The whale shark watching season ends in the Mexican Caribbean on September 17 with an succesful influx in Holbox, Quintana Roo.
According to Juan Rico Santana, president of the Tourist Cooperatives in Holbox, August was the month with the greatest influx of tourists.
Now, in the season finale, a decrease in the occupancy of this activity has been noticed.
“Most visitors who prefer this tour are European and national,” commented Santana, and highlighted the great demand for this marine spectacle.
According to the captains of the boats, who have been on this tour for many years, they have not seen the whale shark so close to Holbox Island for several years.
This year, the trajectory of the largest fish in the world moved closer to the island, specifically between the north of Cabo Catoche and Contoy Island.
This phenomenon was beneficial for operators since fuel consumption was significantly reduced. Sector operators stated that in previous seasons they had to travel out to sea to locate the marine giants.
“It is an encouraging fact, that things are being done well, in a sustainable way,” commented one of the captains.
In addition to swimming alongside the whale shark, tourists can enjoy other marine wonders along the way to the sightings.
Manta rays, turtles, dolphins, and jellyfish accompany the trip, which enriches the experience.
According to Rico Santana, between 20 and 25 whale shark specimens were sighted on the daily outings, which began at 7:00 in the morning.
The tour, which lasted between an hour and an hour and a half, allowed tourists to swim alongside fish that feed on plankton and pose no danger to humans.
“After the sighting, we take the tourists to the reefs and end the tour in a fishermen’s camp where they taste a delicious ceviche,” Santana added.
The Whale Shark Biosphere Reserve covers an area of approximately 146 thousand maritime hectares that extend from Contoy Island to Ascension Bay, including the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area.
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