The 2013 Whale Shark Season has officially started in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula! Beginning May 15th and ending September 1st, whale sharks migrate from around the world to the warm, tropical waters of the Mexican-Caribbean Sea.
The start of the season is always highly anticipated because it means that adventurers have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with these giant creatures in their natural habitat. Although whale sharks are the largest fish in the world and grow to be over 40 feet in length and 15 tons heavy, they pose absolutely no threat to humans. They are slow moving, docil animals that feed mostly on plankton, completely harmless to those that join them for a swim.
The waters surrounding Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox, and Isla Contoy are known to have some of the densest populations during this period. In 2011, Mexico recorded the largest aggregation of whales sharks ever, with more than 400 gathering in one place to feed!
If you’re thinking about swimming with whale sharks this year, here are some tips, or check out our Swim with Whale Sharks & Visit Ancient Ruins Tour.