Page 63 - World of Animals - Book of Sharks & Ocean Predators

Whale sharks
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Whale sharks travel
in style with groups of Quick questions with
remoras that cling on a whale shark tour guide
for a li
Roddrigo Sidney operates Cancun Whale Shark Tours
(www.cancunwhalesharktours.com) and helps promote conservation
When is the best time of year to spot We provide all the required gear, but
whale sharks? some participants bring their own
The whale sharks congregate in personal snorkel gear. We provide
the waters near Cancun every year each guest with a mask, fins, snorkel

from late May through to September. and life jacket or optional wet suit.
The best action is usually found We also have an in water guide with
approximately 20 miles off shore each pair of swimmers.
from Cancun. It’s here where the
whale sharks will come to feed on Can spotters expect a close
krill and plankton. encounter with a whale shark?
Yes, really close. It’s like swimming
What are the chances of seeing a alongside a bus. People describe it
whale shark off the coast of Mexico? as the most exciting thing they’ve
We guarantee sightings from June ever done. We do, however, have
to the end of August, and prime time strict rules of engagement with no
is July and August when there are touching of the whale sharks and
normally 200 whale sharks present. snorkellers have to keep a minimum
one metre (three foot) distance.

Can you find whale sharks on your
own or should you seek help from What impact does whale shark
a specialist? tourism have on their behaviour
Looking for whale sharks is and wellbeing?
strictly regulated by the Mexican There is ongoing research into the
government and only approved impact of tourism on whale sharks,
licensed tour operators are and the results so far suggest that
allowed to take visitors out to see if the current tour operators follow
whale sharks. the rules there is minimal impact.
Obviously having no interaction is the
What should whale shark spotters best scenario. However, the industry
wear, and what equipment has grown into a lucrative tourist
should they take on industry so visitors should only go
a trip? with a reputable company.

“People describe [swimming with
whale sharks] as the most exciting ©Alamy; Dreamstime

thing they’ve ever done”

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