Whale Shark Encounters in Cancun

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Travel Report

Surreal Encounters in Cancun ©Cancun Adventures

Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

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hen I told people I had plans to go and snorkel with whale sharks, their reaction was usually, “Aren’t you afraid they will eat you?” My answer? “No.” Though they are classified as sharks, these fish are strictly filter feeders. And though their mouths gape open much wider than your body, their throats are only the size of a quarter, so swallowing you whole is not an issue. However, they are the world’s largest fish, which can be intimidating, and they can grow up to 40 feet long! But in temperament, they are gentle, non-aggressive creatures. Underwater their markings appear like glowing neon lights. The pattern is their distinctive signature; like fingerprints, no two whale shark markings are the same. To me, their front half looks more like a giant catfish, while their back half resembles a shark. It’s as if Mother Nature glued two different species together. But though they are odd, they also are really beautiful in their own way, especially

in the slow graceful way they swim. The only time you are virtually guaranteed to get to swim with them is in August, just off of Cancun, when they gather from all over to feast on a bounty of their favorite food – krill and tuna eggs. This gathering is considered a phenomenon because whale sharks are solitary animals that never travel in schools. So, though going to Mexico during our far too short summer might not be very appealing, it’s really the only time to go for this. I trusted my favorite transfer and tour operator in Mexico, AmstarDMC, to book our adventure knowing that they only use the best. I wasn’t disappointed. Our group with Cancun Adventures was tiny, and our guide was very knowledgeable. He took us literally by the hand to snorkel alongside them safely, and when a baby whale shark swam right up to us in the boat, we were over the moon! The entire day was such a magical experience that it should be on every marine life lover’s bucket list. I can’t wait to do it again next year. Continues on page XX

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