One of the many attractions that our beautiful Riviera Maya has to offer is the possibility to swim with whale sharks. How much do you know about this majestic creature?
The whale shark is known to be the biggest fish in the ocean with up to 12.5 meters long, and it’s been said that some have seen up to 18 meters long. They are like a huge bus! It’s known that this animal prefers warm waters where it’s conducive to the growth of plankton, which is their only food; that’s right, this giant doesn’t eat animals! Which is why human approach, as long as it’s in a conscious manner and with very much respect, is possible.
The season in which this whale approaches the coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula is from May to September, with July and August being the major boom and where sightings of up to 200 specimens are achieved in the nearby waters of Holbox and Contoy Island.
This animal is under the “threatened” category according to the Official Mexican Norm NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2001, and its observation is regulated by organisms and national laws. For humanity’s fortune, it is possible for almost anybody to have a sure approach with this imposing, inoffensive, and also helpless species.
In all of the Riviera Maya, it is possible to find specialized tour operators so you can have the opportunity of living this unique and maybe unrepeatable experience, now that it’s a reality that this natural phenomenon is such an attraction to the tourism of the world that it’s fallen into overexploitation and it’s said that each year there are fewer sharks that visit us. Based on how things are, these tours will probably soon be canceled.
We are for the observation and preservation of this species, because the more we understand them, the better we coexist with them, so if you decide to take a tour to see them, consider the following:
You are a stranger in their world and they’re letting you in; like a good guest respect their house and their rules.
Follow word for word the indications the guide gives you, don’t try anything adventurous (meaning don’t try anything stupid).
To have the best experience, reserve your trip with time in advance; don’t expect to have the same service, time and space during the high season than in low season; you have several months to visit them, don’t leave it to the last minute.
Never try to touch or interact with the whale sharks more than is allowed, don’t forget that they act on instinct and like any animal, they could react to feeling threatened.
Investigate and learn everything you can about the whale shark before and after you visit them, surely your experience will be so much better.
What do you think about this kind of travels? Would you like to visit the shark whale?
