For many travelers who frequent the crystal-clear waters of Southeast Asia, the sight of a whale shark is the “holy grail” of marine encounters. While destinations like Koh Tao in Thailand or Oslob in the Philippines are world-famous for these encounters, there is one place in the Western Hemisphere that rivals—and perhaps even surpasses—them in scale. If you are an Asian traveler exploring the Americas, or a globetrotter looking for the next big adventure, a Cancun whale shark tour is an absolute must-add to your bucket list.

The Caribbean vs. Southeast Asia: A Different Kind of Encounter

In Asia, whale shark sightings are often seasonal and scattered. However, off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, between June and September, hundreds of these “gentle giants” gather in a massive migration. Unlike the feeding practices sometimes seen in parts of Asia, the Mexican government strictly regulates these tours to ensure they are eco-friendly and non-intrusive.

Swimming alongside a 10-meter shark in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea offers a different perspective—the water visibility here often exceeds 20 meters, providing a cinematic experience that any diving enthusiast from the Andaman Sea or Indonesia would appreciate.

Why You Should Book a Guided Cancun Whale Shark Tour

This is not an activity you can do on your own. To protect the species, you must join a licensed expedition. A professional Cancun whale shark tour includes:

• Certified Guides: Experts who understand the sharks’ behavior.
• Safety Equipment: Life vests (mandatory) and high-quality snorkeling gear.
• Small Groups: Most reputable boats limit the number of people to ensure a respectful distance from the animals.
• Bonus Wildlife: It is very common to spot giant mantas, dolphins, and sea turtles during the boat ride.

Trust the Experts: Amstar DMC

Planning a trip to Mexico from Asia or Europe requires flawless logistics. When it comes to reliability and high standards, Amstar DMC is a standout provider for these excursions. They are widely recognized for offering very good and proven Cancun whale shark tours, ensuring that guests receive top-notch service from the moment they leave their hotel. Their focus on safety and sustainable tourism makes them a preferred choice for international travelers who value quality and peace of mind during such a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Best Time to Visit and What to Bring

The whale shark season in Cancun officially runs from May 17th to September 17th. The peak months are July and August.

If you’re packing for the trip, remember these essentials:

1. Biodegradable Sunscreen: Regular sunscreens are banned to protect the ecosystem.
2. Rash Guard: To protect yourself from the sun without using chemicals.
3. Motion Sickness Medication: The ride to the “blue water” where the sharks feed can be choppy.
4. Underwater Camera: To capture the scale of these magnificent creatures.

From the Mekong to the Maya Riviera

For the readers of Asian Itinerary, expanding your horizons to the Mexican Caribbean offers a fascinating cultural and natural contrast. While the street food of Bangkok and the temples of Angkor Wat have their charm, the underwater majesty of a Cancun whale shark tour proves that the world’s oceans share a common, breathtaking beauty that connects East and West.

Whether you are a seasoned diver from the Maldives or a snorkeling enthusiast from Bali, the whale sharks of Cancun are waiting to show you the true scale of the ocean’s wonders.

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A wilderness hideaway located on the beautiful island of Moyo, part of Moyo Satonda National Park, Indonesia, this year Amanwana is celebrating its 30^th anniversary. To mark this milestone, the resort will host its first Underwater Wellness Retreat between 15 – 21 June 2023. Guided by the visiting practitioners Becky Surassamee, Pete Pawit and Barry B., this multiday retreat promises an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of the pristine waters surrounding the resort.

This one-of-a-kind retreat at Amanwana provides an exclusive opportunity to embark on a journey of rejuvenation, harmony, and serenity. Engage in a range of activities carefully curated to enhance wellbeingfrom breathwork practice and underwater meditation to free diving and snorkelling, every moment is designed to connect with the healing energy of the ocean.

