When you think of Mexico, there is no doubt that you are more than likely going to conjure up images of white sandy beaches that meet the crystal clear ocean. It really is paradise on earth which is why its beaches are adored by so many.
Of course, when it comes to exploring the beaches, ideally, you want to go to the beaches that really stand out. What you want to avoid is visiting those beaches that are perhaps not as appealing on the eye (and the nose) as others.
Sure, you might have heard of the magical paradise Tulum and Riviera Maya and their immense beaches but have you ever heard of Sargassum?
What is Sargassum?
Wherever you might be in the world, when you visit the beach, you expect to see those familiar signs of sea life that have been washed up on the beach. From driftwood to shells and even seaweed, it all adds to the charm and natural look and feel of a beach.
However, when visiting beaches in Mexico, you might be mistaken for thinking that they all offer pristine sands and the opportunity to relax in style but this is not always the case and that is all because of Sargassum.
So, we touched on Tulum and Riviera Maya and you might be tempted to explore these beaches but you could be in for a shock. This is because the beaches here are likely to be plagued by Sargassum.
When out at sea, Sargassum is a floating ecosystem that has a lot to offer sea life. From turtles to many other sea animals, it is a crucial part of life in the ocean. The problem arises once it reaches the shore.
Within 48 hours of washing up, it begins to decompose and from that comes hydrogen sulphide and ammonia that gives off that common smell of rotten eggs. Furthermore, these are toxic gases that can cause skin problems, respiratory issues and neurocognitive symptoms if inhaled.
This gives you even more of a reason to visit Isla Mujeres! Fortunately, due to its unique location and a government initiative to remove any Sargassum that does make it onto the shore, you can be sure that the beaches are impeccably clean!
Explore Amazing Beaches
The beaches at Isla Mujeres have been voted number one on Tripadvisor and once you see the beaches for yourself, you’ll realise why! What really makes a difference is that you won’t have to put up with the putrid smell of Sargassum but instead, you can sink your toes into the wonderful white sands and explore the ocean.
When you book a trip with us, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a private tour of the waters and beaches of Isla Mujeres. You can take a dip in the crystal clear waters and grab a slice of paradise without the need to worry about the dreaded Sargassum. So, if you are heading to Mexico and want to see real beaches, book a tour and soak up the sun, azure blue waters and impressive beaches!
Swim with the Whale Sharks: How to Choose the Best Tour Operator
I have been receiving a lot of emails from customers lately, who have signed up to swim with the whale sharks on their next trip to Isla Mujeres or the Riviera Maya. They are concerned about their trip, as there has been a great deal of misinformation being spread on social media about the industry. Certain individuals are claiming to be the only operators that care for the whale sharks as a marketing strategy to sell more trips. The truth is, however, that almost all locally owned and operated whale shark tour providers operate ethically, with few exceptions. This is our livelihood and our passion and we, more than anyone else, want to maintain a sustainable industry that we can pass onto future generations.
It is also being said that there are little to no whale sharks early in the season and that tour operators are scamming customers, which is also a lie. I would actually say that even though all whale shark seasons start with fewer groups of whale sharks, that there have been more whale sharks at the beginning of this season than of the last two years. There have actually been multiple Manta Rays and Dolphins already out on quite a few of the days that we have taken groups out at Isla Spirit Adventures.
By far the most important thing to ask when speaking with tour operators is whether they are locally owned and operate their own boat. Major agencies and salesmen may sell the majority of whale sharks tours to customers and have the majority of the reviews on TripAdvisor, but they have to hire local boat operators. They do not have boats with permits to go out, as the permits for whale sharks were only ever distributed to local peoples.
Whale Shark excursions carry a hefty price tag for many visitors, so it is important to do your research when choosing a company to assure that you have the best experience possible. To help you in your research, I have compiled a guide of the four main things to consider when booking your next whale shark tour.
