Whale sharks are some of the most fascinating creatures of the sea. They are the world’s largest fish; gentle giants that live in all of the planet’s tropical waters and whose lives out in the open ocean are still much of a mystery. 

Rhincodon typus can measure up to 18 meters and weigh around 20 tons, which is why we call them whale sharks despite them being related to fish rather than marine mammals. Scientists believe they have lived on this planet for about 60 million years and they call home a territory that stretches all the way from Australia to Madagascar to Mexico.

Whale sharks are pelagic animals, which means they live and move through the entire water column regardless of depth. This makes them very difficult to track and study. However, they do prefer shallow waters in places where cold water surges bring plankton, their main food source, up to the warmer surface.

Although they are seldom seen in large groups, whale sharks do come together on certain occasions. From May till September each year, the north of the Yucatán Peninsula receives a gathering of these spectacular creatures, who come to feed off the coast of Holbox island. Great numbers of these docile colossal animals can be seen swimming and eating along with manta rays and other big fish.

Swimming with whale sharks

They are completely harmless to humans, and every season respectful tourists can swim by their side as they calmly open their mouths to filter small crustaceans. Swimming with whale sharks is an experience you will never forget, one that you can live with our tour operator Mystikal Wanders. 

On August 30, we celebrate International Whale Shark Day. When you go to spend a day with them in their natural habitat, please always follow the rules and help us protect this endangered species so they can continue to amaze us for many generations to come.