During the summer months, whale sharks and stingrays gather in the Gulf of Mexico, making it a prime time for tourists to visit from May to September. Over 250 whale sharks have been spotted near the island, a positive sign as their numbers are growing every year. Besides whale sharks, visitors might also see tuna fish, stingrays, and dolphins around Isla Mujeres.
Biologists say these animals feed on algae, small fish, and plankton, and many species come here mainly to reproduce. Isla Mujeres is part of their migration route. Whale sharks and stingrays are known to gather in groups to feed, which is quite a spectacle. Numerous operators offer tours for tourists and snorkelers to witness this event.
If you plan on seeing the whale sharks and stingrays, you’ll receive a briefing on the boat. One of the main rules is not to touch the animals while swimming with them. It might be tempting if they come close, but remember they are predators and sensitive to environmental changes. It’s important to observe and respect them in their habitat.
Whale sharks, scientifically known as Rhincodon typus, aren’t actually whales; they are the largest fish in the world. They have about 3,000 teeth that don’t serve much purpose because they feed through their large gills. Their mouths are located at the front of their heads, unlike typical sharks whose mouths are underneath. Whale sharks have skin about 4 inches thick, can grow up to 40 feet long, and weigh over 50 tons. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, they are hunted for their body parts.
Stingrays are another unique sight in the Gulf of Mexico. If you encounter them, you’ll notice they are graceful creatures. You’ll have the chance to swim with them, although they are often shy around people. They feel comfortable around whale sharks as they share the abundant food from the sea. Stingrays are related to sharks and, while they don’t have teeth, they use stinging spines to capture their food. They are excellent swimmers and can be quite acrobatic, flapping their pectoral fins like wings. Stingrays usually prefer to be alone and are generally harmless to swimmers and divers. They can grow up to 29 feet long and weigh around 1.5 tons.