#1 Sustainability
When speaking about the sustainability of the whale shark tourism industry, you almost only ever hear people talk about the conservation of the whale sharks themselves. Although ecological conservation is of the utmost importance, which is why most responsible companies discourage their guests from using toxic sunscreens and encourage them to bring their own refillable water bottles, the decrease in whale shark populations has less to do with tourism in Isla Mujeres and more to do with increasing global temperatures and the unethical fishing practices in other parts of the globe where these creatures migrate.
True sustainability requires not only the preservation of our natural resources and wildlife, but also the preservation of the quality of human life. When the whale shark tourism permits were originally issued, the main goal was to create an industry that local fisherman could participate in and make a dignified living to support their families with. These are mostly families that are native to the island and to the region, and the economic benefits of this natural wonder and the privilege to be able to witness it should always belong to them first. When booking through a major agency instead of booking local, you are not only participating in a business practice that is robbing the local people of their cultural patrimony and livelihood, but you are also robbing yourself of the opportunity to hear captains like Don Pancho Coba from Aaron Toursrecall when “there were so many whale sharks in these waters that it was almost impossible to navigate through them, you could literally walk over them from one boat to the next if you wanted to,” or Captain Tony Garciashare with you the history of his life growing up as the son of the lighthouse operator in Isla Contoy that remembers when “local fishermen were actually scared of the whale sharks, and it wasn’t until a tourist from Italy came to Holbox and jumped in to swim with them that the locals realized that this was a safe activity to do with visitors.” This dialog in many ways is more valuable to having an authentic cultural experience than swimming with the whale shark itself.
# 2: Skip the Middleman
When whale shark permits were first issued in 2003, they were given only to local captains and boat owners in Isla Mujeres and Holbox. In fact, only six were originally issued in Cancun and they cannot be transferred between operators, they can only ever belong to the original permit holder. This guaranteed the protection of the whale shark migration area by limiting tourism vessels. It also ensured that the benefits remain within the local economy of the fishermen. After all, for them, it was a sacrifice and a risk to swap out commercial fishing to run these tours.
Booking a trip to visit the whale sharks from an agency that is not locally owned or doesn’t operate their own boats is what many visitors do without knowing it. In these circumstances, the operator pays the boat owner as low as 25-50% of the fee you pay. The boat owner also has responsibility for all of the expenses of the boat like gas, salaries, food and entrance fees. The provider you paid keeps 50-75% of your fee and does little of the work.
As most whale shark permit holders were once commercial fishermen, they are very talented seamen. Their experience means they know the waters around Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy better than anyone else on the planet. However, most of them do not have a formal education in foreign languages, marketing, or web development. They are dependent on the larger agencies for sales because of this but lose out financially to them.
How does this affect customers? Simply put, you get what you pay for. Even though you may be paying full market value for your tour, the operator is only receiving a small percentage of it, and this in turn is what you will be receiving.
Lack of funds from large agents means less money invested in the boat and it could be unsafe.
With less funds from large agents, the boat owner cannot invest as much in gas and time to go further to find whale sharks when they travel a long way offshore or are just arriving at the beginning of the season (May & June). By booking direct, the boat owner has more resources to find the whale shark locations for you and you will rarely miss out on the opportunity to see them and swim with them.
Overcrowding the animals can happen early in the season. Tour operators are on strict schedules and can crowd and disrupt the animals. Local operators can choose to relax the schedule or go earlier, to make a great experience for you and the animals. Remember by law all boats must leave the whale shark area by 2pm to allow them to feed undisturbed.
Isla Mujeres has many wonderful bilingual captains, first mates, and guides that are certified in areas like first aid and scuba. With low pay from large agents, captains cannot afford to employ a great team. The agency sends their own, lower paid, English-speaking guides, but none are local, and few have knowledge of marine biology and the surrounding waters.
Here is a list of some locally owned, operated, and ethically run whale shark providers that actually own their own boats and hold whale shark permits:
Go direct to them to book for the best experience possible!
#3 Know the Rules
There are several rules around whale sharks. For example, if there are less than five whale sharks in the area, only viewing of the whale sharks is allowed. When swimming with the whale sharks, only one boat (2 guests and a guide) can swim with one whale shark at a time. These rules have always been in place and have not changed this year like some media reports that are being shared on social media claim.
