During the whale shark season from May until September, the whale sharks come to Isla Contoy to feed on plankton. Isla Contoy National park is located 30 km north of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. Because rich nutrients in the surrounding water support abundant plankton, the Isla has more than 234 species of fish in the area including manta rays and whale sharks. You will have the unforgettable opportunity to swim and snorkel with the gentle giant that is the whale shark in an area teeming with sea life.

The whale sharks are commonly located off the coast of Isla Holbox and Isla Contoy. During peak season it is usual to see 30-40 whale sharks at a time and as they float to the surface to feed on the plankton, you jump to the water and swim alongside.

Isla Contoy has been declared a National Park and is protected by Mexican government, therefore; only supervised eco-tourism and regulated fishing are allowed in the area. Isla Contoy has a fabulous reputation for viewing exotic wild life as it is a sanctuary to approximately 152 species of tropical marine birds.

The Whale Shark, Rhincodon typus, is the largest living species of fish and the world’s largest shark. However, its popular name is a misnomer since it is not actually a whale. The shark is primarily grey in color with a white underside. Each one is marked with a unique pattern of pale yellow stripes and spots that run the length of its body. Whale Sharks primarily live in tropical warm waters and are generally found in the open ocean. They were only recently discovered to congregate once a year in the summer time nearby Isla Mujeres.

With a mouth up to 5 feet wide and 300 rows of tiny teeth (up to 3000 teeth) they can seem intimidating. On the contrary, they are very docile creatures and pose no significant risk to human beings. They have actually been reported as behaving playfully with divers and snorkelers. These formidable creatures are filter feeders so they swim against the current, put your snorkel skills to the test to keep up with a fish that is twice or three times your size.

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