A priceless experience you can only enjoy through September 15th, don’t miss your chance to snorkel alongside the biggest fish in the sea, as hundreds of friendly, majestic whale sharks fill the warm waters off our coast all summer long.
Boasting one of the most robust seasonal populations of whale sharks in the world, the warms waters around the Yucatan are prime for up close and personal encounters with these majestic creatures all summer long. In fact, over 400 of these incredible creatures gathered off our coast in 2011. That said, Cancún and Playa del Carmen whale shark tours have quickly become some of the most popular in Riviera Maya.
How, When, & Where to See Them
The 2016 season lasts through September 15th, with prices ranging from $125-$210 for 6-9 hours of snorkeling, nautical sightseeing, and feasting on fresh-caught ceviche. Most leave Playa around 6am, heading for the waters off Isla Holbox, Contoy, or Mujeres, depending where the sharks are gathering. While most local outfitters offer whale shark tours this time of year, Scuba Cancún is definitely one of the best.
What Are They, Whales or Sharks?
Whale sharks are actually the world’s largest type of shark, which also makes them the biggest fish in the sea. They’re called “whales” because of their behemoth size, reaching lengths of up to 40 feet, in excess of 20 tons. Think snorkeling with one of these guys sounds scary? No worries, they’re actually what’s called “filter feeders,” meaning they use thousands of super small teeth to literally filter tiny creatures like plankton and eggs from the water. If they remind you of dinosaurs, that’s because they kind of are – the species dates back roughly 60 million years!
The 9th Annual Isla Mujeres Whale Shark Festival
Every year in mid-July, Isla Mujeres hosts a celebration of the Mexican Caribbean’s favorite summer guest. While the focus of the festival is encouraging people to join them in the water – with an emphasis on marine conservation – you can also expect plenty of live music, dancing, local art, and traditional island cuisine.
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