 
Expedition Whale Sharks
Off the coast of Mexico, it’s possible to safely swim with these elusive leviathans
Trip Overview
- Join our experienced Expedition Leaders as we swim with enormous, friendly whale sharks – the world’s biggest fish!
- Explore idyllic Holbox Island, a traditional fishing community with white sand streets and no cars
- Discover rarely visited nature sites, including Isla de los
Pajaros – “Bird Island” – teeming with frigates, flamingos,
pelicans, herons and egrets
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.
Location of Adventure
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Group Size Limit: Approximately 15 Travelers
A very important feature of our trips is the limited group size as nature expeditions are best experienced with smaller sized groups of travelers.
Included
Van and boat transportation between Puerto Morelos and Isla Holbox, accommodations, meals (except on Day 6), services of NHA Expedition Leaders, most gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, permits and park fees, all taxes (except Mexico’s departure and airport taxes).
Not Included
Travel to and from start and end point of trip, meals on Day 6, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.), airport and departure taxes, optional travel insurance.
Physical Requirements
Moderate / Flexible
To be in the water with the whale sharks you are required to swim a minimum of 150 feet. Less agile swimmers can view the whale sharks from the boat, which is also a wonderful nature experience. Snorkeling is easy to learn, and we expect that most guests have little or no experience.
Important Information about This Trip
This extraordinary expedition offers the unique chance to snorkel with the gentle whale shark. The little-known area we visit is one of the best places in the world to encounter these incredible creatures.
Getting There & Getting Home
You must arrive in Cancun, Mexico in time for dinner at 7pm on Day 1 and can depart Cancun, Mexico anytime on the final day. We can best serve you if Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk makes these reservations for you as they are intimately familiar with the special requirements of these programs and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel. Please call us at 1-800-543-8917.
Proof of Citizenship
All U.S. citizens must carry a valid passport or passport
card to enter
Mexico. Birth certificates and other government-issued photo IDs are no
longer accepted for entry.
Sea Turtle Watching in Mexico
A rare chance for a small group of travelers to view (and participate in) turtle releases on one of only four such turtle beaches in the world.
Mexico's Monarch Butterflies
Journey to Mexico's butterfly sanctuaries, where you can stand amongst hundreds of millions of these colorful creatures as they complete their remarkable migration.
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6 Days
2011 Dates
Jul 10 - 15
Jul 17 - 22
Jul 24 - 29
Jul 31 - Aug 5
Aug 7 - 12
2012 Dates
Jul 15 - 20
Jul 22 - 27
Jul 29 - Aug 3
Aug 5 - 10
Aug 12 - 17
Custom DeparturesCustomized
independent departures can be arranged for this destination. Please
contact us for more information and we'd be happy to assist you.
2011 Fees
$3,395
Single Supp.: $795
Deposit: $500
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are given in US Dollars. 2012 dates and fees may change slightly.
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