Is it safe to swim with whale sharks in Cancun?
Treat yourself to the ultimate vacation by swimming with whale sharks in Cancún, Quintana Roo. Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish (as measured by weight and length) yet they’re harmless and it’s safe to swim with them. Just remember that these gentle giants should not be touched.
Are there shark nets in Cancun?
There are no shark nets on Cancun beaches. What Kind of Sharks Are There In Cancun? Aside of timeshare sharks at the Cancun Airport, the Caribbean is host to around 40 different species of shark. This includes the small dogfish kind and several other species that are very similar in nature or rare.
Are there Sharks in the waters around Cancun?
There are sharks in the waters around Cancun, with Forbes even recognizing Cancun as one of the world’s most shark-infested beaches. The tiger shark and bull shark are the most common inhabitants of the waters surrounding the Yucatan peninsula resort city.
Are whale sharks harmless to whale?
Yes, you heard it right. Whale Sharks are sharks, not whales. Therefore they are fish not mammals. But before you start panicking when you see them swim your way, best know that these sharks are the “Gentle Giants” of the ocean. Meaning, they pose no harm and threat to SCUBA divers and to humans in general.
What time of year can you swim with whale sharks 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.
Where are the sharks in Cancun?
The nearby Isla Mujeres is a hotspot of activity, attracting an abundance of whale sharks and Caribbean reef sharks. The best time to see sharks in Cancun is between May and September. During these months, whale sharks pass by pursuing their migratory plankton food source.
Can you see whales in Cancun?
Cancun is one of the best places in the world to view whale sharks all year round and this half-day tour from Tulum offers…
Where is the best place to find whale sharks?
Mexico. Easily accessible from both the United States and Europe, Mexico is one of the lucky locations to be graced by whale sharks. ... Belize. Gladden Spit in Belize is another of the best places to dive with whale sharks. ... The Philippines. ... Tanzania. ... Australia. ... The Maldives. ... Mozambique. ... The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.More items...•
Is Cancun shark infested?
Cancun is not one of those. There are a (very) few observation towers located along Cancun beaches to ensure lifeguards have an elevated view of people enjoying the water. But that is more as a general water safety precaution than a specific shark attack threat. There are no shark nets on Cancun beaches.
Are there crocodiles in the ocean in Cancun?
Contrary to what might seem, the crocodiles located in the Nichupté Lagoon in Cancun's Hotel Zone are harmless to tourists, said Javier Carvallar Osorio, in charge of the conservation program of the Onca Maya A.C. organization.
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks in Cancun?
1) Are Whale Sharks Dangerous? Yes, Whale Sharks are considered a part of the shark family, but no, Whale Sharks are not dangerous. These gentle giants are very docile and extremely agreeable to swimming alongside humans. In fact, they are not very shark-like at all.
Can you find shark teeth in Cancun?
Sharks and sand dollars can be found all throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. And so can the things they leave behind. When combing the beaches of Cancun, visitors can be sure to find shark teeth, sand dollars, and a variety of other shells hiding out in the sand.
Where are the whale sharks in Mexico?
Whale sharks are seen in Mexico's Sea of Cortez throughout the year, but the fish are much easier to find between October and February. In the Mexican Caribbean, whale sharks congregate north of Cancún along the Yucatán Peninsula from mid-May to mid-September.
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.
Has a whale shark ever eaten a human?
A whale shark has never eaten a person While they do have 300 rows of teeth in their giant mouths, whale sharks don't use them for eating. Each of their 3,000 teeth is tiny—less than half the size of an aspirin—and marine biologists aren't even sure of their purpose. Whale sharks are filter feeders, like baleen whales.
When can you see whale sharks in Mexico?
Whale shark season in Cancun typically falls between May and April, however, the peak whale shark season takes place between July and August. So if you want your best chance of seeing a whale shark in Cancun, July through August is your best bet. Whale sharks leave Cancun about mid September.
Are there great white sharks near Cancun?
While some of the dive shops in Cancun say they cage dive with great white sharks out of Playa del Carmen, it is only Guadalupe Island that offers great white shark cage diving in clear blue water with 100 150 foot visibility.
Are there tiger sharks in Cancun?
There are, in fact, sharks in Cancún, but this is not a common occurrence, nor is it something worth worrying about. Sharks exist in all the seas and oceans. The Dead Sea is the only exception because it is too salty for sharks. Some live in the Arctic as well, but very few exist there.
