World Wildlife Fund

Expedition Whale Sharks

July 17 – 22, 2011

Just off the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is a small island largely untouched by tourism, despite its proximity to Cancún. Isla Holbox might go unnoticed entirely, except for some unique visitors who come to its warm ocean waters each summer. Their presence is hard to ignore, since they are 40 feet long and weigh 15 tons. 

These are gentle whale sharks – not whales at all, despite their size, but actually the world’s largest fish. Docile and unafraid, they allow us to swim close enough to observe the checkerboard pattern of pale yellow dots and stripes covering their thick gray skin.

Trip Itinerary

The dates below do not include travel time to and from the destination. Please consult our tour operator, Natural Habitat Adventures, to discuss your best flight options.

Sunday, July 17: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Upon arrival at Cancun Airport you will be transferred to the hotel for the evening. Enjoy a welcome/orientation dinner with the expedition leaders. Azul Beach Hotel (D)

Monday, July 18: Isla Holbox
After breakfast, take a three-hour drive north, heading to your island destination. Along the way visit a freshwater cenote, one of the Yucatan’s most enticing natural wonders. Cenotes, which are fed by underwater rivers, were sacred to the Mayans as entrances to the mythical underworld, and were their only source of fresh water in the jungle. Your journey continues to a Mayan community, where you’ll have a picnic lunch under idyllic centenary trees at an orchid sanctuary. Upon arrival to the north coast of the peninsula, board a motorboat for a short ride to Holbox Island. This tranquil island is home to the tiny fishing village of Holbox, which offers visitors idyllic beaches, colorful side streets and fresh seafood of all varieties. Our hotel rests on the outskirts of town on an expanse of undeveloped white sand beach. Its design and décor are reflections of the owners’ passion for the arts. CasaSandra Hotel (B,L,D)

Tuesday, July 19: Snorkeling with Whale Sharks / Isla de los Pájaros
After an early breakfast, set off in search of the whale sharks that migrate to this area between May and September. They are generally 20 to 25 miles offshore, so the boat ride can take up to two hours. When they are located, enter the water two at a time with the guide, who will help you swim within arm’s reach of the sharks for several minutes at a time. Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the world, reaching up to 45 feet in length. They spend their mornings feeding on plankton near the surface of the water, and are easily visible with their beautiful black and white coloring. To be underwater with these incredible creatures is an experience that many describe as life-altering. Giant manta rays and bottlenose dolphins may be seen during boat rides. This afternoon take a motorboat to Isla de los Pájaros, a protected mangrove island that is a nesting sanctuary for hundreds of flamingos, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, frigate birds and cormorants. CasaSandra Hotel (B,L,D)

Wednesday, July 20: Whale Sharks / Island Tour
Today promises more encounters with majestic whale sharks on a second morning excursion to the same offshore area. After lunch at the hotel, explore the island Holbox-style – in golf carts! The guides know just where to take you to observe local wildlife and tropical birds in their natural environment. CasaSandra Hotel (B,L,D)

Thursday, July 21: Puerto Morelos / Riviera Maya Snorkeling
Bid farewell to Holbox’s charms this morning and cruise back to the mainland by boat where a submarine paradise awaits. Snorkel over the second largest coral reef in the world – located right in front of the hotel. This is the northern end of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System that stretches more than 620 miles to Belize, an underwater ecosystem with countless types of coral and fish species. Encounter a dizzying variety of tropical marine life in iridescent colors. Along with huge schools of fish, you’ll likely see sea turtles, manta rays and sponges in the impeccably transparent Caribbean waters. The fragile reef, like most of the world’s coral reefs, is threatened by human impacts of pollution and climate change, and you’ll leave more conscious of the critical need to protect its astounding biodiversity. Azul Beach Hotel (B,L,D)

Friday, July 22: Depart 
Transfer to the airport this morning for departure flights. (B)