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Whale Shark on Holbox Island

The whale shark is the largest existing fish in the world. It has a massive, long body with grey or blue colouring on its back, and round spots and clear horizontal or vertical lines (white or yellowish) on its belly, which is why it is known locally in Holbox island as “domino” and in other places it is also known as chequered or draught fish, in both cases due to the domino and chequers board games. Each individual shark has a unique pattern which makes it easy to identify, since the pattern doesn’t change as it grows. These marks are possible a result of a genetic relationship with other sharks of the Orectoibiformes species, such as the cat shark (Ginglymostomatidae). The sharks are visually highly developed and the distinctive marks on deep water species could be an important social attraction, or signs of social stature in the recognition process. Another possibility is that these pigmentation patterns could be an adaptation to protect them from radiation, which is important for those species that spend a significant part of their time on the water surface.

The whale shark is a slow moving species, staying close to the water surface, which enables us to observe them from close quarters and even swim with them. Their slow movement is part of their eating habits, since they feed by filtering large amounts of water that contain a wide variety of plankton and nekton, including small crustaceans such as krill, crab larva, small fish such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel and occasionally larger prey such as small tuna fish and squid. Phytoplankton and macro algae can also feature as part of their diet.

Sightings of the population located to the north east of the Yucatan peninsula begin between Holbox island and isla Mujeres in May and last till September. This population has both males and females and on occasions the males show signs of reproduction; that is why it is even more important to protect this particular population.

Holbox Travel offers a unique and unforgettable chance to coexist with these magnificent creatures,our friends the whale sharks in Holbox Island Mexico.

It is important that you, our guest, know that to conduct the whale shark tour,  Holbox Travel uses its own boats, equiptment and thoroughly-trained guides. We guarantee the best service in Holbox Island at the best price. Many years of experience and the many people who have enjoyed our whale shark tour speak for themselves. Rest assured that you will have an unforgetable time with Holbox Travel. We also organize the tour swimming with the whale sharks from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Riviera Maya, Tulum and Isla Mujeres. The price with pickups from these places is 195 usd per person with transportation and food. Please ask us if you need more information.