Whale Shark Season Begins in Quintana Roo

Whale Shark Season Begins in Quintana Roo
Photo courtesy of Pelagic Visions – Blue H2o Cozumel

Whale Shark migration season officially started on May 15th in Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula. Whale Sharks, (or Rhincodon typus as they are known in Latin), typically arrive at the areas near Holbox and Isla Mujeres from May – September every year to feed off the plankton-rich waters. These beautiful creatures are considered an endangered migratory species, and are thusly protected by strict regulations that allow low-impact tourism only. While visitors can watch and swim with the fish, it’s an extremely regulated and protected activity.

Representatives from area tourism agencies are estimating that up to 400 whale sharks will visit the Yucatan Peninsula, and 200 of these will be around Contoy and Holbox Islands. Generally speaking, whale sharks are plankton feeders which can be found near the surface of the water during the morning hours. They are also known to eat krill, and mirco-algae.
Isla Mujeres will host heir 8th annual Whale Stark Festival in July, showcasing the achievements, traditions, and environmental splendor of Isla Mujeres and attracts over 5,000 people. The family-friendly fest encourages swimming with the whale sharks and educating visitors on the need to preserve the area’s marine ecosystem. A part of the proceeds from the festival will go to Amigos de Isla Contoy, a non-profit working to advance education on sustainable marine conservation and ecotourism in the region. For more information visit www.whalesharkfest.com.

Although Cozumel is not fortunate enough to host these wondrous animals, who can reach 14M/46 FT in length, the island is close enough to make a day trip to Isla Mujeres, Isla Controy or Holbox. Whale Shark season runs until September. Even if you’re only on the island for a few days during this time of year, consider making the once-in-a-lifetime journey.

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Laura Wilkinson

Author at Cozumel 4 You

An ex-Connecticut Yankee who has called Cozumel home for over 18 years, Laura ran away to the Caribbean years ago, bumped around the islands teaching SCUBA diving, lost some time in Jamaica, and finally stopped in Cozumel for a 2 week vacation that hasn’t ended yet. With a degree in Journalism from a fancy private college she convinced her parents to pay for, Laura writes, edits, and creates the weeklyCozumel 4 You news,social media, and promotional articles about the island, as well as moderates the Cozumel 4 You Facebook group, which currently has over 25,000 members. Her long suffering husband, Fabian, has long since resigned himself to having zero private life, as he’s been involved in her various schemes and plots since his arrival. Proud parents to a variety of rescue dogs and cats, Laura continues to be the bane of her traditional Mexican mother-in-law’s existence, as she muses her way through life in the Mexican Caribbean.
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Una ex yanqui de Connecticut quien llama hogar a Cozumel desde hace más de 15 años. Laura escapó al Caribe hace años, desplazándose de una isla a otra dando clases de BUCEO. Se dedicó a perder el tiempo en Jamaica y finalmente se detuvo en Cozumel para pasar unas vacaciones de 2 semanas que aún no terminan. Convenciendo a sus padres que pagaran una elegante universidad privada, obtuvo su título en Periodismo y Laura crea semanalmente Cozumel 4You, medios sociales y artículos promocionales sobre la Isla y también es moderadora en el grupo Cozumel 4 You en Facebook que actualmente cuenta con 25,000 miembros. Fabián, s umuy tolerante marido, desde hace mucho tiempo se resignó a no tener vida privada, pues se ha visto implicado en los diversos proyectos y planes que urde Laura. Son orgullosos padres de diversos perros y gatos rescatados. Mientras contempla su paso a través de la vida en el Caribe mexicano,Laura continúa siendo la pesadilla en la existencia de su muy tradicional suegra mexicana.

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