Amanwana – Sea Plane

Offering flexibility for guests to experience the retreat in their own way, the three varying journeys cater to different preferences and durations of stay.  The full seven-day ‘Transformative Underwater Wellness Journey’ allows ample time to explore the depths and embrace the transformative power of the ocean. For those seeking a shorter retreat, the halfway package offers a four-day exploration while the ‘Taste of Underwater Wellness Journey’ offers a single-day programme, allowing guests to dip their toes into this transformative experience.

With just 17 tents in total, visitors to Amanwana experience a true sense of seclusion, making it the perfect option for groups of friends or families to enjoy all to themselves. With jungle or sea views, light-filled interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan living spaces, the tents offer a back-to-nature experience, in typical Aman style.

The Wellness Practitioners

Becky Surassamee – PADI Instructor, Meditation Practitioner, Underwater Photographer & Model

With over 10 years’ experience teaching diving courses, Becky Surassamee is a PADI IDC staff diver and freediving instructor. To promote mental wellbeing, Becky uses meditation and mindfulness combined with freediving. She is also a conservation diver, volunteering for coral restoration projects and regularly leading dive teams for the maintenance of buoys and mooring lines. In addition, Becky is an underwater photographer and model who uses her photography to raise awareness about the beauty of the ocean, in support of conservation efforts. Becky has developed a keen eye for underwater photography and can safely shoot on a single breath-hold.

Pete Pawit – Underwater Photographer and Instructor

An acclaimed photographer and experienced free diver with PADI Advanced Free Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver certification, Pete Pawit combines his passion for photography and mindfulness philosophy in his underwater meditation and sea life experience sessions. Pete will ensure safe underwater movements and activities for guests and also offers underwater photography, guiding guests to take pictures of marine life – creating cherished memories from their time at Amanwana.

Peerapol Thaiwattananon (Barry B.) – Diving Influencer and Instructor

While studying freediving and meditation philosophy, Barry discovered an interconnection between mind and body. A qualified PADI Advanced Freediver and with Rescue Diver certification Barry discovered true peace and serenity while freediving with marine life and now integrates these practices and guidance of others.

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While the Island of the Gods battened down the hatches during the pandemic, an emerging reef off the shores of a Bali resort has deepened its roots and flourished — so much so that the Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa is ringing the bells on the success of a reef restoration and house reef project, with the launch of two new diving & snorkeling packages for its April 2022 re-opening.

Part of Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa’s house reef

The creation of an immense artificial reef, spanning 100 meters near the shoreline of the property, and the expansion of the existing reef are passion projects of onsite Managing Directors and owners, Stefan Brand and Barbara Ebel. Over the last several years the couple have worked tirelessly to develop the area in front of the resort, known as Kubu Marine Park, as a marine sanctuary–sometimes spending several hours a day underwater.

“We never wanted to break anything to create something new so the project has taken a long time to get to the stage where it is now,” explained Brand. To create the house reef the couple collected broken stone corals and soft corals that had separated naturally from other reefs – from strong current, for example – and have successfully used discarded man-made materials as a foundation for growth.

“Some corals that we didn’t think would even work on the reef have flourished during recent times,” said Ebel. “Just this month we spotted a coral that we didn’t think would take and it’s already grown over a square meter.”

The house reef might have been slow to grow but the increase in fish happened quickly. With limited people frequenting the spot due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the area is teeming with even more coral growth and marine life. Such sea life as turtles, trumpetfish, batfish, schooling snappers, sweetlips and fusiliers, along with leaf fish, lionfish, and even the occasional reef shark or eagle ray can now be found in the waters outside Siddhartha.

Aerial view of Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa with Mt Agung in the background

Also accessible from the property is the Boga Wreck, a 50-meter long ship that was purposely sunk in 2012 and has since been claimed by nature. Remnants inside the Boga, ranging from Buddha statues to a VW Jeep, can also be discovered by more advanced divers. The famous USAT Liberty Wreck, a US cargo ship that was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during the Second World War, is only a few minutes by car or boat from the oceanfront property.

