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 more than 40 feet (13 meters) as well as a mass in surplus of 21 tons. Whale Sharks come back to the waters around Holbox year after year due to the unique environment and timing of obtainable food which occurs each spring and continues through nearly all of the summer season.
The Whale Shark is a filter feeding fish with a primary food intake of plankton and other microscopic plants and animals and has been observed on occasion feeding on very diminutive schooling fish. The conditions around Isla Holbox are idyllic throughout the summer months as it is uniquely situated close to the merger points of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. This fusion of three oceans creates a wealthy cyclic explosion of life.
The Whale Shark poses no risk to humans on a snorkel or diving expedition. In actuality, it is a brilliant occasion to change the incorrect perception that sharks are man eaters. The Whale Sharks surrounding the Island of Holbox actually appear to enjoy and welcome the human interaction and are rather gentle and leisurely moving. The experience of swimming with these magnificent fish is awe inspiring.
Isla Holbox presents the perfect and closest land location in the world to experience an encounter with these very large majestic 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 usual Whale Shark swimming encounter necessitates simply a snorkel, fins and mask though most tour operators also require and provide a life vest. Subsequent to a briefing on guidelines and safety, you will receive an early morning boat ride from Holbox Island to the feeding areas of the Whale Sharks where they lazily graze on plankton close to the surface. You are then escorted in small groups or pairs with your biologist tour 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 measured swimming pace of the Whale Shark makes access to these impressive fish easy for most people, children as young as 5 years of age and as old as 90 have swam with the Whale Sharks. The open interaction with these astounding creatures is a once in a lifetime occurrence. Getting to the sharks is an experience in itself with schools of dolphin regular and a range of tropical birds including; Flamingos, Pelicans, Cranes and a wealth of others indigenous to the area.
If you are interested in this amazing encounter, there are a number of wonderful Holbox island 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 trip operators. Golf carts are the chosen mode of transportation on this sleepy Tropical Isle and biological playground.
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