Annual Whale Shark Migration Headed for Cozumel

MAZATLÁN, México, May 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- For about 14 weeks each year, beginning in early June, one of the world's most interesting animals migrates through the open ocean near Cozumel. The "world's biggest fish," also known as the whale shark, is a friendly, toothless member of the shark family that survives on plankton and appears to enjoy human company! El Cid Vacations Club encourages summer visitors in Cozumel to check out the amazing whale shark migration sometime between early June and mid-September.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160525/372463

Every year, divers, spectators and animal lovers of all kinds take to the open ocean near Cozumel's Isla Holbox to observe the incredible whale shark migration. The beautiful fish, which can weigh up to 12 tons and reach nearly 50 feet in length, are not whales at all. And even though they are, technically speaking, sharks, the creatures pose no threat to human divers or swimmers.

El Cid Vacations Club members in Cozumel enjoy spending time with the docile whale sharks. There are dozens of organized tours that offer swimming, diving and from-the-boat sightseeing during whale shark season. The gentle giants are extremely slow swimmers, which is why it's easy for humans to keep up with them.

Scuba enthusiasts love to swim alongside whale sharks off Isla Holbox. The huge fish reach a "top speed" of only 3 MPH, which means divers and surface swimmers can accompany whale sharks in the open seas. Much like dolphins, whale sharks seem to enjoy the company of humans, which is why their migration season near Cozumel is so popular with locals and visitors, according to El Cid Vacations Club team members.

Even though whale sharks have been around for millions of years, they weren't noticed by scientists until the early 1800s, when researchers in South Africa first took note of a "gigantic creature that is neither shark nor whale." After realizing that the massive fish were harmless to humans, divers began collecting close-up data about whale sharks by swimming alongside them, taking photographs, and studying their habits. Nowadays, part of the summer ritual in Cozumel is watching the majestic beauties migrate through the topmost waters of the open sea.

El Cid Vacations Club points out that Isla Holbox is just a short ferry trip from Cozumel, which means that any visitor to the city can spend an afternoon taking in the annual migration of the whale sharks as they make their way to warmer waters.

About ECVC –

El Cid Vacations Club is a global leader in the vacation ownership and resort industry, delivering a wide variety of memorable vacation experiences for members. El Cid Vacations Club continually strives to enhance its member services and guest experiences. Members are invited to take advantage of downloading the complimentary El Cid Vacations Club Member mobile app available on both the App Store and Google Play (keyword "ecvc"). This application allows members to stay up to date on the most recent news, make reservations, and always stay in contact with El Cid Vacations Club. This is the perfect opportunity for El Cid Vacations Club members to plan their next dream vacation at one of the many stunning El Cid properties. For more information, visit http://www.elcidvacationsclub.com.

Media Contact: El Cid Vacations Club, El Cid Vacations Club, 1 866 552 7320, ownersrelations@elcid.com.mx

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE El Cid Vacations Club