Swimming with the whale sharks

If you are traveling to Grand Residences this season, you can have an unforgettable encounter with gentle giants, the whale sharks that gather in the Mexican Caribbean during the summer. 

The world’s largest fish, whale sharks are great ocean wanderers, traveling thousands of miles through the tropics in search of the microscopic plankton that is their staple diet. From mid-May to mid-September, they gather in the Mexican Caribbean where sizzling summer temperatures cause plankton blooms on the sea’s surface. This attracts the whale sharks and hundreds of them feast on plankton in the waters off the islands of Holbox, Contoy and Isla Mujeres. Indeed, biologists believe that this is the largest whale shark gathering or aggregation in the world and that it isn’t only plankton that lures them, but also fish roe. It is the spawning season of a fish called the bonito (little tunny) and researchers have discovered that the whale sharks are partial to the eggs.

There are two whale shark feeding grounds. The area between the island of Holbox in the Gulf of Mexico and Cabo Catoche is known as the zona verde and is an area of upwellings of colder water from the depths of the ocean. The colder water is rich in nutrients and plankton is abundant. The zona de afuera, the deeper waters to the east of Contoy and Isla Mujeres, is a two-and-a-half-hour boat ride from Cancun. Due to the importance of this area for whale sharks and other marine species such as sailfish, marlin, manta rays, dolphins and sea turtles, the Mexican government declared part of the zone a marine biosphere reserve.

Imagine snorkeling alongside a whale shark and watching as a creature the size of a bus looms out of the depths, approaches you and then swims placidly by, its gaping jaws open to scoop up the plankton. With a final flick of the tail, it disappears into the distance, leaving you with an incredible sensation of exhilaration and of peace. It is an awe-inspiring sight and an emotional experience, one that wildlife watchers won’t want to miss.

Domino fish

Local fishermen also call whale sharks “domino” or “pez domino” a reference to their distinctive stripes and blue-grey dappled skin. Each fish has unique markings and taking photos of them is helping whale shark experts around the world to compile a catalog. Using this international database for identification purposes and by tagging sharks and using satellite tracking they can now map the movements of these enigmatic creatures during the year. Scientists working in the Mexican Caribbean were able to track one female whale shark to the deep waters off the coast of Brazil, thousands of miles to the south.

Planning your whale shark trip

Guided small group eco trips to see the whale sharks are available from Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Holbox. During the boat trip out to the whale shark feeding grounds, your guide will tell you about whale sharks and explain the whale shark rules. You must swim alongside the whale sharks, never in front and always keeping a distance of five meters from them. Do not attempt to touch whale sharks and stay away from their tails as they may flick them as they prepare to dive. Only two people per boat plus a guide are allowed in the water at one time. The use of sun products and flash photography are not permitted.

On the journey out to the whale shark area, you may spot wild dolphins and sea turtles. Huge manta rays also gather, joining whale sharks to eat plankton and they sometimes breach the water surface in spectacular flight.

Whale shark trips from Holbox

Another option for an unforgettable whale shark adventure is to plan a trip to Holbox, a beautiful island on the north coast of Quintana Roo. 

The fishing village of Holbox was the first place in the Mexican Caribbean to offer whale shark tours and here, even the wooden signs and colorful murals lining the sandy streets honor this ocean-going summer visitor. Go in search of whale sharks early in the morning and then enjoy lunch at one of the thatched restaurants on the waterfront. In the afternoon take another boat trip to explore the Yalahau Lagoon and you’ll still have time for the beach, the sunset and to discover the laidback ambiance of the island. 

Your Concierge can help you arrange a Whale Shark Trip