Swimming With Giant Whale Sharks

Checking Swimming With Whale Sharks From My Bucket List.

As a profound ocean enthusiast it has long been a dream of mine to swim with a shark in it’s natural habitat. though the whale shark is the most docile of all shark species, it is one the most exhilarating experiences to jump into the open ocean alongside one of these incredible giants.

Best Place to Swim With Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks had long been on my bucket list. I knew the absolute best place in North America to go and experience what these gentle giants was to head to the Cancun area every year between May and September. Licensed tour boats are taking 6-10 tourists out daily to get in the water alongside the feeding whale sharks.

The easiest thing to do is to head to where the panga boats are or walk down main street and you will be able to book a tour. I recommend talking to the expats or locals, they always know a captain ready to book a tour for you. The more people in your party the more likely you can book the boat for just your group. Otherwise plan on sharing with 2-3 other groups.

In the Water with a Whale SharK

Early on the morning of our tour, the captain, ChuCho, picked us up at our house in an old topless 1970’s VW bug. We clamoured into the car with our gear and headed over to the dock. The boat we were getting on was the Aron. A clean mid sized panga with a small bathroom and hard top bimini to block some of the hot Caribbean sun. First a stop to pick up another group and we were heading out to open water. A 20 km trip off the norther tip of Isla Mujeres into the Caribbean waters.

Every year the whale sharks arrive from different places to spend the summer feeding on the abundance of plankton and krill in the waters from May through September. It is also the time people come by the thousands to fulfil the dream of seeing one up close.

As you near the location of the whale sharks, about 40 other tour boats in various colours and capacity are moving around just as your captain is trying to find the drop zone. Immediately, the captain and guide tell you to get ready. This means getting on your snorkel and fins and being ready to jump in the water on the word go. The captain, takes you in as close as he is allowed to and then with the guide, over the side 3 of you go into the water. No time for fear or hesitation. If you are not ready forget about it, you missed that round. You literally jump in the water close to a whale shark. The guide takes you towards the big fish while the boat circles around to pick you up. It moves that fast. The fish do not stop. Often times it looks like they are coming right for you but… they just move their tail fins and move right by.

In case you are wondering there are rules. Rules you must follow.

View Whale Shark Rules.

Yes! It is as hectic! So hectic in fact one may say it is almost frantic. On this day there were fewer whale sharks than the day before. For us, only about 25 in total. With all the boats, loaded with people it was difficult to find spots. Every boat was vying for the perfect drop spot for their guests. The captain and the guide will let you get in the water 3-5 times depending on the crowds before heading back to the island. Each time is never the same as the one before. A different fish, a different angle, and definitely different lighting.

Being in the water is unlike anything I have ever imagined. The moment I jumped into the water I was overcome with a sense of awe. The first whale shark swam past me and under the boat. I was so small in comparison to that fish. Larger than the food it ate, but still so tiny. And like that the fish was gone. We swam over to where the boat wold pick us up and queued up for the next jump in the water. Through all the commotion, I was able to get in the water 3 times before our boat mates started feeling queazy. Sea sickness was setting in. I was kinda feeling it myself as we hovered waiting for the last people in the water.

Everyone is exhausted on the ride back to Isla Mujeres. I cannot help but sit back and reflect on the experience. There is a sense of something magical I am feeling. What an incredible thing. To be in the water alongside these incredible creatures. My first ever experience like that. (It wont be the last)

We drop off the other guests before the captain takes the Aron over to moar at Playa Norte. This popular tourist attraction is rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world. A beautiful white sand beach lined with palm trees, beach chairs with umbrellas and many sun soakers.

We anchored just outside the boat line, cracked open a cooler chilled bottle of Corona then jumped in the water to frolic for a bit. While we swam and snorkelled the captian made fresh white fish ceviche. My friends said it was good. I am not big on eating fish.

That day with friends was one of the best in my life.

Days after the experience lingered with me. I decided to get a tattoo on my right forearm to commemorate the experience for myself. There is a few really great shops on the island. I went one that is completely different now. The artists name was Sara.

More Whale Shark Pictures

Have you been on a bucket list adventure? I would love to hear your story!