Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Cancun

“Go now,” the guide shouts as a large black dorsal fin glides past our boat, bobbing in the open sea.

I hit the water feet first, followed quickly by the rest of my body. My head dips below the water's surface from the momentum, and a life jacket ensures I immediately bounce back up.

Adjusting my snorkel mask, I face down just in time to see the white-speckled body of a whale shark, the world's largest fish, pass before my eyes.

Remembering the guide's instructions, I begin swimming next to it, against the current, before it passes effortlessly into the distance.

My first attempt at snorkeling beside these graceful creatures on my whale shark adventure was over in minutes.

The guide in the water signals me to return to the boat and wait for my next turn.

Our boat has nine passengers and two guides. Each guide takes turns snorkeling in the water with two customers at a time.

The small ratio of guides to passengers eased my concerns about snorkeling in the open sea, forty-five minutes to an hour off the coast of Cancun.

It'd been a bumpy ride out to sea, with the boat's hull smacking up and down against the five to six-foot waves.

I took some comfort in the assurance that the seas were calmer on this day than earlier in the week, but maybe the guides tell everyone this to help ease their anxieties.

Whale shark season in Cancun runs from mid-May through September, with the whales passing by Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula in their migratory search for food.

Despite their ominous name, teeth, and size (up to 40 feet in length, weighing an average of 20 tons), whale sharks feed on mostly plankton and small fish.

They open their giant mouths, which span the width of their heads, and filter the nutrients out of the water. They have poor eyesight, as is the case with most sharks.

Earlier, we'd been instructed to stay put if we saw a whale shark coming directly toward us in the water because they'd sense us (not see us) and either turn or dive.

To my surprise, the whale sharks feed near the water's surface, making snorkeling with them so easy.

I'd anticipated we'd be looking down on them, but that wasn't the case. We could see them from the boat, but we also had to turn our heads upward in the water to see them cruising around.

I could tell that most of the other passengers on my boat were divers. And it wasn't just the underwater cameras and GoPros strapped to people's heads.

Those who didn't bring their wetsuits and snorkel gear rented wetsuits from the tour company at the marina before we left.

Wearing a wetsuit ensures sun protection and allows you to do your snorkeling without a life vest (as the suits provide buoyancy).

I skipped the wetsuit to save money ($12) but had a bad sunburn by the end of the day.

As I waited my turn, seasickness crept into my conscience. I wasn't the only one, either. A German diver on our boat also began feeling ill.

Another woman on board was kind enough to offer me a motion sickness tablet, which I readily consumed, and a bottle of water (included on the tour).

The guide recommended I get back in the water because I'd feel better, but I resisted initially and allowed others to go in my place.

But time was running out, and I couldn't ignore how excited the others were every time they exited the water after snorkeling with the whale sharks.

I took a deep breath and proclaimed across the boat, “One last time!”

Familiar with the process now, I readied myself on the side of the boat and waited for the guide's signal.

My second time in the water, I got a clearer view of the massive whale shark swimming before me. It was so beautiful; I forgot to swim.

I was content to tread water and watch it pass before my eyes as if in a trance. The sunlight reflected off the white dots across its body.

The guide snapped me out of the moment with instructions to swim, but it was too late. The whale shark had gotten too far ahead of me, and because they swim against the current, it's not easy to catch up.

Later, the guide laughed at my expense, joking that I was supposed to SWIM with them.

My nausea began to decrease once the boat was moving again. Our destination was Playa Norte, off the northern coast of Isla Mujeres, where we'd stop for lunch.

A bumpy 45-minute ride later, we eased our way into the gorgeous, shallow waters off the palm tree-lined Playa Norte.

The stunning scenery was a surprise, the calm waters a welcome respite from the open sea waves.

I sprayed on a new layer of sunscreen and gently hopped off the boat, my feet sinking into the soft white sand. Boats from other companies were anchored around us, but the beach was empty.

Wading through the warm waters, I imagined the scene during Christmas break in December or Spring Break in March; I preferred to have the beach to myself.

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Our crew began preparing fresh shrimp ceviche for lunch on board the boat. It was tangy and delicious, the perfect end to our whale shark adventure in Cancun.

Tips to Enjoy Your Whale Shark Snorkeling Adventure

Get Your Guide's whale shark tour in Cancun offers hotel pick-up from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. The further you are from Cancun, the earlier you need to wake up, and the later you return.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a waterproof camera. I regretted not buying a disposable camera for $20, as the water is clear, and you're close enough to the whale sharks to get decent photos.

Rent a wetsuit for further sun protection, don't depend on the life jacket, as it doesn't provide full coverage.

Take motion sickness pills even if you don't usually get motion sick. You don't want nausea to ruin your experience.

Plenty of bottled water and lunch are included, but bringing extra water and snacks is not a bad idea. It's better to eat something than depart on an empty stomach.

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I was provided with a complimentary tour in partnership with GetYourGuide.