Dates announced for the 12th Annual Whale Shark Festival in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

ISLA MUJERES, Mexico - EntSun -- The Isla Mujeres Department of Tourism, along with ecotourism company and international sponsor Ceviche Tours, have announced the dates for the 12th annual Whale Shark Festival in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. This cultural extravaganza celebrates the beauty and culture of Isla Mujeres by showcasing the achievements, traditions and environmental splendor of the island. Isla Mujeres is the home to the largest aggregation of Whale Sharks in the world with thousands of people visiting to swim with the Whale Sharks each season.

This year's Whale Shark Festival will be held July 19-21. 2019 in Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico, a short trip from Cancun International Airport. Last year thousands of people attended the family-friendly Whale Shark Festival, where guests can swim with whale sharks, join traditional dancing, enjoy local food and work by local artisans, visit the turtle farm, snorkel and dive the reefs surrounding the island and more.

Swim with hundreds of Whale Sharks

Whale sharks swarm the waters of Isla Mujeres from May-September, providing guests with an opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants. Researchers estimate that as many as 1,400 whale sharks migrate through the waters surrounding Isla Mujeres annually.

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Sustainable Ecotourism

The Whale Shark Festival is an effort to raise awareness of the need to preserve the area's marine ecosystem. Isla Mujeres is part of the second largest barrier reef on the planet and serves as the nursery of the Caribbean and the migratory path of whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, waterfowl and game fishes.

"The continued success of the Whale Shark Festival is indicative of how ecotourism can truly impact a community," said John Vater, co-founder of Ceviche Tours. "International events like these are essential in raising awareness and to help educate visitors on marine conservation efforts."

At this festival, various activities will be carried out in order for visitors to learn more about the whale shark species -- including environmental education workshops and conferences on marine biology -- in an effort to encourage them to join the effort of conservation programs with the objective of protecting and preserving these beautiful animals.

Fun for the Whole Family

The 12th annual Whale Shark Festival kicks off with a parade on Friday July 19th. Following will be activities for children such as sand sculpting events and crafting fun. Exhibitions showcasing the beauty of the island will feature whale shark murals, photography and local handcrafted works of art.

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"Isla Mujeres is designated Pueblo Magico, a place known for its legends, symbolism, history and of course for providing a magical experience for tourists. Swimming with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres is the ultimate Pueblo Magico adventure," said Gustavo Rodriguez Orozco, Director of Tourism of Isla Mujeres. "We welcome the world to join us to celebrate the Festival de Tiburon Ballena – the Whale Shark Festival – enjoying this great show of nature and beautiful Isla Mujeres."

All are invited to stay and play the Isla Mujeres way; the safest family destination in the Caribbean, with over 70 hotels and 5-star resorts, Vacation rentals and B&B's to choose from, Isla is the perfect vacation in the Yucatan. Enjoy this great spectacle of nature and experience why Isla Mujeres is a Pueblo Magico with your family and friends. For more information visit https://www.cevichetours.com/whale-shark-festival.