From the edge of the panga to the water, is a gentle step. You feel tiny bubbles trickle all the way up your body, tickling your skin. The water is warm but refreshing. Your mind is not on the water temperature or bubbles. Instead your focus is adjsting your mask and snorkel. Just as you do, a giant shadow moves in your direction. Its side-to-side motion is reminiscent of a shark but its size is enormous. Naturally your throat tightens up - it isn't every day that you get to swim next to a 40+ foot living creature! In a few effortless swoops of its tail, it is upon you. Its huge wide-open mouth is scooping in the sea's bounty of plankton, krill and other small sea creatures. Taking a closer look, there are no teeth. Closer still, you see little fish orbiting its enormous mouth. Oh wait - is that a remora? Off to the side, you see its tiny eye watching you with just as much curiosity as you watch it. While close enough to touch - you don't because you remember what Captains Abraham and Willy told you- "that the ribbed polka-dot skin is course and grittier than even the roughest sandpaper".
Just as quickly as it swam to you, the whale shark swims past. You were supposed to swim along side of him to prolong your encounter, but it's too late. The shark is moving too fast to catch. No worries. Captains Abraham and Willy will bring the "panga" to get you. When it is your turn again you'll be back in front of the grand behemoth. You promise yourself that next time you'll remember to swim with it . . .
Unique encounters with whale sharks are possible in only a handful of locations throughout the world. July 2-6 and 9-13 , Adventures by Optical Edge will be visiting the small and remote island of Isla Holbox where we will go on a whale shark adventure. The small group of travelers will have the opportunity to: snorkel with whale sharks, sea kayak the mangroves of the island, investigate salt-water crocodiles and their smaller "cousins" caimans and swim in the Yucatan's famous "cenotes" or underwater caves. The traveler may also prefer to learn to kite board in the high wind and flat waters off the west side of the island. Several Mayan ruins are a few hours drive away. Another option is to do nothing - it's all up to you. You dial the intensity. You dial the activity level.
Does this sound interesting? Fly into Cancun Mexico and we will take care of the rest.
This adventure package includes:
- Round trip transportation to and from Cancun, Mexico to Isla Holbox
- Transportation to/from your hotel and a welcome coctail
- Whale shark snorkeling adventure
- 5 days/4 nights accommodations at a beachfront eco-friendly hotel
- 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 gourmet dinners
Two adventure periods scheduled:
- July 2 2009 to 6 July 2009 and is for singles only
- July 9 2009 to July 13 2009 and this is available to every one - all ages
- Private groups of 5 are more are welcome anytime - call for details
Whale Shark Package - $1236/double occupancy
Whale Shark Package - $1,541/single occupancy
Other activities include:
- Kite Boarding Lesson
- Crocodile Tour
- Sea kayak tour
- Mayan ruins tour
Our adventure is open to all adventures regardless of any age or ability. Those that have never snorkeled can either stay in the boat or wear a special flotation device in the water. Adventures by Optical Edge is proud to announce that this adventure is wheel chair accessible. Our vendors have special, equipment and experience meeting the needs of people with handicaps If you have specific questions or unique needs - let us know how we can help.
