Mexico: Swimming 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. A local representative will meet you at the ferry dock transfer to your hotel. Spend rest of the day exploring the island. Overnight at Na Balam or similar for the next four nights.

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

After breakfast, head to the nearby ferry dock for your first whale shark excursion. Twenty-five miles off the coast, in deep blue waters, whale sharks come together in large numbers. 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.

Afterwards, return to the island where you’ll have the rest of the day free. Relax on world-famous Playa Norte (North Beach), shop in artisan-owned stores, or choose from a variety of restaurants for dinner. (B)

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. (B)

Day 4 - ISLA CONTOY

Head out for a snorkeling trip near Isla Contoy, one of the most important nesting areas for seabirds in the Caribbean. The island has more than 150 resident and migratory bird species and has an important sea turtle nesting beach.

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.