Page 62 - World of Animals - Book of Sharks & Ocean Predators

Sharks & Ocean Predators
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Spotters’ guide WHALE SHARK
Rhincodon typus
Class Chondrichthyes
Whale shark Territory Tropical oceans of

the Southern Hemisphere
Diet Plankton
Lifespan 70-100 years
Despite being the largest fish in the sea, the Adult weight 20.6 tons

Conservation Status
whale shark can be difficult to spot, but this

VULNERABLE
expert guide will help those seeking a sighting

Between May and September, whale sharks in deep water so it’s safest to have experienced

flock to the coasts of Mexico guides to help you locate and even swim with
to feed and spend up to eight hours a these enormous sharks.
day feeding at the water’s surface. They can They swim at speeds of only one metre
be seen along the eastern Gulf Coast as well as per second (two miles per hour), so keeping

the west Pacific Coast, but the best place is Isla up with them isn’t a problem. It’s important

Mujeres off the coast of Cancun. that spotters don’t use flash photography or
Whale sharks don’t splash or blow like whales touch the animals – whale sharks are listed as
and dolphins, so they can be incredibly tricky to vulnerable on the IUCN red list so they should
spot. The tell-tale sign of a whale shark are its not be disturbed or fed.

fins. The dorsal fin and tail can break the water’s It’s essential to take waterproof sun cream,

surface when the shark is feeding, so spotters plenty of water to drink and a waterproof
should look out for two parallel fi ns gliding camera if you have one. Some tour operators
through the water. even take photos and films for visitors, so

If you want to guarantee a whale shark you can just enjoy your experience. Most tour
sighting, the best thing to do is book a boat companies will provide masks, snorkels and fi ns,
tour rather than heading out alone. The guides but you can use your own kit if you have it. It is
have years of experience and know the best worth investing in a long-sleeved rash guard to
areas to check. Whale sharks are known to feed keep the sun off your skin.

See them yourself
A pick of the tours to see this underwater beauty
Cancun Whale Shark Tours
www.cancunwhalesharktours.com
CWST are dedicated to preserving
whale sharks and a percentage of tour

money funds conservation efforts.
EcoColours Tours
www.ecotravelmexico.com
With door-to-door chauffeuring,

customer service is a high priority Where you can see whale sharks
and whale shark sightings are a
daily occurrence. Whale sharks live in tropical waters across the globe, but every year
they are drawn to the coasts of Mexico like magnets.
Holbox Whale Shark Tours
www.holboxwhalesharktours.com
Departing from tranquil Holbox Island
rather than the hustle of Cancun,
customers get a laid-back experience.
Ocean Tours Mexico
www.oceantoursmexico.com Cancun
Customers get their money back MEXICO
if whale sharks aren’t spotted, and
visitors can see dolphins and turtles
along the way.
Ceviche Tours
www.cevichetours.com
Visitors can take a private tour with all
refreshments included to make the
trip truly magical.

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