With a fully equipped SSI (Scuba Schools International) dive center on site, Siddhartha has rolled out two new packages that cater to a range of underwater enthusiasts, from the curious to the advanced.

“Discover East Bali” is a ten-night stay package that includes two guided one-hour house reef dives (by scuba or snorkel) and two 60-minute Balinese style massages at the resort’s Six Elements Spa. Rates start from USD1,130 per room. “Explore Diving Bali” is a new seven-night stay package for certified divers featuring six guided dives that take in the house reef along with other famous nearby shore dive sites. Starting rates are from USD900 per room.

Both offers include airport transfers and daily breakfast and are available until Dec. 1, 2022. Free yoga classes are also on offer each day in an open-air Balinese-style pavilion near the shoreline.

Siddhartha features 30 bungalows and two oceanfront villas spread out over 2.4 hectares of land in a more traditional and less frequented area of Bali. Each freestanding bungalow or villa was designed with privacy in mind and ample space, lush with old growth trees and newly planted vegetable gardens, provides an extra layer of seclusion. Both villas and many of the bungalows have ocean views so guests can take in the scenery from both above and below water during their stay.

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Raja Ampat, A Paradise in an Unexplored East Indonesia for Both Divers and Nature Lovers

Why not combine the beauty of North Bali with Indonesia’s most exciting Island paradise – Raja Ampat – possibly one of the world’s last great adventures? This makes for a holiday of lifetime – let us put it together for you. Munduk Moding Plantation works closely with Raja Ampat`s most experienced live aboard ship: the Shakti.
Shakti offers specialised diving, snorkelling and free diving itineraries as well as whale and bird watching expeditions or other adventure trips.

On Shakti, none of the voyages resemble another. Charter the Shakti for groups up to 10 friends and we will design a truly unique and private experience in Raja Ampat according to your personal interests and individual wishes in terms of activities and itineraries. We also run a limited number of scheduled trips on which guests can book a cabin. Discuss the options with us personally.

There are still some possibilities for chartering the entire boat in 2022 for tailor-made adventure holidays for families, small-sized group of friends, or business colleges. Contact Shakti team directly for more information: info@shakti-raja-ampat.com

Diving Highlights

With over 1500 islands to discover above and under water, there will certainly never be a shortage of wonderful things to explore. To give you the best insight possible on what to expect when diving with us in Raja Ampat we collected a list of some of the spectacular island groups that offer miraculous conditions for diving.

FOLLOW SHAKTI ADVENTURES ON INSTAGRAM

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Last weekend I travelled north to Khao Lak with Fantasia Asia team for a three day-two night stay with a day trip to Koh Similan and Koh Surin islands archipelagos.

The Similan Islands are located in the Andaman Sea on the West Coast of Southern Thailand, in Phang-nga province. The Similan archipelago consists of eleven islands, all located in the Mu Koh Similan National Park, which covers over 140 square kilometres. The Islands are the perfect travel destination for those who like diving and exploring remote and desolated places full of wildlife. The largest island is Koh Similan and is probably the best place to start your adventure. All the Similan Islands are surrounded by crystal clear shallow waters that harbour exciting rock formations and spectacular coral reefs. The marine life around the islands is unmatched in Thailand and in the whole region.

Why would I want to visit Similan islands when I live in beautiful Krabi where islands abound, you may ask. Well, I’m taking advantage of the unusually quiet high season to travel a bit further than usual and to try out excursions that I wouldn’t normally have the time to take. Was also after a change of scenery and some really stunning snorkelling experiences, which is what the Similan are famous about. 

Relaxing and waiting sunset from The Briza pool

Once in Khao Lak, we checked in at conveniently located The Briza Beach Resort. The next morning we woke up relatively early, had a large breakfast at the hotel and drove to the pier, where we had a second breakfast served at the Sea Star dock. We then registered for our tour and were given mask, fins, snorkel, a towel and a practical carrier bag. You are free to bring your own snorkelling equipment and only take what you miss. Sea-sickness pills and relaxing balms are also available free of charge.