The rules were established to protect the animals that are feeding in their natural habitat. Remember that whale sharks are an endangered species on a global level. Their population has decreased more than 50% in the past 75 years. We want you to have an incredible experience, but above all else it’s our priority is to protect the animals and local marine ecosystems.
These are the rules that are established by CONANP and other government agencies for all whale shark activities:
Life Jacket Required
Tour Guide Required
Only One Boat per Whale Shark
Enter the Water Slowly – Do Not Splash
5 Meter Distance Between Swimmer and Whale Shark
100 Meter Distance Between Boats
10 Meter Distance Between Boat and Whale Shark
When There are Less than Five Whale Sharks, Only Viewing Allowed
Don’t Wear Sunscreen, Lotions or Oils
Don’t Touch the Whale Sharks
No Drones
No Scuba Diving
No Freediving
Don’t Jump into the Water
Don’t use any Lights or Flash
No More than Two People and a Guide per Whale Shark
No Fishing
Don’t Litter
Don’t Remove Anything from the Sea
Don’t Touch, Kick or Step on the Corals
Don’t Feed the Fish
No Selfie Sticks
#4 Know When to Go
Whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, migrate around the globe to different feeding sites following warmer waters season to season. The official whale shark season for tourism in Quintana Roo, Mexico is from May 15th until September 15th every year. There are certain months though when the whale shark populations are higher and therefore easier to spot.
July and August, and even into the beginning of September are historically the best months to view whale sharks. There might be 30-50 whale sharks in one area on any given day. The beginning of the season, May and June, the populations have been the lowest, as the whale sharks are just starting to arrive. There are many elements that responsible local providers will use to calculate the probability of seeing the whale sharks, and the conditions for swimming with them, such as weather & ocean conditions, moon phase, and currents, will book you on the best day possible, and even change your trip if they feel like the conditions aren’t optimal for whale shark activities. However, when booking with a local company that can afford to go the distance, you are always likely to spot at least a few whale sharks on your trip no matter what the weather is like or what phase of the moon it is.
Some locally owned companies, like Isla Spirit Adventures, offer an add-on insurance. This allows you to go out again for free if you do not see any whale sharks on your tour. Other companies, like Aaron Tours, offer a discount for another booking if you do not see any on your first attempt. Any company that guarantees you that you will see whale sharks during May and June should be a big red flag. Remember that these are wild animals in their natural habitat. There is absolutely no guarantee that you will find them on any day of the season. If you must travel to Isla Mujeres to visit the whale sharks during the earlier months of the season, it is best to choose a company that will offer you a realistic back up plan.
Visiting the whale sharks is likely to be one of the most captivating experiences of your life. Do it best by going local. Support small businesses and give yourself an experience that you will truly enjoy and can feel good about.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please email me direct- kris@staging.tech-beta.com I am always happy to help.
Whether you are an avid fisherman or someone who is looking for some excitement on the waves, there is no denying that deep sea fishing around Isla Mujeres has all that you need.
The gorgeous waters around the island are not just pretty on the eye but delve beneath the surface and there is a whole new world waiting to be explored. All you need is a boat, a rod and a reel, as well as a tour that takes you right to the heart of the action.
A Fishing Trip to Explore the Senses
From the adrenaline rush to feeling a large fish on the end of your rod to the excitement of searching for the catch of the day, there is so much to love about deep sea fishing. The reality is that if you want to get the most from the experience, then it helps to know a thing or two about the area. This is where experienced captains really earn their worth as they will take you to all the top marks where it won’t take too long until you are into your first fish.
So, if you are looking to book a deep sea fishing tour in Isla Mujeres, what can you expect to catch?
The good news is that there is no shortage of great fish to catch in the area. You can target some of the fastest fish in the sea as well as some of the strongest and those that taste delicious on the grill.
Blue Marlin – This is the biggest Billfish that can be caught in the area and they can be found from March to August. They can weigh over 1200 lbs, so expect a good fight!
