First of all the sea was the most cooperative with no waves to speak of, and watching the sun rise over Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy after being out on the water for about and hour was an excellent beginning. For the next four hours we all were treated to sea turtles and playing dolphins and my first sighting of a needle-nosed fish skimming the surface of the calm waters. I was thinking as the wind blew in my face, and the captain pointed to yet another sea turtle swimming quickly by, that if this was all I saw, the day was already a success. And then we arrived to the area to start looking for the elusive Whale Shark.

We had a false start when we spotted these little fish as many times vibrating water like this means there are whale sharks below. We spotted 6 of these moving schools, amazing as they were to watch, the Whale Shark was not to be found, yet.

An hour or more out to sea we came upon 2 Whale Sharks who provided the next two hours of pure bliss for all of us. Our Biologist friend allowed us to enter the water and swim with these incredible creatures. My first jump in landed me within 6 feet and when the reality of the enormous size came at me out of plankton-filled water I was stunned and missed an opportunity to touch him, but the next chance I overcame my fear and I extended my hand to feel his rough skin as he sailed by me. I was trying to avoid the tail and when it swept by me touching me I was thankful he had not chosen that moment to propel forward and lash me. Gentle they were, yet still wild. We tried to be courteous with them and I realized I was not well versed on fish etiquette, but like all creatures a calm approach and gentle touching is usually accepted. I also like to think because I am a Pisces I am a kindred spirit of any fish I meet.

Our Biologist friend was there to work, so he hopped in and tagged and took information about these two beauties

The long boat ride home was filled with reenactment of our favorite moments, and more picture taking, and more sea turtles, and a huge flock of Kormaranths that we intercepted in the middle of no where. When we reached the turquoise waters off the coast of Cancun, and the big flag was again in sight, we stopped, dipped in the sea once again, and returned 10 hours later, tired, thrilled, and changed forever.

This was without a doubt one of the most thrilling days of my entire life. Today I thanked the universe for allowing me to receive this experience.

Whale Shark Links

http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/rec/broc/fishcard/whaleshk.html
http://scilib.ucsd.edu/sio/indexes/whalshrk.html
http://www.ecocean.org/whalesharks01.html

Isla Contoy

http://maya.ucr.edu/pril/reservas/islacontoy/islacontoy1.html
http://www.islacontoy.org/

Isla Mujeres

http://www.myislamujeres.com/

• Whale Shark Experience
• City of Valladolid and the ruins of Ek Balam
• Merida with my Mom