In the Mexican Caribbean, an activity known as the Whale Shark Cancun Tour became popular, which consists of sailing to a search area, finding and swimming with whale sharks near Cancun and Isla Mujeres coasts.
In the Yucatan Peninsula surroundings, there is an area with a lot of plankton known as the “search area”, where up to 30 whale sharks can be found at the same time since plankton is their main food source. Between this location and the migration path near Isla Mujeres is where most sightings happen.
Different agencies are offering the tour departing from specific spots, such as Holbox, Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and other destinations. Depending on the departing spot will be the time to get to the zone where participants jump into the warm clear waters of the Caribbean to start looking for whale sharks. It is an experience that many consider magical and amazing.
Whale Sharks
Whale sharks are the largest fish species in the world. It is considered a fish since it’s a shark, and like every shark, it has gills. A curious fact about these animals is that they don’t have an air bladder, an organ that allows fish to float, forcing them to be constantly moving so they won’t sink.
It is believed that they inhabit between 100 and 700 meters deep. They can weigh up to 20 tons (19,000 kg) and have a size of up to 40 feet (12 m), reaching similar proportions to a scholar bus. They begin their reproductive period from year 25 and can live up to 130 years. Another curious fact is that once born, they are sized between 40 and 60 cm. They are relatively slow-swimmers, to the point that some people can keep up the pace swimming aside them.
As their food is commonly found around the surface, they swim with the mouths open letting all the plankton, fish eggs, and micro-seaweed in. Something that gives calm to know is that their throat is as small as a golf ball, so even if they wanted to feed on humans (which they don’t, since it’s a peaceful species), they wouldn’t be able to. For this reason, at the moment to swim with them, it is important to get out of their way as they pass and allow them to feed properly.
Their skin shades from dark blue to gray tones, with white lines and dots all over their body. Sticked to their fins, it is common to find remoras (or suckerfish), which feed on the parasites on their body.
Image via Garza Blanca Resorts
Whale Shark Festival in Isla Mujeres
The Whale Shark Festival is a celebration that takes place in Isla Mujeres each year. This celebration consists of raising awareness about the importance of the largest fish in the marine ecosystem, especially during the season when they arrive at the coasts of Quintana Roo to mate, give birth, and feed.
What can be seen at the Whale Shark Festival? This festival includes exhibits, photographs, whale shark tours (swimming with the creature), children’s competitions, music, and dance. 
How to get there?
This is the location this July 2024. If you are in Cancun, you’ll get to Isla Mujeres by taking a Ferry from the Puerto Juarez Pier, the journey time from Cancun to Isla Mujeres Ferry is approximately 20 minutes.
When is the best time to swim with Whale Sharks near Cancun?
Between May and September is the best season to swim with whale sharks in the Mexican Caribbean, since it’s when there is more plankton in the year.
Suggestions
To enjoy this experience to the fullest, you can follow these suggestions:
- Learn how to use the snorkeling gear before taking the tour.
- Have a light breakfast so you can swim with no problem.
- Get used to the life-jacket or rent a neoprene suit (advanced swimmers).
- Take just the necessary stuff: Swimsuit, sunglasses, long sleeves to cover from the sun and, of course, a waterproof camera.
About the Whale Shark Cancun Tour
To live this experience is a privilege. Being on the water, everything is calm and peaceful. You may just be able to watch the deep blue of the sea, when, suddenly, their shape comes out of nowhere. In a blink, you can have these giants just by your side, and feel the honor of their presence. If you get distracted with one, another may come close without you even noticing forming little groups of up to 3 of them being close to each other. Given their dimensions, you can feel tiny when swimming by their side.
As plankton is also food for rays, these may appear swimming among whale sharks. Some of these rays can weigh up to 1 ton. A useful thing to know is that if you see rays, you are most likely to see whale sharks as well.
This tour is done early in the morning since it’s the moment of the day when most whale sharks are close to the surface. The boat is usually embarked at approximately 8:00 am, to leave the “search area” approximately at 11:00 am. A common second stop for these tours is Playa Norte at Isla Mujeres, where the boat stops in shallow waters (up to the waist) and gives the chance for participants to jump into the turquoise waters of this area.
So, are you brave enough to take the Whale Shark Cancun Tour?