Whale Shark Season Wraps Up in Mexico, Tourists Flock to Holbox

The whale shark season in the Mexican Caribbean has drawn to a close on September 17th. The season ended successfully in Holbox, Quintana Roo, with a high turnout of tourists. According to Juan Rico Santana, the president of the Tourist Cooperatives in Holbox, August saw the highest number of visitors. However, as the season winds down, there has been a significant decrease in participation. Santana noted that the majority of tourists interested in this tour are from Europe and Mexico, and there is always a high demand to witness this marine spectacle.

The boat captains, who have been conducting these tours for many years, mentioned that it's been a long time since the whale sharks were spotted so close to Holbox Island. This year, the route of the world's largest fish moved closer to the island, specifically between the north of Cabo Catoche and Contoy Island. This change in the whale shark's path proved beneficial for the tour operators as it led to a significant reduction in fuel consumption. In previous seasons, the operators had to travel further out to sea to spot these marine giants.

Apart from swimming with the whale sharks, tourists also had the chance to witness other marine life during their journey. Manta rays, turtles, dolphins, and jellyfish were among the sea creatures that accompanied the tour, adding to the overall experience. Santana stated that between 20 and 25 whale sharks were spotted on daily trips, which started at 7:00 AM. The tours, lasting between one and a half hours, allowed tourists to swim with these harmless, plankton-eating fish. "After the sighting, we take the tourists to the reefs and conclude the tour at a fishing camp where they can enjoy a delicious ceviche," Santana added.

The Whale Shark Biosphere Reserve, which spans approximately 146,000 maritime hectares from Contoy Island to the Bay of Ascension, includes the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area. For this season, the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (Conanp) issued 146 permits for vessels conducting the tour. Of these, 92 operated in Isla Mujeres, 48 in Holbox, and 6 in Chiquilá, comprising a total of 14 cooperatives.