We were headed to the dive shop by 7:15 this morning. We were in the boat headed out to find the whale sharks by 8:30. We went out about 20 miles and all of the whale shark boats were searching for them and communicating to each other. Finally they were spotted and we headed in that direction. There was reported to be over 100 of them. As we got closer the captain slowed the boat down and as we looked out across the sea we saw large fins everywhere. It was unbelievable. As we got closer and saw the size of these sharks it was even more amazing. They were all on top of the water eating the plankton. They would only let two of us and a guide be in the water at one time. We awaited our turn anxiously and went in the water as soon as we were directed to. We followed the guide toward the numerous HUGE fish until we were right in the midst of them. Looking at them through the mask was almost frightening at first - to be that close to something that big. They are very docile and seem to not care to much that we are invading their space. We swam with them and took some pictures and then went back on the boat to await our next turn. The next time was truly amazing. They sent a photographer instead of a guide with us so we could concentrate on swimming with the fish and let her take the pictures. We were so close we could have reached out and touched it. One of them swam at a rather relaxed pace so we were able to stay right with him watching his gills open and close and seeing his little eye. Such a little eye for such a huge fish. They were all at least 30 ft and bigger. That is as big as Alaya. By lunch time they had finished eating and had gone to the depths below. We headed back to Isla Mujeres all in awe of swimming with this magnificent creature. The captain took us snorkeling and made shrimp ceviche while we snorkled. It was an experience we will never forget and would love to do again.