- Animal
- Time of year
- Area, Country or Location
- Type
- Experience
- Can see
The whale shark is a slow-moving filter feeding shark. Despite its size, the whale shark does not pose significant danger to humans. Although massive, whale sharks are docile, younger whale sharks are actually quite gentle and can play with divers.
It is advised when diving or swimming with Whale Sharks to not get too close, certainly don’t try to touch them and try not to swim in front or directly behind, they are huge powerful animals and you don’t want to accidentally get knocked by their tail fin. Ultimately to get the best, longest experience you can, you do not want to stress out the whale sharks or get in their way, although they are slow moving they can disappear fast and dive down to the depths to escape when divers are bothering them.
Whale Sharks have slow, graceful movements but when you swim alongside them even at full pace you soon discover that it’s hard to keep up with them for more than a minute or so. Whale sharks frequently circle around feeding, especially around pinnacles and sea mounts. So if following the advice above the whale shark may return, so there is absolutely no point in trying to chase the shark.
The whale shark is the largest non-cetacean animal in the sea. The average size of adult whale sharks is estimated at 9.7 metres and 9,000 kg. The whale shark is a filter feeder – one of only three known filter feeding shark species (along with the basking shark and the megamouth shark). It feeds on macro-algae, plankton, krill, Christmas Island red crab larvae, small nektonic life such as small squid or vertebrates and small fish.
Preferring warm waters, whale sharks populate all tropical seas. They are known to migrate every spring to the continental shelf of the central west coast of Australia. The coral spawning of the area's Ningaloo Reef provides the whale shark with an abundant supply of plankton.
The whale shark is targeted by commercial fisheries in several areas, such as some parts in Asia, where they seasonally aggregate. The population is unknown and the species is considered vulnerable by the IUCN.
More detailed information about Whale Sharks can be found here.
Alor Island, Indonesia
Alor is the last island furthest east and north in the East Nusa Tenggara province, more commonly know in Bahasa Indonesia as Nusa Tenggara Timur or NTT. NTT as a province is most famous for Komodo Island and it’s aboriginal inhabitants the...
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Ambergris Caye, Belize
The most popular of Belize’s diving destinations, with access to the second largest barrier reef in the World and one of the most famous Blue Holes! Ambergris Caye has some great relaxed, fun diving to match its peoples laid back relaxed attitude. Ambergris...
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Andros, Bahamas
Set in a tropical scattering of islands, surrounded by the third largest coral reef and some of the clearest water in the world. Andros has a wide range of exciting and beautiful marine life making this an exciting scuba diving location. The...
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Ari Atoll, Maldives
Manta Rays elegantly swim through the warm clear waters surrounding the many tranquil atolls and islands. With waters packed full of life and plenty of large pelagic species the Maldives is one of the most exciting places in the underwater world to...
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Berry Islands, Bahamas
A quiet group of islands with excellent less known reefs, the Berry Islands are great for those who want a quiet holiday but still have access to excellent reefs and large pelagic species. The Bahamas means “Shallow Seas” and consists of a...
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Bimini, Bahamas
Bimini lays 81km (53 miles) due east of Miami, just on the other side of the gulf stream. The close proximity to the United States made it the ideal spot for an offshore speakeasy during prohibition. One of the most popular shipwrecks...
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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The diving is great here, there's no debate, and many sites can be visited year round. Cabo San Lucas has also long been renowned as a playground for the rich and famous and also those looking for sea and spa fun....
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Cancun, Mexico
A popular diving hotspot in Mexico, where you can see Whale Sharks, dive the spectacular cenotes and visit the famous underwater sculture museum. Cancun is great for tourists, within easy driving distance of the Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen, a jumping...
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Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Hundreds of Hammerhead Sharks, amazing marine life and blue open ocean, Cocos Island is a once in a lifetime diving destination that any shark lovers must dive. Cocos Island is an island approx 550km off the coast of Costa Rica of tectonic...
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Dauin, Philippines
University town Dumaguete is locally referred to as the city of gentle people. Many different bars and restaurants in town, live music at different locations most nights. With modern facilities such as hospitals, doctors, dentists, supermarkets and immigration office, Dumaguete is an...
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Diani Beach & Shimoni, Kenya
Diani Beach is a major beach resort[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_resort] on the Indian Ocean[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Ocean] coast of Kenya[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenya] in eastern Africa located 30 kilometers south of Mombasa[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mombasa], in the nearby Kwale County[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwale_County]. The white sands of Diani Beach offer facilities and equipment for a holistic water sports holiday, above, on or below the water. The reefs are home to...