My trip to Similan coincided with the Chinese New Year, which has recently been promoted to public holiday in Thailand in order to boost local tourism, hence we were a group of three 4-engine speed-boats traveling together from Khao Lak to the Similan, and each boat carried between 30 and 50 persons. We reached Similan in a 1-hour-and-a-half pleasant trip in very calm waters, and I was immediately surprised and quite pleased to observe that we were the only three boats: none had come from Phuket, or if it had, it had followed a different itinerary that day.

Koh MIang beach, Similan Island 4

Our first stop was in the turquoise-tinted bay of Koh Miang, also known as Island Number 4, where the boats observed a quick stop to drop off people who weren’t interested in snorkelling. The first time someone visits Koh Miang, he is up for a big surprise: the island is just stunning, a perfect representation of what we visualise when we think of a tropical paradise. Its white sandy beach is wide and its sand soft, it’s fringed by palm trees that face a transparent turquoise-meets-lapis lazuli-meets crystal clear sea. We dropped some passengers in Koh Miang, well aware that we would be back there to enjoy lunch and to get our chance to live the tropical dream on Miang Beach.

Silvia and Alis enjoy the day

The first snorkelling stop – which lasted 45 minutes –  was in calm waters on a secluded bay not far from Miang Beach. Visibility was about 15 meters, and the bottom was mostly sandy or covered by the reef. The guides who accompanied us took extremely good care of those who weren’t confident in the water, keeping them close, helping them floating by holding a large piece of styrofoam tablet and dragging them around so that they could sneak-peak at the underwater world. I spent the time snorkelling by myself, trying out my new underwater camera and looking out for turtles, who unfortunately didn’t show up that day.

Amazingly fluffy sand at Koh Miang beach

Back to Koh Miang, we were served a delicious, spicy lunch at the National Park premises. The lunch had been cooked in Khao Lak and carried to Similan by Sea Star, and vegetarian or special meals were available. I had some rice, fried chicken and vegetarian curry, while others had prawns and fish with rice and curry. Soft drinks are included, and plenty. I ate my food real fast and went down to the beach, which is only a few steps away from the restaurant area. Wow! I’ve seen my share of impressive islands in several parts of the world, but the colour of the ocean in Miang Beach that day was one I will not forget.

Donald Duck bay and rock on Similan

After a couple of hours in Koh Miang we left to visit another snorkelling site, which was satisfactory and offered flat waters and great visibility. Though diver inside me has been spoilt by many most impressive diving sites before, I managed to have a good time swimming above the reef and checking out fish and corals. Huge parrot and surgeon fish swim around copiously in Similan, alongside several clown fish in their anemones, puffer fish and blue star fish. 

Sail Rock Viewpoint

It was then time to head to the last stop of the day, Island Number 8, also known as Similan Island. The first glimpse of a white long stretch of sandy beach surrounded by huge and funny-shaped rocks made most of the passengers in our boat cry out in delight. We were approaching Donal Duck Bay, the most famous beach in Similan, so called because of a large rock located on the western part of the bay shaped like the head of Donald Duck. But the most famous landmark of Similan island is Sail Rock, a unique round boulder that balances precariously on top of other rocks and that looks like a sail. From there it’s an easy yet sweaty 10-minute hike up to the viewpoint. From there, stunning photos of the white sandy beach and of the turquoise waters below are guaranteed. So off I went, eager to get that stunning view on camera without the hundreds – maybe thousands – of people that in normal circumstances crowd this island. And I certainly wasn’t disappointed: the panorama was so beautiful I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. I ended up losing myself in a daydream about mooring my own sailing boat there for the night, or for a year… 

A fiery sunset at Similan

Instead, it was time to go back to Khao Lak where, after another smooth boat trip, we arrived before sunset and were offered a sumptuous dinner at the Sea Star pier: Thai popular dishes like papaya salad, yellow noodles, sticky rice and fried chicken, BBQ chicken skewers and a delicious home-made coconut ice cream everyone had a second serving of. Back to The Briza Beach Resort, I enjoyed a poolside Margarita, watching the sun set over the Similan Islands and the Andaman Sea.