Is it safe to snorkel in Cancun?
Cancun's waves attract surfers from all over the world, but can be treacherous for a snorkeler. When the surf is high, areas otherwise great for snorkeling can be very dangerous, pushing snorkelers underwater and holding them under for extended periods.
Can you find shark teeth in Cancun?
Sharks and sand dollars can be found all throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. And so can the things they leave behind. When combing the beaches of Cancun, visitors can be sure to find shark teeth, sand dollars, and a variety of other shells hiding out in the sand.
When does whale shark season start?
Hello, the season will start on May 17th, it is impossible to start earlier has nobody has permits, the whale sharks are never here before the end of April anyway- Best regards.
How long did it take to dive with a whale shark?
Each time we were able to swim alongside a whale shark and several manta rays. She was also there to assist the weaker swimmers. Each dive was about 10-15 minutes (and we went in twice). Isaac, the captain, was great in signalling Cindy as to where whale sharks were and moving the boat accordingly.
Where to go to see whale sharks?
Join us in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Tulum – Akumal, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, or Holbox for a unique addition to your next vacation. Just select your location and book online to explore the underwater world of the whale shark!
How many people can swim with whale sharks?
Prefer a private tour! Take you and your group of up to 10 on the ultimate swimming with whale sharks adventure.
Where do the whale sharks tours leave from?
The tours for these underwater marvels leave from many different places. The most popular ones can be found in Cancun, Holbox, and Isla Mujeres. These tours leave at around 9 in the morning, and usually take a whole day (which means a delicious lunch on the sea!). Below, I’ll tell you briefly about the tours leaving from the places I mentioned.
How big are whale sharks?
These majestic creatures can grow as much as 40 feet long, but their average length is somewhere between 18 to 32 feet; on average, they weigh around 20 tons.
How far away should you swim from a whale shark?
Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from the whale sharks, and don’t swim under them. They’re docile and not dangerous, but you can easily hurt them without even knowing it.
Can you swim with whale sharks in Cancun?
The tours in Cancun to swim with whale sharks are all organized by expert fishermen or authorities dedicated to the preservation of these species in order to make the experience safe for both you and the whale sharks.
Where Can You See Whale Sharks In Mexico?
And, if you’re planning a trip to Cancún at the right moment, you’ll potentially see dozens of the hundreds present in the Yucatán Peninsula.
When Can You See Whale Sharks In Isla Mujeres?
If you’re looking for an adventure in paradise with whale sharks, then stop by Isla Mujeres. The Mexican Caribbean offers the perfect summer vacation and, of course, a chance to swim with them.
What do whale sharks eat?
Whale sharks eat plankton, small shrimp, and some deep-sea fish. With a diet limited to tiny organisms that we can barely see with the naked eye they pose no risk to humans at all.
Where is the whale shark festival?
Also, Isla Mujeres is home to the Whale Shark Festival. This is one of the best events and activities to enjoy the giants in the world.
Which country has the largest whale shark population?
Mexico has the largest population of whale sharks in all the world. Of course, that is only one reason to travel there.
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks?
Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish (as measured by weight and length) yet they’re harmless and it’s safe to swim with them.
Where do whale sharks live in Mexico?
They come around Cancun to feed on plankton, which is normally abundant around Isla Mujeres, Holbox, and Contoy—right at the parting of the Carribean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
Where is the most famous shark in Mexico?
Isla Holbox is perhaps the most famous whale shark spot. Being Quintana Roo’s northernmost point, it is located about 150 km (93 mi) from Cancun and an additional 20 minutes by boat from mainland Mexico.
When is whale shark season?
So, if you want a sure thing, then the best time to go for this kind of adventure is between mid-June and August.
The BEST Whale Shark Tours from Cancun
Cancun whale shark season goes from mid-June to mid-September and, during this time, you’ll see more tour offers than you can count.
Private Whale Sharks Tour from Cancun
If you would rather go solo and have the boat and guide all to yourself, here’s a good option.
7- Day Eco-Friendly Tours in the Cancun Area with Whale Sharks Cruise
If you’re fully invested in exploring the Yucatan Peninsula, and doing so in an eco-friendly way, you’ll appreciate these tours. They will take you to some of the absolute highlights of the region on immersive trips through its wild nature and fascinating history. Check them out.
