The Mexican Caribbean offers incredible dive sites along the Mesoamerican Reef, the second longest reef in the world and is rich in marine life. And did you know that in addition to endless vistas of coral gardens teeming with colorful fish and impressive reef buttresses, there are amazing ocean adventures year-round just a short boat trip from Cancun? Mark your calendar for some incredible sightings of Mexican Caribbean marine life, ranging from migrating sailfish and eagle rays in the winter to sea turtles, gentle whale sharks and magnificent manta rays in the summer.
First up this month is a thrilling encounter with the fastest fish in the sea, the sailfish. Good swimmers have the chance to snorkel with hunting sailfish as they move through the Mexican Caribbean.
Sailfish Adventure
From January to June, sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) migrate through the deep water to the east of Isla Mujeres and south through the Yucatan Channel and the Cozumel trench, a deep oceanic canyon between the Riviera Maya shoreline and the island of Cozumel. They follow migrating schools of sardines, anchovies, mackerel and jacks. Their pursuit of prey is incredible to watch and they can reach speeds of over 68 miles an hour (110 kilometers per hour) when hunting.
When sailfish detect their prey, they circle and gradually close in, unfurling the dorsal fins that give them the name sailfish and using them to trap their prey. Terrified, the hunted stay together forming a shimmering bait ball designed to confuse enemies. Undeterred, the sailfish dart in from every side, tearing the bait ball apart and picking the fish off one by one using their bill to spear and slash in a graceful underwater “ballet.”
Normally gray or blue, sailfish change color when hunting; their skin pulses with iridescent stripes as they move through the water, Scientists believe that the color change is designed to disorientate their prey and warn other sailfish to keep their distance, thus avoiding collisions.
Set sail for an unforgettable voyage to the east of Contoy and Isla Mujeres to snorkel with the sailfish. Be on the look out for the flocks of frigate birds that follow the migrating fish, also a sign that sailfish are near. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and will watch from a safe distance as the sailfish hunt their prey.
During the boat ride, you may be lucky enough to spot sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins and schools of bonitos or wahoos. There has even been the occasional sighting of false killer whales.
The sailfish trip is only available in January, February and early March, before the start of the Mexican Caribbean fishing season. You must be fit and a good swimmer to take the tour. Pregnant women, minors under the age of 15 and non-swimmers are not permitted.
Spotted Eagle Ray Migration
Divers may also spot schools of migrating spotted eagle rays in the Cancun and Isla Mujeres area and along the reefs bordering the west coast of Cozumel, especially Cantarell Reef, between December and February.
Whale Shark Summer
From mid-May to mid-September there’s more Mexican marine life to be seen, it is whale shark season and time for an unforgettable encounter with the world’s largest fish, a true gentle giant.
Whale sharks migrate to area waters during the summer to feast on plankton that blooms due to warm sea temperatures and nutrients brought up from the ocean depths by upwellings of colder waters. This is the largest whale shark gathering in the world and several years ago the Mexican Government declared the feeding grounds a biosphere reserve in order to protect the species and other marine life.
Manta rays are also partial to plankton and congregate in the whale shark feeding grounds. You can sometimes see these beautiful creatures breach the surface, literally flying through the air.
Sea Turtle Season
Divers and snorkelers see green, loggerhead and hawksbill sea turtles swimming near area reefs year-round in the Mexican Caribbean, but sightings are all the more frequent in the summer as the females come ashore to lay their eggs.
Turtle nesting season starts in May and later in the summer you may spot the tiny hatchlings on their madcap dash into the waves to begin life at sea.
Golden Cownose Rays
In late fall, schools of golden or cownose rays, sometimes in their thousands, migrate south from Florida across the Gulf of Mexico to the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and are often seen near the island of Holbox.
For information on eco trips to see Mexican Caribbean marine life, scuba and snorkeling tours and more, contact Thomas More Travel, email: tourdesk@royalresorts.com
