Whale sharks are huge, averaging 40 feet long and 15 tons, making them the world’s largest fish. Though they’re sharks, they’re docile, so it’s possible to swim among them. That’s the highlight of a six-day/five-night trip offered by Natural Habitat Adventures. The whale sharks migrate each summer to the area off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Natural Habitat Adventures limits its trips there to July only, and group size is capped at no more than 12. Though the trip begins in popular Cancun, it’s based on Holbox Island, which puts you away from the tourist crowds. The itinerary calls for outings on two days to swim among the whale sharks, and there are other excursions to view more marine life and the area’s birds, such as flamingos, roseate spoonbills and frigatebirds. The trip is priced from $4,095 per person, double occupancy. Airfare to Cancun is extra. 800-543-8917, http://tinyurl.com/zknppv9
Cruising kudos
The beginning and end of the year are always good times for those “best of” award lists. Cruise fans will want to check out the 2017 Members’ Choice awards from Cruiseline.com. The lists are compiled based on more than 16,000 reviews that were submitted during 2016 by visitors to the website. Celebrity Cruises was picked as the best cruise line. It also was No. 1 in best line for couples, Best ship quality, best line for service & staff and most improved line. Taking second and third in the best-line category were Disney Cruise Line and Holland America Line. The rankings also look at destinations, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, led as best Caribbean destination, Glacier Bay was best Alaskan destination and Dubrovnik, Croatia, snagged the best European destination spot. Check out all of the rankings at http://tinyurl.com/gu67wm6.
A wild run
The Serengeti is a bucket-list destination for many people who want to experience East Africa’s prolific wildlife. Within a few hours, it’s not unusual to see most — sometimes all — of the Big Five: elephant, lion, rhino, Cape buffalo and leopard. G Adventures has an eight-day/seven-night tour that will get you a crack at the Big Five, but with an added twist: the chance to run a half-marathon. The tour begins Nov. 21 in Arusha, Tanzania. It includes game drives in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater and visits to Mto wa Mbu village, where you can do a 5K warmup run with a local running group. On race day, you have a choice of a half-marathon or a 5K fun run — or just relax and cheer on your running travel companion. The trip is priced from $3,199 per person, double occupancy, with international air extra. 888-800-4100, http://tinyurl.com/zxk44oh.
Phil Marty is a freelance writer.