I recommend this trips to all sea-lovers: even if you’re not keen on snorkelling, you will have a good chance to spot some corals and beautiful fishes (and, with a bit of luck, turtles) since most snorkelling areas have shallow waters, giving you plenty of opportunity to be amazed at some of the healthiest and most colourful reefs in Thailand. 

Good to know:

Similan

1. The Similan archipelago consists of eleven islands that make up the Mu Ko Similan National Park, the perfect destination for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, beach lovers and explorers.
2. Similan means ‘Nine’ in the Yawi native tongue of the area. In 2014 the National Park came to include two more islands (Koh Bon and Koh Tachai).
3. Between the middle of May and the end of October the Similan National Park closes to visitors. Additionally, some islands are closed to tourists all year around to protect the fragile sea turtles who are nesting on some of the beaches. Illegal fishing is still a problem, especially in low season.
4. It was possible to camp in Island Number 4 until a few years ago, but it’s not allowed anymore, at least for the time being. Therefore, to visit Similan you now need to take a day tour from Phuket or from Khao Lak, or book a multi-day cruise on a Liveaboard.

DO NOT:

– feed the fish, even if they follow you and beg for food

– touch or step on any coral or sea life.

– bring home sand, sea shells or any sea life.

– put tons of sunscreen before snorkelling, it’s toxic for the marine life. Wear a long sleeved t-shirt instead.

In Khao Lak Fantasia Asia and Asian Itinerary stayed at The Briza Beach Resort, one of Fantasia Asia’s partner hotels. The Briza Beach Resort has spacious, bright rooms settled around a large swimming pool, with partial or full sea view depending on the category chosen.

This beach resort has a laid-back atmosphere, and Khao Lak’s many restaurants, shops and bars are only a few minute drive away, as it’s the pier from which most sea-tour companies depart for Similan.

We chose operator Sea Star because it’s one of the most popular boat operators in the area, and one of the few that is still open despite the Covid pandemic that badly hit Thailand’s tourism industry.

WATCH FANTASIA ASIA VIDEO OF THE TRIP HERE:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xoghJrptRo 

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The view of Bali volcanoes during the boat trip

It was thanks to an invitation by a Balinese friend to follow them on a trip to attend to a local ceremony that I discovered the beauty of Menjangan Island. This 1,5 km long and 500 mt wide island, with its size of 24 square kilometers, is situated in the northeast of Bali and is a significant part of the Bali Barat National Park. The park occupies 190 square kilometres area in the most north-westerly point of Bali, the Prapat Agung Peninsula, and large swathes of land, protected beach and offshore coral reef and long stretches of around the towns of Gilimanuk, which together with 580 square kilometres of protected reserve in the highlands to the east it accounts for some 10% of Bali‘s total land area. The small, uninhabited offshore island called Menjangan, at 10 kilometers from the coast, is s part of the Indonesian archipelago.

Thomas on the boat

We left Lovina in the mid morning on a cloudy Sunday; the trip took about 2 hours by minivan. At the Labuan Lalang pier, where lots of people were waiting their turn to be shipped to Menjangan, we drank a tea and had a snack at a local stall, and observed peanut sellers and boat builders on the bay before boarding our chartered boat at the harbour.

The sea was a bit rough but the ride was pleasurable and charged with excitement. The boat trip was fun and lasted about 40 minutes; the view of Ruang volcano in Java during the journey was majestic. I always love being on the water, and seeing the ocean in all is glory. On approaching the island we realized how beautiful is nature on Menjangan, with unspoiled white sandy beaches and a green interior complete with a group of inhabitant deers.

