News & More
Whale sharks are the biggest fish and shark in the world. Adults can weigh 41,000 pounds and average about 40 feet long, but they may grow as large as 65 feet. According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF), these gentle giants roam all the planet’s tropical oceans, generally alone.
Nature & Wildlife
More than 400 shark species inhabit our planet. And while facts about some of them may be well-known to researchers and the rest of us, there are many shark species whose behaviors remain mysterious and secretive. In mid-April 2018, we learned that the actions of basking sharks fell into that latter category.
Conservation
A full 25 percent of all the marine life on the planet calls coral reefs home. But around the world, these natural habitats are in trouble. According to World Wildlife Fund, about one-quarter of coral reefs are considered damaged beyond repair, with another two-thirds under serious threat.
Videos
I shot this video after traveling for two hours off the coast of Isla Holbox by motor boat on Natural Habitat Adventure’s Swimming with Mexico’s Whale Sharks Adventure.
Nature & Wildlife
When you’re swimming in the ocean, the last thing you might want to see is a 40 foot long, dark shadow lurking through the water.
Videos
In honor of International Whale Shark Day tomorrow, we put together some footage of our guests snorkeling with Mexico’s whale sharks, to show you how beautiful and majestic they are, and why they need to be protected.
Conservation
Article author Karen Douthwaite is WWF’s Senior Program Officer for the Mesoamerican Reef. They measure 40 feet, weigh more than 20 tons and can have a lifespan of more than 100 years.
Nature & Wildlife
Whale sharks are not whales at all but rather the world’s largest fish, measuring up to 45 feet in length. Given their size, you’d think researchers would know a lot about them. But little is actually known about whale sharks compare with other species; researchers don’t even know how many exist in the world’s oceans.
Latin America
In 2008, a group of over 40 whale shark experts at the International Whale Shark Conference in Isla Holbox decided that August 30th should be dedicated to celebrating whale sharks, educating people about them and promoting their conservation. So began International Whale Shark Day.