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Donsol, Philippines
Donsol is a small rural costal town situated in the province of Sorsogon at the southern end of Luzon Island. People come to this little town mainly to see and swim with the Whale Sharks who come in huge numbers to...
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Drake Bay, Cano Island, Costa Rica
Drake Bay is tucked away between rainforests, beaches and rocky cliffs. Isolated in Costa Rica’s less-traveled southern half, this is a favourite destination among people looking to get away from it all. It also has some of the best diving off of...
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Eilat, Israel
Eilat is the place that used to serve as a port to King Solomon’s large fleet of ships has now become a significant resort city that now serves as a tourist destination. Located at the northern end of the Bay of Eilat,...
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El Nido, Philippines
El Nido has been ranked one of the best beach and island destinations in the Philippines. The stunning beauty of the island is perfectly complimented by fantastic dive sites, which vary in intensity and style. El Nido is famed for its...
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El Quseir, Egypt
El Quseir is an ancient Egyptian town, located on the edge of the Red Sea. Today, it is a quiet resort town that draws in guests with its stunning beaches, clear waters, coral reefs and the remnants of the Ottoman Empire....
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Exmouth, Australia
Whale Sharks! The Ningaloo Reef off the coast of Exmouth, in Western Australia, is one of the few places left in the World where you can dive and swim with these majestic giants. Exmouth is a small town on the Coral...
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Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
A trip of a lifetime! The Galapagos is one of the last places in the world where you have the chance of diving with huge schools of Hammerhead Sharks. The Galapagos Islands consist of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles approx...
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Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman is known for it's fantastic wall diving, healthy reefs, world class shore diving, excellent macro marine life and often with cobalt calm seas! There are 270 named dive sites with warm water and generally great visibility year round. Grand Cayman is...
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Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Home to a stunning protected coral reef that plunges to 8000 ft, Grand Turk has some great dive sites minutes from the shore. Grand Turk is part of the group of islands that makes up the Turks and Caicos Islands. With 8...
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Hoi An, Vietnam
The most northerly point on the Vietnamese Coast where you can scuba dive, Hoi An is a beautiful town rich in culture with the old town listed as a World Heritage Site. Hoi An has a tropical climate with a dry...
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Hurghada, Egypt
A gateway to some of the most exciting and diverse diving for all levels of divers, Hurghada is a good place to base yourself or to board a Liveaboard to explore the best that the Red Sea offers. It is set...
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Inhambane, Mozambique
Inhambane is the capital city of Inhambane Province in southern Mozambique. It is a small laid back town, and a source of great Mozambican pride. It is a very popular destination for those who love nature, adventure, architecture and beachside relaxation. Inhambane is...
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Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is a small 5-mile long island, located just across the bay from Cancun. As a former fishing village, the island retains a quaint local charm that sits in pleasant contrast to the development of Cancun. The large...
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Khao Lak, Thailand
An unspoilt environment on the beautiful Andaman coast, surrounded by National park forest, Khao Lak is ideally situated for diving in Thailand and trips to the Similan Islands and Surin Islands which are home to some of the best dive sites in...
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Koh Chang, Thailand
Koh Chang, albeit one of the lesser known Thai islands is also one of the largest and most easily accessible from Thailands capital city and travel hub, Bangkok. The island of Chang has so much to offer from the quiet fishing village...
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Koh Kood, Thailand
Koh Kood is an island of peace, tranquillity and relaxation that happens to have some pretty diving. It’s a late developer and feels like the Thailand of yesteryear complete with wide sandy deserted beaches and authentic fishing villages. Tourism hasn’t yet become...
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Koh Lanta, Thailand
A jewel in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lanta is a laidback, relaxed island close to some of the coasts best dive sites. Koh Lanta is a popular travel destination for a laidback holiday escapade but what really makes it different is...
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Koh Lipe, Thailand
A small, relatively unknown island on the Thai tourist circuit, Koh Lipe is still considered off the beaten path. There are no cars, you can walk everywhere and the stunning beaches with fine powdery sand are surrounded by numerous, even more stunning...
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Koh Mak, Thailand
Koh Mak is a small and friendly island. Perfect holiday get away. Except there is no 7/11, no ATM, no lady bars, just beautiful pristine white beaches, clear water and stunning sunsets. There are nice local restaurants and a few bars. Koh...
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Koh Phangan, Thailand
The second biggest island in the Gulf of Thailand, just north of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan is ideally placed close to the stunning Ang Thong Marine Park and main dive sites of the area. Quieter and more remote than the...
