The second annual Whale Shark Festival 2009 was inaugurated yesterday by the Department of Tourism of Isla Mujeres, Project Domino, Ecocean and environmental leaders at the beautiful Isla Mujeres, right across from Cancun. This five-day event will be held from July 15th to July 19th with the main goal of welcoming back these gorgeous creatures during whale shark season and showing the importance of protecting the world´s marine ecosystem, as well as promoting the traditions and natural beauty of Isla Mujeres.
The main events of the Whale Shark Festival 2009 will include tours to swim with whale sharks, snorkel tours to Contoy Island, special talks from marine biologists on environmental education, ecotourism and Mayan archaeology, among others.
During summer, from May throughout September is known to be the whale shark season in Cancun, where many of the gentle giants come to visit these warm tropical waters to feed on the nutritious plankton that inhabits the area. On June 5, the President of Mexico Felipe Calderon officially declared the Whale Shark Biosphere Reserve, which extends 146 hectares north Contoy Island to the east side of Holbox Island and has become one of the main attractions of Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
Travel tip: If you wish to swim with whale sharks in Cancun the tour departs from Puerto Juarez, about 20 minutes from downtown Cancun where you will board on a speed boat for a 40 minute ride. The whale shark tour has a duration of 5 hours and includes snorkeling. Don´t miss this tour on your next Cancun vacation.
