MacLir
Registered
Hi all. As part of our upcoming dive trip to Cozumel, we are booked to do a whale shark trip. This will be our first time doing this trip. We just received an email from our operator indicating that the government has modified the applicable rules for this season -- specifically, the email indicates that "All individuals must wear life vests this year. Wet suits are no longer considered acceptable flotation devices. Guests will no longer be allowed to dive below the surface to see the animals." They also indicate that trips may now be cancelled (by this operator) not just for weather or lack of sharks (as was always the case), but also if there are not enough sharks coming to the surface to be seen. I assume the latter change was adopted by this operator as a reflection of the new life vest only/no submergence requirement.
My question is for those who have done these whale shark trips in the past: In your view, and given all of the other things to do in Coz/Yucatan, would the whale shark trip still be worth doing if you are stuck in a life vest and essentially restricted to surface viewing of the sharks? Most folks on this Board seemed to find that using a wetsuit, as previously permitted, worked well, but I am concerned that viewing and photography will be significantly degraded by the new rules.
Any advice would be much appreciated! Just to avoid any misunderstanding: I am not intending to criticize the rule changes. I know these changes likely reflect past incidents or issues, were fashioned by folks with the relevant expertise, and are intended to prevent harm.
Thanks!
PS: as a point of information for others, our operator also indicated that no sunblock will be permitted this year; not even the biodegradable variety. So, please plan accordingly!
My question is for those who have done these whale shark trips in the past: In your view, and given all of the other things to do in Coz/Yucatan, would the whale shark trip still be worth doing if you are stuck in a life vest and essentially restricted to surface viewing of the sharks? Most folks on this Board seemed to find that using a wetsuit, as previously permitted, worked well, but I am concerned that viewing and photography will be significantly degraded by the new rules.
Any advice would be much appreciated! Just to avoid any misunderstanding: I am not intending to criticize the rule changes. I know these changes likely reflect past incidents or issues, were fashioned by folks with the relevant expertise, and are intended to prevent harm.
Thanks!
PS: as a point of information for others, our operator also indicated that no sunblock will be permitted this year; not even the biodegradable variety. So, please plan accordingly!