Kalenting Sari temple at the hilltop of Menjangan

Our day was dedicated to visiting the 3 temples present on the island, the most notable being the Pura Gili Kencana, which is certainly worth a visit for the huge white stone of Ganesh looking out at sea. We were told this is the largest Ganesh temple in the world and the oldest temple in Bali, dating back to the 14th century. Another temple, located at the hilltop of Menjangan, is the Kalenting Sari: it was built as part of the holy trip of the great Hindu missionary Danghyang Nirarta who, in the 16th century, came from the kingdom of Majapahit in Java to teach Hinduism to the Bali people. These temples are inhabited by 16 Hindu monks, the only human presence on the island. Next we took a nice walk around Menjangan perimeter. The walk took 1 hour and a half along paths of dry turf, as we did it slow in order to absorb Menjangan natural coastal beauty.

The shy deers on Menjangan

Menjangan in Javanese language means ‘deer’, and this name was given by the local coastal population when they observed herds of wild deers swimming to the island every spring. And deers were indeed present, hiding on the thin island bushes, shy at our presence. Deers, we learned, are not the only animals present on the island: there are wild rabbits, iguanas and wild chicken as well. Once we reached the coast, we witnessed the woman shaman performing a ritual dance armed with a kriss knife, as well as a processions of men and women heading towards the moored boats to take part of the traditional ceremonial trip around the island.

Local woman priest dancing with her kriss knife

The day trip was a great success, though in my opinion, more could be done in terms of organization, cleanliness  and communication: there was lot of waiting around at the harbour, the walking tracks on the island are few and badly kept, and some of the beauty of the island is lost in the rubbish.

DIVING ON MENJANGAN

Colourful snail on Menjangan beach

Menjangan area is where diving first started seriously on Bali back in about 1978 under the sponsorship of the Indonesian Navy, which helped to establish Menjangan as the premier international dive location in Bali. The island is still today considered to be an important part of the local tourism industry thanks to the seven world-class dive sites that lie off its coast, and to one of the most spectacular and best-preserved coral reefs in Bali. These reefs incorporate an incredible marine fauna that includes groupers, large groups of jacks, turtles, enormous sea fans, pygmy seahorses, vivid gorgonians, schools of snapper and reef sharks. Thanks to the depth of the dramatically deep drop off of nearly 60 meters and by complex rock formations, there are a great number of large and small caves hosting sponge and soft corals, moray eels and young snappers and batfish. The moderate flow of currents and its protection from strong winds means it is common to see tuna, shoals of jack-fish and angelfish. Many of Bali‘s dive operators based in the southern tourist regions can arrange daily dive excursions specifically to Menjangan.

Kids playing on Menjangan beach

Snorkeling is also said to be the best on Bali: the water around Menjangan is often clear and calm, there is a great abundance of marine life and coral, and visibility is usually excellent, ranging from between 15 and 50 meters. Dive companies offer a comprehensive selection of wetsuits, masks, diving equipment and all other gear necessary to explore beneath the waves.

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Peanuts seller on the Labuan Lalang pier

What are you waiting for? Whether you are a dive aficionado, a sea lover or an adventurer, a day trip to Menjangan is absolutely worth it. Boats leave from the beach at Labuan Lalang and can chartered on the day. The best is to arrive early in the morning and try to club with other tourists in order to make chartering a whole boat worth it. The permit to visit the island cost Rp 40,000 per person and can be purchased from the national park office in the main Labuan Lalang car park.

Trips to Labuan Lalang last: 90 minutes from Lovina, 15 minutes from Pemuteran, 15 minutes from Gilimanuk.

Menjangan has no accommodation or facilities. Sleeping options are plenty on the north western coast of Bali near the West Bali National park and in the Pemuteran area.

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