If you are traveling to Cancun or the Riviera Maya this summer and you love nature and the underwater world, how about swimming with the whale sharks, the gentle giants that are the world’s largest living fish? Get ready for a magical wildlife encounter that’s straight out of National Geographic.
From mid-May to mid-September, hundreds of whale sharks migrate to the northern waters of the Mexican Caribbean near the islands of Holbox, Contoy and Isla Mujeres to feed on plankton and fish roe, in what biologists say is the largest whale shark gathering in the world.
Whale sharks are great ocean wanderers, migrating thousands of miles through the tropics in search of the plankton and fish eggs that are their staple diet. They are also known as domino fish or pez domino due to their distinctive stripes and dappled markings. Each fish has its own unique pattern and taking photos of them is helping whale shark experts around the world to compile a catalog. Through the use of this international database for identification purposes and tagging sharks they can now begin to map the movements of these enigmatic creatures during the year.
Imagine snorkeling alongside a whale shark and watching as a creature the size of a bus approaches you and then swims placidly by, its gaping jaws open to scoop up the plankton. It is an awe-inspiring sight and one that wildlife watchers shouldn’t miss.
Guided small group eco trips to the whale shark feeding grounds are available through Thomas More Travel. Book online at www.thomasmoretravel.com or at the tour desk during your stay.
