Safety Matters: Exploring the Risks of Snorkeling With Whale Sharks in Cancun

Snorkeling with whale sharks in Cancun can be an amazing and unforgettable experience :):):) You'll get goosebumps when you see these monstrous creatures in person. Furthermore, the memories you create here will stick with you until the day you pass away. But, but, but… before diving with those amazing creatures, there are a few things you should be aware of.

Whale Sharks: Gentle Giants

Whale sharks are not whales, despite the word "whale" appearing in their name. They are enormous but non-lethal sharks. In fact, they are the largest of all the fish roaming the oceans today. They can grow up to 40 feet and can weigh around 11 tons.

But guess what??? Unlike other shark species, they are not aggressive… As a matter of fact, they are filter feeders that feed only on plankton. Although these creatures are counted among the slow swimmers (3-4 meters/hour), they are migratory animals and can cover a distance of 12,874 km or 8,000 miles or more in just three years… That's impressive, isn't it???

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified whale sharks as endangered species because their population is declining rapidly. And it's unknown if they'll extinct in the upcoming decades. So, this is your finest opportunity to create some unforgettable moments with these gorgeous creatures.

But there are a few things that you should keep in mind to stay safe when snorkeling with whale sharks. A thorough discussion of the dangers of snorkeling with whale sharks is provided below.

Risks Involved In Snorkeling With Whale Sharks

While it may appear safe to snorkel with whale sharks, there are several concerns involved that you should be aware of. After all, they are giant beings with enormous power. If I were you, I would steer clear of their tails and mouth region. In one incident, a diver was partially devoured by a whale shark.

Not that humans are on the whale shark's menu… It could be an accident or an attack as a result of the diver's annoying behavior. But generally speaking, whale sharks are gentle creatures and prefer friendly interactions with humans. Listed below are some safety tips that a person should keep in mind in order to safely snorkel with whale sharks.

Snorkeling With Whale Sharks? Stay Safe with These Tips

#1- Don’t irritate them

It is not recommended to swim very close to whale sharks. Maintain a safe distance when swimming with them. Swim perpendicular to its course— stay away from its tail and mouth region. To be brief respect their personal space if you want them to exhibit calm and friendly behaviour.

#2- Avoid flash photography

Another thing that is strictly prohibited while snorkeling with whale sharks is the use of flash photography. Camera flash can trigger aggressive behavior in whale sharks. And yes… camera flash may confuse their senses; as a result, they may deviate from their course of migration.

#3- Follow the guide's instruction

It's always advised to choose a reputable and trustworthy tour operator before embarking on your whale shark snorkeling adventure. The guide your tour operator assigns you to snorkel with whale sharks is experienced and can assist you in successfully completing the program. Following his instruction when swimming with whale sharks.

#4- Make sure you’re fit

Snorkeling with whale sharks can be fun… However, if your health is fragile and you participate in such a program, it may turn into a nightmare. Therefore, you shouldn't sign up for a whale shark snorkeling trip if you have asthma or other comparable respiratory conditions. And if you have a health condition still you want to sign up for such a program, proceed with utmost care.

#5- Sustainable tourism

A significant concern to the survival of whale sharks is habitat damage brought on by climate change and to a lesser extent, man-made pollution. Therefore, make sure that you are not engaging in any kind of activity that may have a negative impact on the whale shark habitat.

Wrapping Up

Even though they are frequently described as gentle giants, whale sharks may exhibit violent behavior. Therefore, you must be extremely careful when snorkeling with these magnificent yet unpredictable creatures. Follow the tips we have shared above for a safe and unforgettable whale shark snorkeling trip.