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Weather pending, travelers to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean should be able to enjoy a vacation adventure with the gentle giants of the sea again this week.
Strong winds and bad tropical weather forecasts caused local tour operators to delay the start of the whale shark tour season in the Mexican Caribbean in for the safety and security of travelers to the region.
Starting the Season
The hope of tour operators is that the ocean waters in the area will calm enough to allow them to safely start the popular whale shark tour season for travelers to the popular Mexican vacation hotspot sometime this week.
Although, they admitted that it was questionable at the time of the publishing of a story about the issue, if and when the season could begin.
Strong southeast winds of 25 to nearly 40 miles per hour were causing choppy and uncomfortable conditions for tourists out on the waters around Cancun. Because of this, the decision was made to require the tour boats to stay in the marina.
The Whale Shark Permit Holders Association Treasurer Martín Trejo, predicted in a news report about the topic that the weather should improve this week enough for comfortable and safe conditions for tourists on the seas.
Outlook for the Season
Trejo mentioned that the association and the tour boat owners were excited and optimistic about the prospects for the upcoming whale shark tour season.
However, the first couple of days are always a wildcard due to weather conditions and the fickleness of the whale sharks experiencing the tour boats in the waters for the first time.
Because of this, Trejo warns that there is no guarantee that whale sharks will be encountered while out on one of the boat tours.
The tour operators set this expectation with tourists when the reservation is made and again before departing on the boat for the tour.
Trejo said they don’t want the customer experience to be ruined by expectations of seeing a whale shark and then asking for their money back.
Booked for June and July
Despite this, Trejo said due to the popularity of whale shark tours due to returning guests, word of mouth and social media, several of the boats have many reservations already in place for June and July.
He said that tourists understand that the weather conditions limit the boats’ ability to depart for the tours and the potential of not seeing any whale sharks while out on the tour.
Most of them still have an adventure of a lifetime out on the water, seeing other ocean life and enjoying a day out on the waters of the Mexican Caribbean.
What Tourists Need to Know
Reservations are going quick for whale shark tours in May, June and July. The increased popularity of the tour activity is already leading to some sold out boats on peak weekend dates in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean.
Because of this, tourists are urged to make whale shark tour reservations now for the busy summer tour season.
While many tourists may consider the summer a slower season for tourism in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean due to the heat, humidity and tropical weather risk, June and July are considered the peak whale shark tour season.
That’s why it is essential to book whale shark summer tours now for the season to avoid the disappointment of sold-out boats upon arrival for a vacation getaway to the sun, sand, and surf of Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean.
Travelers’ insurance with tour cancellation coverage may be an option to protect travelers in advance of their trip.
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