White Marlin – This species averages around 45 to 65 lbs but as they are a deep water fish, once you hook on, you’re certainly going to need your adrenaline to bring it to the surface.
Sailfish – You’ll see these flailing through the air but blink and you might miss them as they are one of the fastest species in the sea, reaching speeds of up to 70mph. Whatever happens, hook one and you’ll need to hold on tight!
Dorado – If you’re looking to fish for something to eat, Dorado is known to be one of the most delicious-tasting fish in the area. Stunning colours really catch the eye and they will certainly put a bend in your rod but once landed, it’s time to get the grill ready.
Grouper – You can expect to catch grouper up to a length of 3ft, so this is not small by any stretch of the imagination! However, it is a popular fish found on the menu of many restaurants in the area, so this is a top fish to catch if you enjoy eating your catch.
Snapper – Yet another great-tasting fish but one that will certainly make you work for your meal. They are on average around 10lbs in size but have been known to reach 151 lbs. Still when fried whole or filleted, it’s a fish that’s very easy on the taste buds.
Preparing Your Fish
The great thing about a deep sea fishing tour and keeping your catch is that everything is done for you. Not only will you get taken to all the top spots but you will have your catch cleaned for you by the first mate where you can then have it prepared at a local restaurant, in your home or in your rental property by seafood experts. This will enable you to explore local cooking methods such as Tikin Xic. This translates as dry fish but there is nothing dry about fish prepared in this way. Your fish will be marinated in a paste which includes crushed annatto seeds and spices such as coriander and cumin. It is then wrapped in banana leaves before being cooked and served – it’s the perfect way to end a busy day of deep sea fishing.
For the best deep sea fishing experience, book a tour and make sure you enjoy every second on the ocean before having a memorable meal served up for you!
Whale Shark Tours – Everything You Expected and More
There are many things in life that we want to do, such as exploring the seven wonders of the world or visiting certain countries to discover new cultures. However, one amazing experience that really will leave you amazed is the opportunity to swim with the world’s largest fish; The Whale Shark.
Of course, you might see the word “shark” and wonder what kind of tour this is but trust us, whale sharks are like no other shark in the ocean! If you are wondering what a whale shark is, let us set the record straight, only then will you realise why you have to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
What is a Whale Shark?
First of all, a whale shark is a shark and it is not a whale. They are docile, relaxed and have a very different feeding style from the sharks that roam our oceans. Whale sharks are much like blue whales as they are filter feeders which means that they simply feed on plankton as well as small fish – they do not have an interest in humans!
This is a critically endangered species and it has the ability to grow up to 12 metres in length and can weigh up to 19,000kgs, so you can imagine just how big a whale shark will look once you get up close to it. Despite being endangered, when a whale shark tour in Mexico is managed and delivered in the right way, you will get to experience this wonderful creature in all its glory.
So, what should you consider when booking a whale shark tour?
It’s a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity
It doesn’t matter where you come from, seeing the whale shark in its natural habitat is simply breathtaking. They are calm and relaxed creatures that move at a slow pace, feeding as they do. However, what makes this truly unique is the fact that this is not something that you can do at any time of the year or in many places around the world. Therefore, it helps to use expert tour guides who know where to go to find this amazing beast of the ocean.
As you will get the chance to enter the water with them, you will be able to snorkel alongside them and see them right before your eyes.
It Has No Impact on Their Wellbeing
When we embark on a whale shark tour, it is done so in a way that considers the safety and health of these creatures. Unlike other animal experiences, they are left to enjoy their environment which means that they feel at ease and are not stressed in any way. What this means is that you can explore their habitat with them in a way that you know is not causing any distress.
Always Use a Responsible Company
A responsible company that provides whale shark tours in Isla Mujeres will ensure that everything is done correctly. This ensures that they consider the welfare of whale sharks and do not do anything to disturb them. Furthermore, they will also ensure that those who take part in the tour understand what is expected of them but more importantly, they will make sure that you embrace every single second of this amazing experience. This is where Isla Spirit Adventures can help you to connect with these superb creatures in a responsible way- enabling you to take advantage of that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
