When can you swim with whale sharks in Mexico?
When to swim with whale sharks in Mexico depends on what part of the country you intend to visit. Near the Yucatan Peninsula, whale shark season ranges from June to September, while the whale shark season in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula occurs from winter to early spring.
What is the shark season in Cancun Mexico?
The season runs from June through September. This is when the sharks are abundant in waters around Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, and Isla Holbox. The peak months are July and August. In the spring whale sharks can also be found feeding in the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez along the Pacific coast. Share.
When is the best time to see Sharks in Baja California?
In Baja California, you can also see whale sharks from November to May. Whale watching tours are offered in Los Cabos. One of the best places to go snorkeling with gentle giants is fish-rich Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. The season runs from November to May, with spring month being the peak time.
Are whale shark trips in Cancun legal or illegal?
Outside of this period, whale shark trips are illegal. The peak of the whale shark Cancun season is during July and August. During this great time to swim with whale sharks in Cancun, you can see 30 to 40 specimens in one excursion near Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox.
When is the best time to swim with whale sharks in Mexico?
When is whale watching season in Los Cabos?
Can you dive with whale sharks in Mexico?
Whale sharks are very docile and gentle, do not get scared when they are approaching divers or swimmers. You have the possibility with us do the best snorkeling tour swimming with the whale sharks in Mexico from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Tulum, Akumal, Holbox island or Isla Mujeres.
What is the best month to swim with whale sharks?
Best Time to Swim with a Whale Shark. The good news is that the likelihood of swimming with a whale shark on your first tour is around 95% success rate from very late March to late July each year.
When can you swim with whales in Mexico?
Mexico is one of the world's best destinations to swim with whale sharks, as hundreds of these huge fish remain in the waters of the Yucatan Peninsula. The season runs from June through September. This is when the sharks are abundant in waters around Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, and Isla Holbox.
When can you swim with whale sharks in Cancun?
Whale Shark Season in Cancun The best time to see and snorkel with whale sharks in Cancun is from June to September, experience one of the biggest whale shark migrations in the world. With more than 20 years of whale shark experience in Cancun and Isla Mujeres, we guarantee you will have a great time.
Are there whale sharks in Puerto Vallarta?
Diving in Puerto Vallarta is known for close encounters with giant mantas, dolphins and schools of jacks. Lucky scuba divers can swim with whale sharks, eagle rays, hammerhead sharks and sailfish in the open ocean.
Where is the best diving in Mexico?
Mexico's BEST DIVING SPOTSIsla Guadalupe - Thrilling Great White Shark Encounters at Guadalupe Island.Northern Sea of Cortez - Huge Diversity of Unique Marine Life.La Paz - Pelagics Galore.Cabo San Lucas & Cabo Pulmo - Diving and Snorkeling for Everyone.Chinchorro Banks - Unexplored Reef in Pristine Condition.More items...
Is it worth swimming with whale sharks?
Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef is the experience of a lifetime, and a must-do when you're visiting the region. Ningaloo Reef is the world's largest fringing reef. Being in the water with the world's biggest fish is exhilarating and serene all at the same time. It's simultaneously awesome and humbling.
How far are whale sharks from Isla Mujeres?
1 to 1 ½ hoursThe whale shark area is 1 to 1 ½ hours away from Isla Mujeres and approximately 60 square miles, so it may take time to locate them. Only swimming and snorkelling are allowed, no diving. Our experienced captain and crew have the required whale shark certifications and marine biology courses and are fully bilingual.
What time of year can you swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef?
Swim with the largest fish in the ocean, the Whale Shark, every year between mid-March and mid-July in the Ningaloo Marine Park following the mass spawning of coral. Tours are accessible from Coral Bay and Exmouth on Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef.
Where is the best place to dive with whale sharks?
Seven Best Places to Swim with Whale SharksHolbox, Mexico and Isla Contoy, Mexico. ... Gladden Spit, Belize. ... Tanzania. ... Honda Bay, Palawan, Philippines. ... Utila, Honduras. ... Australia.
What is the best time to visit Ningaloo Reef?
When is the best time to visit Ningaloo reef? Ningaloo Reef has something to offer all year round, but the absolute best weather months (in our opinion) are mid March, May, June, September and October. In these months the water is warm, weather patterns are consistent and it's not too busy.
What time of year are the whale sharks in Exmouth?
Reef Life. The Ningaloo Reef's Whale Shark season starts in March and runs through to August where they are spotted almost on a daily basis. Although rare, these gentle giants of the sea can sometimes be spotted later in the year during our Ningaloo Eco Experience tours.
How long is a whale shark tour in Mexico?
7-12 hours (Depending on your place of departure)Duration 7-12 hours (Depending on your place of departure) Private Whale Shark Tour. Join Mexico Whale Shark for a private whale shark tour! Have the whole boat to yourselves and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience swimming with whale sharks on an unforgettable tour.
How to find whale sharks?
It is important to be aware that in order to find and see the whale sharks we go out to open waters and sometimes it is rough. Most of the time the conditions are very good or perfect and everything goes well but as we all know the sea changes every minute and the conditions are sometimes not that good including rough sea and rain.
