Shark Safari
The Marine safaris are gaining ground within the new trends of nature tourism. More and more travelers are looking for experiences that allow them to get off the beaten track, explore marine ecosystems, and observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
But the value of these experiences can go far beyond adventure. When encounters with marine life generate knowledge and a deeper connection with the ocean, Tourism can become a tool for conservation.
Understand to protect
In Saving Our Sharks We want every encounter with the ocean to leave more than just a photograph. We want people to get to know its species, understand their importance, and discover the threats they face.
Because We cannot protect what we do not understand..
Shark Safari represents much more than a shark watching experience. It is an example of how tourism can create a bond between people, communities and the ocean; a bond that begins with an experience, continues with knowledge and can become participation in the conservation and protection of marine ecosystems.
It is precisely under this vision that it arises Shark Safari, operated by the Kab Xok Cooperative and powered by Saving Our Sharks, foundation that trained the Masters of the Sea, Former shark fishermen who voluntarily left this activity to dedicate themselves to its protection through the research, monitoring and sustainable tourism.
Alejandro Zozaya, President of the Saving Our Sharks Foundation, and Antonio Cue, member of the board of directors, with the Masters of the Sea from the Kab Xok Cooperative.
Shark Safari: an experience to conserve
Shark Safari takes its participants to the Arrowsmith Bass, an underwater platform located approximately 25 nautical miles east of Isla Mujeres.
The site functions as a breeding ground for silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis), particularly juveniles of this species. During the expedition, the following are carried out snorkeling, allowing you to observe sharks in the wild and in their natural environment.
The expedition lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours, Depending on weather conditions. Because these are encounters with wildlife, it is sometimes necessary to make more than one trip to locate the animals. Currently, the experience has a probability of sighting close to 95%.
The departures start from Marina Hacienda del Mar, in Cancun, at 8:00 am., and of the Kab Xok Cooperative, in Isla Mujeres, at 7:40 am. The journey to Arrowsmith Shoal takes between one and a half and two hours. Once the first shark is located, there is approximately 45 minutes to one hour of snorkeling before beginning the return trip.
The experience costs $250 USD per person, $3,300 MXN for Mexicans y $1,500 USD for a private vessel.
Photo: Shark Safari – Joel Rodríguez
But the objective does not end with the sighting, Shark Safari is also a citizen science experience. By bringing people closer to sharks in their natural environment, we aim to create a connection that is difficult to achieve solely through photographs, documentaries, or written information. Seeing them, learning about their behavior, and understanding their importance within the ecosystem can transform our perception of them and, consequently, our willingness to protect them.
Bringing the message of conservation to everyone
For Saving Our Sharks, this awareness-raising work does not end when an expedition concludes. The real impact lies in getting the knowledge and message of conservation to more people.
That's why we work to bring shark conservation closer to different sectors of society, from spaces related to the luxury tourism, as LuxuryLab Global y LuxuryLab ESG,where we have shared our initiatives with leaders and professionals from the tourism and luxury sector, including hotels, universities, government institutions and different sectors of society. We extend an invitation to learn about, understand, and participate in the ocean. Because when we connect with it, we also find reasons to protect it.
Melodie Treviño, CEO of the Saving Our Sharks Foundation, sharing the conservation message in LuxuryLab Global and LuxuryLab ESG,
Pamela Vázquez, Director of Sustainability at the Saving Our Sharks Foundation, promoting environmental education with hotel collaborators in the region.
Join Shark Safari, and transform your life by saving sharks.
