HOLBOX TOP 8: Swimming with the Whale Shark

The great Whale Shark is by far greatest attraction for most Holbox visitors. The Whale Shark is the largest fish in the world, reaching a length of 13 meters and a weight of 21 tons! Year after year, these amazing creatures find their home and feeding source in the waters around Holbox, from May to September.

Despite their size, there is no danger in swimming with the Whale Sharks as their diet consists of plankton and microscopic plants and fish. Now and then they will feed on very small fish but nothing bigger than that, humans are not appetizing to these “ferocious” sharks! 😉

If you take a look at a picture of a Whale Shark you won’t fail to notice the circular spots on its skin. It is for this pattern that these shark species are also known as “Domino”. There is no Whale Shark with the same skin pattern, each one is unique! If you want a “scary” fact about the Whale Shark you should know that their mouth can be up to 1.5 metres wide and is equipped with 300 to 350 rows of tiny teeth.

So how is it to swim with a Whale Shark? These animals are calm and swim slow, interacting with them is a once in a lifetime experience. The smaller members of the shark whale’s family are playful, they enjoy swimming and playing with the divers and their gentle swim allows even young children to take part of this adventure. Before getting into the water you will be provided with a snorkel, fins, a mask and a life vest.

Various hotel in the area offer Whale Shark Tours, we include some pictures of the Tour offered by Villas Paraiso del Mar.