Whale Shark Season Divides Two Mexican Islands

QUINTANA ROO, Mexico — The whale shark viewing season has concluded with contrasting results for two key locations. In Holbox, tourism service providers reported occupancy rates reaching up to 90 percent, while in Isla Mujeres, the season ended with only 30 to 40 percent activity.

Holbox Achieves Record Occupancy Thanks to Whale Sharks

According to Juan Rico Santana, president of the tourism cooperatives in Holbox, this year was positive for the island's vessels, with a practically successful overall balance.

Furthermore, the Whale Shark Biosphere Reserve encompasses approximately 146,000 maritime hectares, stretching from Isla Contoy to the Bay of Ascension and the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area, as per the authority responsible for conservation.

Responsible Tourism and Proximity to the Species

During the season, the whale shark, the world's largest fish, once again approached areas closer to Holbox. This movement favored responsible tourism activities and allowed visitors better contact with the species in its natural habitat.

This phenomenon represents an opportunity to promote sustainable tourism under guidelines that protect the whale shark and its ecosystem.

Challenges and Strategies in Isla Mujeres

In contrast, the situation in Isla Mujeres was complicated. Elio Omar González Bacelis, president of the Isla Bonita cooperative, acknowledged that the season closed with low numbers. Factors such as an oversupply of services, low demand, and a lack of an upturn even during the summer affected service providers, leaving many with a season that was, in his words, "more disappointing than glorious."

Despite this, local cooperatives have sought alternatives to sustain their economy by offering other tours with better acceptance. These include visits to the lighthouse, Isla Contoy, the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA), and excursions that include traditional gastronomy.