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Koh Samui, Thailand
Practically the biggest island in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is perfectly seated next to the magnificent Ang Thong Marine Park. Its dive sites are stunning filled with rich marine ecosystem. Koh Samui is the perfect holiday getaway for people looking to...
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Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao is considered by many as the main diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand primarily because of its shallow coral reefs teeming with marine life making it a particular favorite amongst beginner divers and snorkelers. Combined with a laid back...
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Krabi, Thailand
Krabi has around 160km of coastline and a range of islands, over 32 dive sites and endless snorkeling spots with pinnacles, underwater caves, rock formations, swim-throughs and wrecks. Because the majority of dive locations in Krabi are quite shallow, they are suitable for...
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Kupang, Indonesia
Kupang is located on Timor Island and is the capital city of the East Nusa Tenggara province (more commonly know in Bahasa Indonesia as Nusa Tenggara Timur or NTT) which consists of over 550 islands. NTT province is most famous for Komodo...
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La Paz, Mexico
Gateway to the magnificent Sea of Cortez, with access to a diverse selection of enjoyable and exciting dive sites, La Paz is a brilliant base to experience some of the best marine life encounters in the area has to offer. La Paz,...
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Mafia Island, Tanzania
Mafia Island is a relatively unknown and unexplored destination. The marine park was opened in 1996 and is in fact the biggest marine protected area in East Africa. Mafia boasts some of the best biodiversity with over 42 genera of corals and...
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Male Atoll, Maldives
The best coral reefs in the Maldives are in Male’s brilliant blue waters. The most explored of all the atolls by divers due to its variety of dive sites, abundance of marine life and easy accessibility, Male is an excellent choice of...
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Marsa Alam, Egypt
One of Egypt’s fastest growing holiday destinations, until recently Marsa Alam was just a small fishing village, then since the introduction of the new international airport in 2001 its popularity is growing, and is soon expected to rival the larger resorts in...
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Maui, USA
There are main reasons why visitor come, relaxation, sun, and beaches and of Scuba Diving. When the rest of the world is freezing, if asked where they would rather be, the answer is, the Hawaiian Islands. Maui is two connected mountains with...
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Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos
The largest of the islands, Middle Caicos is an island of natural beauty, a more dramatic coastline than other islands and can reach some excellent dive sites. Middle Caicos is part of the group of islands that makes up the Turks and...
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Moalboal, Philippines
Moalboal is situated on the south western side of Cebu Island, a central Philippine island. Cebu Island is mountainous and covered with areas of dense jungle and is one of the most developed of the Philippine provinces. It is a hot tropical...
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North Caicos, Turks and Caicos
Boasting the largest flock of pink flamingos in the islands and access to brilliant dive sites, North Caicos is a nature lovers getaway. North Caicos is part of the group of islands that makes up the Turks and Caicos Islands. With 8...
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Palau, Micronesia
Well known for its marine bio-diversity, spectacular wall dives and vibrant colourful reefs, Palau is a top diving destination which attracts divers worldwide to experience one of the most unique holiday destinations on the Planet. Palau is a group of over 200...
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Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
One of the most beautiful areas in Thailand, the Phi Phi Islands dramatic landscape is just as beautiful underwater as it is above. Perfectly placed to access all the best dive sites of the area, Koh Phi Phi is a very...
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Phuket, Thailand
Thailand’s largest island and most popular tourist destination provides everything any holiday maker could want, exquisite white sand beaches, warm balmy turquoise sea, a busy nightlife, and more importantly access to the top Thailand diving. Phuket, also known as “The Pearl of...
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Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
Playas del Coco is a small beach town in the northern province of Guanacaste. It is known for its great diving and large marine life, along with frequent sightings of Bull Sharks. Set on the northern Pacific coast, Playas del Coco (El...
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Ponta D’Ouro, Mozambique
Ponta D'Ouro is an unspoilt diving location that can be reached easily from South Africa’s main hubs (7hrs from JHB, 4.5hrs from DBN) making it a good location even, for South Africans, for a a weekend diving getaway. Visitors to Ponta can...
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Puerto Morelos, Mexico
The Riviera Maya is an all-inclusive destination in every sense of the word. Gorgeous beaches and crystal clear water, abundant nature, tropical climate, Mexican and Mayan culture, nightlife and cuisine, accommodations for all budgets, friendly people and activities to suit even the most...
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Roatan, Honduras
The largest of the Bay Islands, Roatan has pristine white sand beaches, amazing tropical jungle covered hills and a unique coral reef close to the shore. Any visitors will easily see why these islands are said to be the “Caribbean’s Best Kept...