What do whale sharks eat?
The whale shark has nothing in common with whales except for its size and the fact that only eats tiny plankton that gathers with his mouth open. Normally it feeds on the surface or slightly below this. Whale sharks are viviparous animals and sometimes see young calves swimming with the elderly.
Is a whale shark dangerous?
The whale sharks are animals that live in the sea they are not dangerous at all but their behavior is unpredictable, we very often see 60 or more of them along with manta rays, dolphins or sea turtles and sometimes only one of them or none.
When is the best time to see whale sharks in Mexico?
You’ll have the best chance of seeing whale sharks in the Mexican Caribbean if you visit between mid-June and August.
When can you see whale sharks in La Paz?
Between October and February, it’s rare not to see whale sharks on a La Paz tour. Another advantage of choosing La Paz for your whale shark experience is how carefully the interactions are monitored in the refuge. Boats have to radio in and out of the whale shark zones and take their turns, so there’s no overcrowding. Only boats with certified operators are allowed to enter the zones, with no private vessels allowed.
Why do whale sharks have sensitive bellies?
It’s perhaps because the sharks think the underwater humans are dolphins, which have been spotted ramming the sharks’ bellies.
How fast do whale sharks swim?
Whale sharks swim at about three miles per hour and humans at about two, so you can keep up with one for a few minutes before it smoothly glides away in search of more plankton. Keeping your distance from whale sharks helps protect both of you.
How big is a whale shark?
Whale sharks are usually between 18 and 32 feet long — though one was measured at almost 62 feet — and weigh about 20 tons. They mostly ignore those who swim around them, that is, if you follow the rules in place to protect them.
Why are there rules on whale sharks?
The rules aim to protect and minimize disruption to the sharks. They limit the number of boats and people that can approach, the size and speed of boats, and the distance you must keep between you and the animal. The rules even restrict tour boats to specific hours so that the whale sharks have daylight hours free from humans. When these rules are respected, the animals don’t seem to notice humans or their boats.
How many people can snorkel with a whale shark?
Generally, two people plus a guide are allowed to snorkel with a whale shark at a given time, so you’ll take turns with the other people on your boat. Enter the water slowly and smoothly so as not to scare the marine animal away.
Where do whale sharks live in Mexico?from diveworldwide.com
It’s around these where the annual whale shark aggregation occurs on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Hundreds of individuals (majority are adolescent males) can be seen close to surface between June and September every year, feasting on tunny eggs and more. They are joined by manta rays seen barrel rolling, vying for attention from us humans who flock to visit the Whale Shark Biosphere Reserve. It’s here that Product Manager Sarah had her first encounter with these gentle giants. A day she will never forget!
When do whale sharks come to Donsol?from lonelyplanet.com
When to go: whale sharks generally arrive between November and June, with sightings peaking from February to April. Where to stay: surprisingly, Donsol is still a sleepy town with a handful of places to stay. Try Elysia Beach Resort or Dancalan Beach Resort.
What is the biggest shark in the world?from worldatlas.com
The whale shark ( Rhincodon typus) is not only the biggest species of shark, but it is also the biggest fish in the world. Scientists also consider the whale shark to be one of the biggest vertebrates that is not a mammal.
Why are whale sharks endangered?from worldatlas.com
The specific population of whale sharks in the world is unknown; however, the IUCN listed them as endangered primarily because of human activities such as fishing and spilling oil into the ocean. The global population of whale sharks faces significant challenges, particularly in China and Oman where they are killed in large quantities to obtain oil, fins, and skins. The whale sharks often collide with ships causing injuries that in some instances are fatal. Whale sharks also face a significant challenge from large gill nets that trap them as bycatch. To increase the global population of whale sharks, the Philippines, India, and Taiwan made it illegal to fish or trade in whale shark parts. Whale sharks are also protected by keeping them in captivity where they can be nursed back to health if they are injured. When fishers capture whale sharks, some organizations offer to pay them for the fish instead of the fish being sold on the markets. One of the methods that have been suggested to try and conserve the whale sharks is through ecotourism. Due to their docile nature, people can swim alongside them which would boost tourism in the areas where they are spotted.
Why are whale sharks called whale sharks?from worldatlas.com
The species was given the name whale shark due to their huge size as well as their feeding habits which are similar to those of the baleen whales.
How are whale sharks protected?from worldatlas.com
Whale sharks are also protected by keeping them in captivity where they can be nursed back to health if they are injured. When fishers capture whale sharks, some organizations offer to pay them for the fish instead of the fish being sold on the markets.
How long do whale sharks live?from worldatlas.com
The exact lifespan of the species is unknown, but scientists estimate that they can live for approximately 70 years.
Where are whale sharks in Mexico?
If you want to know what it is like to be in the water with the whale sharks off of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, stand in the middle of the street while 30 school buses (with their hoods up) come at you from all directions. For the past decade there has been a growing awareness of whale shark congregations during the summer months around the Yucatan.
Where do whale sharks spawn in Cancun?
