Swimming With Whale Sharks: An Unforgettable Experience

If you are a lover of the sea and nature, swimming with whale sharks in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea is something that has to be on your bucket list.

When to do it

These majestic animals come every year to the surroundings of Isla Mujeres and Holbox in search of nutrients from their waters. They start arriving in May and stay until September, with July and August being the best months for swimming.  

How to do it

It is necessary to book a tour with a certified guide that will take you with them, since generally, you can find them an hour and a half away from the shore. You will find many different operators that offer this tour, most of them include: snorkeling equipment, water, soft drinks and snacks, a guide, and sometimes, in addition to taking you swimming with the whale shark, they also take you to other points where you can see manta rays and even dolphins. This activity is very popular and places sell out quickly, so if you want to be sure it is best to book several days in advance. You can do it online or in person when you arrive on the island at one of the numerous agencies that sell it. It costs 150 USD (3,000 pesos) for adults and 120 USD (2,400) for children.  

Who can do it

Whale sharks can be as big as 39 feet long (12 meters) and swim very fast; it is important to have good physical condition since swimming with them in the open sea can be extremely tiring. Young children and the elderly should consult a guide beforehand to make sure they are fit for the experience. Furthermore, the trip on the boat tour is done at a medium speed but the waves can be uncomfortable for people who suffer from pain in the back, neck and other extremities. Besides these restrictions, it is a highly recommended activity for everyone.  

Lastly

Finally, I’d like to emphasize that although these animals are harmless to humans, they are still wild animals and it is imperative to respect them, so we must always follow the rules that are indicated so that we can protect them in the future and the new generations can also enjoy and learn from them. I hope this description awakens your curiosity about these magnificent creatures! The tour is worth every penny and if you decide to take on this incredible adventure, it’s something that surely you will never forget.