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Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean
Saba is a tiny volcanic island in the Caribbean that offers unspoilt diving opportunities with virtually no crowds. This 13 square kilometer island is officially part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands – though English is the primary language – and has...
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Sal, Cape Verde
Sal, which is Portuguese for salt, is one of the northern group of islands of the Cape Verde archipelago and is home to the area’s main airport. At 35 kilometres long by 12 kilometres wide, Sal it is geologically the oldest...
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Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos
The best kept secret of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Salt Cay is the ultimate getaway, total adventure and relaxation at its finest. No crowds, no cruise ships and no casinos and a diver’s paradise. Salt Cay is part of the group...
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Sapodilla Cayes, Belize
The Belize barrier reef, a UNESCO world heritage site, is the second largest barrier reef in the world and boasts an incredible spectacle of marine life. The Sapodilla Caye is made up of 8 small beautiful islands located 35 miles from mainland...
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Semporna, Malaysia
The islands off Semporna are world famous for its abundant marine life and tiny islands offering white sandy beaches shaded by lush tropical vegetation. The gateway to those islands is the small seaside town of Semporna where many small hotels and...
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Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
The most popular diving destination in the Red Sea, the waters around Sharm El Sheikh offer some of the most stunning and famous dive sites not just in the Red Sea but also the World. Sharm el Sheikh is located on Egypt’s...
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Sihanoukville & Koh Rong, Cambodia
Brought back from the ashes of the Khmer Rouge takeover and a subsequent attack from the United States military, Sihanoukville with its formerly famous beaches and deep sea port is once again becoming a Cambodian vacation hotspot. Often referred to as “Snooky”,...
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Socorro Island, Mexico
The Socorro Islands are a diver’s paradise offering once in a life time encounters with the oceans largest creatures, and is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with Humpback Whales! The Socorro Islands, or the Revillagigedo...
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Sodwana Bay, South Africa
Sodwana Bay has beautiful reefs on planet with huge diversity of marine life with good all year round diving. Located on the north east coastline of South Africa, Sodwana Bay has a rich natural biodiversity both on land and in...
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South Caicos, Turks and Caicos
The fishing capital of the islands, South Caicos attracts those interested in birdlife, fishing, diving, fresh seafood and history South Caicos is part of the group of islands that makes up the Turks and Caicos Islands. Located at the southern tip of the...
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Taganga, Colombia
Taganga is a small fisherman village outside of Santa Marta. The last decade has experienced a tremendous tourism boost. It is very close to Tayrona Park which offers all kind of levels dive sites, and is very cheap then it has become the most...
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Tioman Island, Malaysia
The largest island on the East coast of the Malay Peninsula, Tioman is a wonderful holiday and diving destination offering a variety of underwater sites such as wrecks, sheltered bays and volcanic rocky pinnacles. The densely forested island is surrounded by numerous...
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Tofo Beach, Mozambique
Resident Manta Rays and Whale Sharks are what have put Tofo Beach on the map and along with the stretches of beautiful beaches, laid back vibe and lively atmosphere this location is becoming a top holiday destination for divers and travellers alike. Tofo...
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Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is famed for its beaches, ocean-side archeological sites and collection of cenotes. It's popular with divers, families and travelers alike. Divers visit the area for the cenotes, with visiblity of over 100 meters. Underground rivers and caverns are filled with stalacites,...
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Unguja, Tanzania
Unspoilt by the effects of mass tourism, with year round sunshine and a great close by reef, Zanzibar – locally known as Unguja – is an ideal scuba diving destination. Zanzibar Archipelago off the coast of Tanzania consists of two large islands,...
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Utila, Honduras
The smallest of Honduras’ Bay Islands but most famous for its frequent sightings of the largest fish in the World, the Whale Shark! Utila is part of a group of islands called the Bay Islands located off the north coast of Honduras....
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Watamu, Kenya
A small peaceful beach resort, Watamu has some of Kenya’s finest diving in its nearby protected waters of Watamu Marine Reserve. Watamu is home to 20 prime diving locations, all within less than 35 minutes from the main beach town. Dives...
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West Palm Beach, USA
Palm Beach County Florida is famous for it’s great year round weather, many golf courses, diving, shopping on Worth Avenue and City Place and an abundance of activities for all ages. As a tiny island located just north of Fort Lauderdale and...
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Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Zihuatanejo is a quiet Mexican fishing town that neighbours the resort centered town of Ixtapa. While it has developed extensively since the 1970s, the town retains an old world Mexican charm alongside modern amenities and, great diving. Zihuatanejo is small fishing village...
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