A second congregation has been found in the deeper waters of the Gulf about 20 to 30 miles out from Isla Mujeres just northeast of Cancun. Locally called the “Afuera” (outside), this grouping of whale sharks appears to gather to feed on huge patches of fish eggs from spawning Little Tunny/ Bonito (small Atlantic Tuna). In fact, the surface water of the ocean can become almost milky with fish eggs and the whale sharks converge on these nutrient-rich patches.
How many gallons of water can a whale shark filter?
With the ability to filter 1,500 gallons an hour, the whale sharks gorge themselves on the fish eggs. Nikon D2xs, Tokina 10-17mm at 10mm, F8, 1/160th.
What lens is used to photograph whale sharks?
Close-up of a whale shark's massive mouth. Nikon AF-S 10-24mm lens at 10mm, F8, 1/125th.
How do sharks move?
Like all sharks they do sense electrical current but they still may move ahead. The large animals have mouths four feet across. Sharks propel themselves using their entire body. This puts a lot of force in the tail. WATCH OUT FOR THE TAIL. It may look slow but it can deliver a blow. You will want a good lanyard for your camera.
Is Cancun on the horizon?
Calm waters here do not mean calm seas 20 miles out. Cancun is on the horizon.
Can sea sickness ruin a trip?
Seasickness can ruin your trip. Unless you are Captain Ahab, bring something that works for you. There is as much motion in the water as on the boat. I used Scopolamine patches for the whole trip and my spares were eagerly passed around to people who “never” got seasick.
Where to see whale sharks in Mexico?
Observing these animals in their natural habitat on the best Cozumel whale shark excursion is a must-do on your Mexico vacation. Cozumel is the third largest Mexican island, located in the Caribbean Sea just a ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen.
Where to scuba dive in Mexico?
If you have always dreamed of scuba diving in Cozumel , Mexico, you will not be disappointed. In fact, the island of Cozumel is known for its world-class scuba diving sites, featuring submerged sculptures, crystal clear waters, and marine life such as manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, and colorful fish by the dozen.
What are the animals that live in Cozumel?
You can see a variety of marine species such as turtles, tarpons, corals, lobsters, crabs and many more exotic animals and underwater plants. If you have always dreamed of scuba diving in Cozumel, Mexico, you will not be disappointed. In fact, the island of Cozumel is known for its world-class scuba diving sites, featuring submerged sculptures, ...
Can you snorkel in Cozumel?
You could choose to go swimming with dolphins, snorkeling near the shore or on a tour. For deeper adventures, book a scuba diving excursion in Cozumel, with so many options, the reefs around the island are ideal for both new and experienced divers.
When is whale shark season in Mexico?
Near the Yucatan Peninsula, whale shark season ranges from June to September, while the whale shark season in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula occurs from winter to early spring.
Where to dive with whale sharks?
Gladden Spit in Belize is another of the best places to dive with whale sharks. With about 26,000 acres (10,510ha) and 22 miles (36km) of coastline, Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes are part of a protected marine area ( GSSCMR) in Belize. Being a protected area, Gladden Spit is rich in marine life such as sea turtles, coral reefs, and colorful fish.
What animals can you see in Mozambique?
Visitors can spot manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, and, during their winter migration, humpback whales nearby. You can see all of this and whale sharks, too. If you’re ready to venture off the beaten path, be sure to plan your whale shark adventure for Tofo Beach in Mozambique.
What animals are in the winter?
During the winter, you may encounter migratory animals such as dolphins, manta rays, and humpback whales. Along the beaches, different species of sea turtles lay their eggs. In addition to this wonderful variety of marine life, scuba divers often encounter whale sharks in the region.
What are the animals that live in Ningaloo Reef?
This stunning reef is home to a plethora of fish (500 species), corals (300 species), mollusks (600 species), and many other marine invertebrates. During the winter, you may encounter migratory animals such as dolphins, manta rays, and humpback whales. Along the beaches, different species of sea turtles lay their eggs. In addition to this wonderful variety of marine life, scuba divers often encounter whale sharks in the region. Ready to dive with whale sharks in Australia? Head to Ningaloo Reef.
Where to snorkel with whale sharks in Cancun?
Isla Holbox, Isla Contoy, and Isla Mujeres – these three beautiful Mexican islands lie in the eastern part of Mexico not far from Cancun in the Caribbean Sea. Here you’ll find beautiful landscapes, the charm of Latin culture and the hospitality of the people, as well as the possibility of excellent snorkeling with whale sharks. In the past, the majority of the whale shark sightings were near Holbox, but in recent years the whale sharks seem to have moved mainly between Contoy and Isla Mujeres. Thinking about swimming with dolphins in Cancun? Skip that excursion to swim with whale sharks instead!
When is the best time to see whale sharks in Cabo San Lucas?
To give a rough timeline, November to May are generally the best months to see whale sharks in Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and elsewhere off Baja California.
When is the best time to swim with whale sharks in Mexico?
The season runs from June through September. This is when the sharks are abundant in waters around Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, and Isla Holbox. The peak months are July and August.
When is whale watching season in Los Cabos?
One of the best places to go snorkeling with gentle giants is fish-rich Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. The season runs from November to May, with spring month being the peak time.
