Holbox Island Is A Whale Of An Adventure
Whale Shark season is from mid May to mid September off the Coast of Holbox Island near Cancun Mexico. The largest fish in the world, the Whale Shark reaches lengths of more than 40 feet (13 meters) with a mass in surfeit of 21 tons. Whale Sharks come back to the waters in the environs of Holbox year after year due to the distinctive natural environment and timing of available food which takes place each spring and continues through the majority of the summer.
The Whale Shark is a filter feeding fish with a principal diet of plankton and other tiny plants and animals and has been observed on occasion feeding on very small schooling fish. The conditions around Isla Holbox are ideal throughout the summer months as it is uniquely situated in close proximity to the merger points of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. This union of three oceans creates a wealthy seasonal explosion of life.
The Whale Shark poses no danger to humans on a snorkel or diving expedition. In truth, it is a breathtaking occasion to alter the incorrect notion that sharks are man eaters. The Whale Sharks surrounding the Island of Holbox truly seem to enjoy and welcome the human interaction and are very gentle and leisurely moving. The experience of swimming with these magnificent fish is awe inspiring.
Isla Holbox provides the ideal and closest land location in the world to come across an encounter with these very sizeable magnificent and peaceful creatures with access only 20-60 minutes from the island by boat. Tours and expeditions from this Mexican island location have been featured by National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, Shark Diver Magazine and many others.
The average Whale Shark swimming experience requires simply a snorkel, fins and mask although most tour operators also call for and make available a life vest. Following a briefing on guidelines and safety, you will receive an early morning boat ride from Holbox Island to the feeding locations of the Whale Sharks where they languidly graze on plankton near the surface. You are then escorted in small groups or pairs with your biologist director into the water where you swim along side one of natures oldest and largest creatures, it genuinely is a Jurassic experience!
The calm and leisurely swimming pace of the Whale Shark makes contact to these great fish comfortable for most people, children as young as 5 years of age and as old as 90 have swam with the Whale Sharks. The open interaction with these astounding creatures is a once in a lifetime experience. Getting to the sharks is an journey in itself with schools of dolphin regular and a variety of tropical birds including; Flamingos, Pelicans, Cranes and a wealth of others indigenous to the area.
If you are interested in this wonderful occurrence, there are a number of fantastic isla holbox hotels ranging from luxury boutique hotels to cabanas on the beach. Isla Holbox is a gracious fishing village hosting a population of around 1500 permanent residents, mostly fishermen, hoteliers and trip operators. You will find discounted holbox island travel deals regardless of what hotel you choose. Golf carts are the chosen mode of transportation on this quiet Tropical Isle and natural playground.
