and weighs about 10 tons. Their entire body surface is covered with white dots. This feature can be compared to our fingerprints, because the arrangement of these dots is different for each individual animal. You may even notice this yourself while snorkeling with the whale sharks!

Unfortunately, the biggest enemy of the whale shark is man, which is why nowadays this is threatened with extinction. In order not to cause significant stress to the animals, diving with the animals is prohibited. We will always be at the surface to swim and snorkel with the giants.

To protect the whale sharks, we follow these rules when snorkeling:

• The whale sharks may not be touched.
• The max. Number per guide is 2 persons and up to 3 jumps per person are possible.
• Photos and videos may generally only be taken without flash.

Our whale shark excursion starts early in the morning. You will be picked up directly at your hotel on the Riviera Maya and then you will go to Cancun. There our boat is already waiting for you, where there is room for 10 people. We head north and after passing Isla Contoy, we keep an eye out for the whale sharks and look forward to snorkeling!

The boats are equipped with all safety utensils. In addition to life jackets and snorkeling equipment, we have cold drinks and, for safety, medicines on board. When we find the perfect spot to swim with the animals, you jump into the water with our english speaking guide and a partner and the adventure begins. You will be able to follow the whale sharks with ease as they majestically glide slowly through the water. With a little luck you will also meet manta rays, turtles or dolphins.

After enjoying some time with the whale sharks, we continue towards Isla Mujeres or Isla Contoy. On one of the two islands you can relax after this experience and let the impressions work on you. Cool drinks and a snack are provided on the boat and you can just enjoy your stay! Completely relaxed we will make our way back to Cancun and of course we will bring you back directly to your hotel.