19 SNORKEL WITH WHALE SHARKS IN MEXICO

Becoming a citizen scientist adds depth and purpose to a snorkelling adventure. Spend a week on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, with wildlife operator Aqua-Firma, and you can head out to sea on day expeditions with whale shark researchers, marine biologists and camera operators whose job it is to study the world’s biggest fish.

The team operates in July, the busiest month for sightings, when aerial surveys count up to

200 whale sharks near the research boat, many surrounded by remora fish. As well as collecting whale shark data, the team is trying to determine if the local giant manta rays are a new species.

Most whale shark encounters are in clear water where, by free-diving down, you can marvel at these gentle giants looming overhead, blocking out the light. aqua-firma.com EG