Local operator, Shark Choyero,
has issued a warning to watch out for “pirate boats” offering illegal tours with
whale sharks over the busy Easter period.
Despite being a regulated
activity, where safety and conservation rules apply, many boats operate without
the necessary permits and flags. Vessels go too fast, sail too close to the
whale sharks, and drop swimmers with the engine running.
Nezahualpilli Tovar Lee,
representative of Shark Choyero, says failure to comply with these operating
rules in the past has ” led to an increase in the number of whale sharks hit by
boats at the end of the holiday period. "
"Given that we cannot stop vessels
without flags and permits, we need to publicize these rules, since many private
boaters do not know them.”
He urges tourists to be vigilant
and make sure they book tours with a reputable operator and enjoy their close
up encounter with these gentle giants.
And just in case you didn’t know…. whale
sharks are the largest fish in the world.
Over 12m long, they look imposing.
But swimming and snorkelling with these whale sized fish is completely safe.
They are filter feeders and just glide through the water looking for plankton.
Don’t miss the experience of
swimming alongside these gentle docile creatures.