Whale Shark Encounter in Mexico!

Every May through September, travelers come from all over the world to visit Cancun for an opportunity to encounter whale sharks. These gentle and giant creatures, known locally as Dominos, measure between 15 to 50 feet in length and weigh as much as 15 tons. Swimming alongside them is a thrilling experience. The area’s nutrient-rich water provides plenty of plankton, the whale shark’s main food source, and makes Cancun’s coast home to a more abundant number of Dominos than anywhere else in the world.

The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes the world’s largest fish and celebrates Isla Mujeres’ culture and beauty with its annual Whale Shark Festival. The destination will also celebrate International Whale Shark Day on August 30.

The Whale Shark Festival was created to raise awareness of Cancun's marine ecosystem and of whale sharks in particular. Festivities are geared toward visitors and local children and focus on the importance of whale sharks and what they mean to the city and the environment. Celebrations during this event include interactive activities and raffle tickets to swim with these gentle giants.

Whale shark protection has been a priority of the local government to ensure the safety of these creatures, as they continue their migration patterns to the area. Specific procedures are provided to local guides to guarantee safety measures are enforced for both whale sharks and visitors.

International Whale Shark Day was established during the International Whale Shark conference in 2008 on Holbox Island. Representatives from more than 40 countries gathered during this symposium to share their research about these magnificent animals, and declared August 30 as the official day to celebrate whale sharks, promote their conservation and to educate the public about the species.

Cancun is located in the northern part of the southeastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is Mexico’s No. 1 tourist destination and is known all over the world for its spectacular beaches, unique beauty and breathtaking turquoise waters. Travelers can discover the vast natural, cultural and gastronomical cultures of Puerto Morelos, and the four islands of the Mexican Caribbean: Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Contoy and Cozumel.

For more information, visit the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau website at: www.cancun.travel.