Whale Sharks and Isla Mujeres

Glenn Lawyer · Issue 50, Sep/Oct 2009 · pp. 51–53

Products mentioned: Tokina 10-17mm, Canon 20D, Aquatica A20, Inon Z240 strobes, Bibblepro 5, Canon 17-85mm

Twenty five miles out to sea from Isla Mujeres (Yucatan, Mexico), the sea floor rises in a large bell-like hill whose top is at a relatively shallow 35 meters. And here, my friend, here awaits mystery and wonder. The hill is hollow. A cathedral lies hidden under the sea. Down the side of the hill, below 40 meters, you will find the main entrance fringed with sea fans. A black-tip shark shoots out the far side as I approach. The usher, a bright yellow toadfish, watches all who enter and leave from his seat under a rock. The bishop is a bull shark. Small black coral bushes cover the floor. The ceiling rises several meters above me. Down to the left lies a side entrance. The cavern is light enough that I can just barely dispense with my torch. When I leave, my prayers complete, a school of angelfish follow. Notre Dame doesn’t offer such spendor! Two large groupers lurk at the top of the bel…