Swimming with Mexico's Whale Sharks

Accommodations

A Special Announcement
We are in the process of making changes to our Mexico whale sharks adventure. After operating this trip for many years off the Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico, we have determined we can no longer offer it in an ethical manner that does not compromise the well-being of the whale sharks. This is not due to irresponsible conduct on our part, but because many more boats are now taking visitors to swim with whale sharks in this area, and the water has become crowded. We believe that adding to that presence is not healthy for these marine creatures. We anticipate moving this adventure to a location on the Baja Peninsula where there is no detrimental impact on whale sharks—we'll announce it once details are in place!

Please note
: The hotels listed here are meant as examples of the type of accommodations we use. Specific hotel details will be confirmed in your final trip documents.
Villas Palapas Del Mar
Location
Holbox Island, Mexico

Villas Palapas del Mar is a small hotel just steps from the Caribbean Sea on Holbox Island. Built with astute consciousness for the environment, 52 rooms are dispersed among 15 two-story villas. Arranged around two large swimming pools and a palm-studded white sand beach, the relaxed, secluded, unhurried experience puts you close to nature in this small fishing village.

Each villa has a thatched roof and bright whitewashed walls inside and out. Architectural accents include kiln-dried wood and splashes of colorful upholstery that permeate cozy cushions and throws. Each junior suite has two queen beds, an en suite bathroom with walk-in shower, air conditioning, ceiling fan, satellite television, refrigerator and safe, with Wi-Fi available. Meals are taken on the restaurant’s colorful open terrace, where menus focus on fresh local ingredients and traditional Mexican flavors.

Villas Paraiso del Mar
Location
Holbox Island, Mexico

Enjoying a dreamy, secluded setting on a white sand beach, Villas Paraiso del Mar is a small eco-hotel featuring rooms in one- and two-story thatched bungalows with private entrances. The bungalows, surrounded by lavish tropical gardens and palm trees, incorporate traditional Mayan design hallmarks and local  materials such as hardwood shutters, floors and furniture. stucco and painted tiles, and colorful textiles. Each spacious suite has air conditioning, a full bathroom with shower and hair dryer, television, telephone, mini bar and safe. Walk out the door of your bungalow onto a palm-lined path to beach, with the clear turquoise water just steps away, or settled into a chaise longue under a thatched palapa next to the swimming pool. The Paraiso Restaurant offers local Mexican specialties and a full breakfast buffet, while a choice of three bars, including one poolside, invite you to refresh with a tropical cocktail or margarita.
Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita
Location
Riviera Maya, Mexico

This AAA 5-Diamond boutique resort sits directly on the ocean on Mexico’s famed Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula. We stay in large, airy 1,100- square-foot oceanfront suites, each with a living room, separate bedroom with king-size bed, and a deluxe marble bathroom with hammered brass basins, walk-in shower, sunken tub for two and Bulgari bath amenities. A private terrace with double sun lounger or hammock offers unobstructed views of the turquoise sea. Each suite is individually appointed with hand-selected art from around the world, reflecting seven cultural regions. Ethnic decor ranges from textiles, art, vases and chairs representing Oriental, Hindu, Balinese, Mexican, Mediterranean, Caribbean and African traditions. The hotel offers gourmet local and organic fare at three different restaurants and a sushi/ceviche bar. Time permitting, indulge in a treatment at the award-winning Thalasso Center & Spa, a tranquil wellness retreat offering relaxing thalassotherapy (using seawater), traditional Mayan treatments, skin care, massage, body wraps and more.

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita is proud to be Rainforest Alliance Certified for its exceptional efforts in meeting sustainability requirements. Among the green practices incorporated into its operations are extensive recycling (including toner and batteries), low-detergent laundry facilities, reduced diesel and electricity consumption, a pesticide-free greenhouse garden for growing plants and local reforestation, and regular beach cleanup.




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