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Swimming with Giant Gentle Giants: Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Explores Whale Shark Diving Experience and Underwater Photography Tips as Told by Stanley Bysshe in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula

Experiencing Giant Aquatic Encounters: Whale Shark Dives in Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Experiencing Giant Aquatic Encounters: Whale Shark Dives in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Swimming with Giant Gentle Giants: Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Hang on tight for an up-close-and-personal adventure with the gentle giants of the sea! Whale sharks off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula one-on-one action is a wild, unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss.

For the past decade, the Yucatan Peninsula has been abuzz with tales of whale shark concentrations during the summer months. First reported by fishermen from Isla Holbox, this shallow water feeding area has blossomed into a secret tourist attraction, with a second congregation discovered in the Gulf about 20-30 miles out from Isla Mujeres. Locally known as the "Afuera" (outside), this group of whale sharks gathers to feast on huge patches of fish eggs from spawning Little Tunny/ Bonito (small Atlantic Tuna). In fact, the ocean surface can turn milky with these eggs, drawing the whale sharks like moths to a flame.

Armed with the ability to filter a whopping 1,500 gallons of water an hour, these 30-foot whale sharks gorge themselves on the fish eggs in a feeding frenzy. Grab your Nikon D2xs and Tokina 10-17mm at 10mm, F8, 1/160th, and get ready to snap some amazing shots.

If you're dreaming of diving headfirst into the middle of this underwater feast, picture this: You're standing in the middle of a busy street, with 30 school buses barreling toward you from all directions. That's just how crazy it feels to be surrounded by all these incredible creatures as you swim alongside them, photographs flashing in your hands. But fear not, this summer adventure comes with a few rules:

  • Season: This year, the season lasts from June 1 to September 15. Only legal tours operate within this time frame.
  • Boat Regulations: Boats must have licensed guides with a controlled number of snorkelers per boat. Flotation devices are required, and scuba diving is off-limits.
  • Photography Rules: Underwater photography without flash is allowed, but touching the animals and using strobes, arms, spotting lights, or scuba gear are prohibited.

Given the sheer number of sharks that congregate during peak season, it's almost guaranteed that you'll spot some during your visit. But remember, these trips are weather-dependent, and all boats can be grounded due to high seas. There's no room for error when you're bobs around the high seas surrounded by these gentle giants!

If underwater photography is your passion, Isla Mujeres is one of the best places to snorkel in Mexico. All you'll need is a mask, snorkel, fins, and a wet suit (with hood) for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. As for cameras, ditch the scuba gear altogether and focus on a dome port and one or two lenses. Most of your shots will be wide-angle, and to really bring these whale sharks to life, you'll want to shoot using available light.

With sunlight comes its challenges: bouncing around on the surface with the shark moving below you makes using the viewfinder or live view tricky. Try practicing free-diving to eliminate some motion and add weight to compensate for the wet suit buoyancy. Sunny days allow for shutter speeds in the 1/125th to 1/200th range while keeping the aperture around F8 to F13.

However, bright days and large patches of fish eggs can cause a lot of backscatter. Keep the sun at your back, but getting an ideal day with slightly overcast skies can make for better, less backscattered images. One particularly dark day may challenge your camera's capabilities, but remember: getting close to the animal is the key to capturing stunning shots.

Silhouette shots are also possible with free-diving. And when you're not busy snapping pictures of the whale sharks, keep your eyes open for manta rays, sailfish, schooling Bonito tuna, and even more whale sharks!

Isla Mujeres may not cater to photography tours, but the beautiful tourist boats and wide range of other activities around the island make it the perfect destination for your whale shark photography adventure. The shortest travel distance from the island to the sharks is definitely an important consideration in 3-6 foot seas.

If overnight trips on a liveaboard boat aren't your thing, there are plenty of excellent adult-only hotels in Isla Mujeres where you can unwind after a day of underwater photography. Natural light, sunscreen, proper gear, and a willingness to play it safe will make your whale shark photography adventure a success. So grab your camera, slap on some sunscreen, and brace yourself for one wild ride!

[1] Top tips for photographing whale sharks: https://creativedigitalmagazine.com/sport/top-tips-photographing-whale-sharks/

[2] How to photograph whale sharks: https://www.sonyalphauniverse.com/whale-shark-photography-tips/

[3] Diving with whale sharks: key tips to remember: https://www.paddlesupmagazine.com/get-best-photos-diving-whale-sharks/

[4] Photography: top tips for capturing great underwater photos of whale sharks: https://www.scubadiving.com/photography/top-tips-capturing-great-underwater-photos-whale-sharks

[5] Shooting with whale sharks in the Yucatan: https://divemasteracademy.tumblr.com/post/13449867614/shooting-with-whale-sharks-in-the-yucatan

[6] Whale shark photography: https://www.natgeofocus.com/photography/how-to/featured-how-to-photography/whale-shark-photography/

[7] Best underwater photography locations: whale sharks in Isla Mujeres: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/best-underwater-photography-locations/

[8] Whale shark aggregation at Isla Mujeres: https://www.reefquestcenter.org/whale-shark-aggregation-isla-mujeres/

  1. Embark on a thrilling journey with the gentle titans of the sea, whale sharks, off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
  2. Summer months on the Yucatan Peninsula witness a dramatic increase in whale shark concentrations, making it a coveted destination for travelers.
  3. The Gulf, about 20-30 miles out from Isla Mujeres, is home to another whale shark congregation known locally as the "Afuera."
  4. Whale sharks feed on fish eggs from spawning Little Tunny/Bonito, causing the ocean surface to milky, attracting the sharks.
  5. Equipped with the ability to filter 1,500 gallons of water an hour, these 30-foot whale sharks engorge themselves in a feeding frenzy.
  6. To capture stunning underwater photography, grab your compact camera with a dome port and one or two lenses.
  7. In order to take great pictures, focus on available light and practice free-diving to eliminate motion.
  8. On bright days, manage backscatter by keeping the sun at your back and opting for slightly overcast skies.
  9. Don't miss the opportunity to capture silhouette shots of the whale sharks while free-diving.
  10. Apart from whale sharks, look out for various marine life like manta rays, sailfish, and schooling Bonito tuna.
  11. Isla Mujeres offers an excellent blend of whale shark photography opportunities and tourist activities, making it the perfect lifestyle travel destination for your sports adventure.

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