Mexico: Swim with Whale Sharks

ITINERARY

Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN ISLA MUJERES

Transfer from Cancun Airport to Gran Puerto Ferry Terminal for a 20 minute ferry ride to Isla Mujeres. Spend rest of the day exploring the island. Overnight at Ixchel Beach Hotel or similar.

Whale Sharks ~ The gigantic whale shark, known locally as “domino”, is the largest fish on the planet. One of three filter-feeding sharks, whale sharks feed on krill, fish eggs, crab larvae, and jellyfish. They open their mouth wide to optimize feeding and also feed via suction while vertical in the water. Even though the whale shark has a sizable mouth, it doesn't have the large, sharp teeth characteristic of most sharks.

Day 2 - WHALE SHARK TOUR

Early this morning, you’ll be met at the Nautibeach ferry dock for your first whale shark adventure. Twenty-five miles off the coast, in deep blue waters abundant with plankton, whale sharks have come together in large numbers for their annual aggregation. You have the opportunity to swim with these gentle giants as they glide close to the surface, mouth wide open like a vacuum, filtering food from the water.

After your whale shark adventure, you’ll return to Isla where you’ll have the rest of the day to explore. You can relax on world-famous Playa Norte (North Beach), shop in artisan-owned stores, or choose from a surprising array of intimate restaurants for dinner out on the town. Overnight at Ixchel Beach Hotel or similar.

Day 3 - WHALE SHARK TOUR

Today, you’ll have another opportunity swim with whale sharks as no two days are alike. The rest of the day is free to rent a golf cart or bike to check out the south end of the island. Overnight at Ixchel Beach Hotel or similar.

Day 4 - UNDERWATER SCULPTURE MUSEUM

Today, you'll have the opportunity to go snorkeling at MUSA (Museo Subacuatico de Arte) and Manchones Reef. MUSA is an innovative project - the underwater sculptures are designed to encourage coral growth and reef formation. Overnight at Ixchel Beach Hotel or similar.

Day 5 - RETURN HOME

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue your stay with an extension to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Optional Extension

Due to its proximity to the Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres is a great starting point for discovering the Yucatan's diverse cultural, archaeological, and biological diversity.