Shortfin Mako Sharks

Gregory Sweeney · Issue 87, Nov/Dec 2015 · pp. 65–67

Products mentioned: Nikon D300, Canon EOS 5D MKIII, Nexus housing, EF15mm f2.8 fisheye lens, Canon EOS-1Dx, EF70-200mm F2.8L USM

Northeast off the coast of Cancun on the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico lies the small island of Isla Mujeres. The island is approximately five miles long and one half mile at is widest point. Just a short ferry ride from Cancun, the island offers beaches, scuba diving, and a relaxing place to shop and dine. In the summer months the island plays host to guests drawn in by the whale shark ecotourism trips. Guests travel out into the Gulf of Mexico and snorkel with the gentle giants. If they are lucky they also may encounter giant manta rays. Isla Mujeres is best known for wintertime fishing and game fishing of sailfish. The sailfish attract many fishermen, but also underwater photographers. Watching the great coordinated predation of the bait balls is a thrill and photographing it underwater is challenging but rewarding. The sailfish work together as a fast moving team to keep the baitfish t…