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Thats why I dont mind leaving at the time we do. There is usually not a lot of boats and people when we are out in the area. Within half an hour of arriving there is under 8 boats left from the normal 80 in the morning as long as there are sharks. Much better experience than your goat rodeo.
A lot of the boats from Holbox will travel to the same area where the Isla Mujares boats go in the blue water. Its probably double the boat ride. If they dont want to travel that far then there is usually sharks in the green water which has the lower vis.
Mid July to end of August is best time to see them based on my personal daily experience. This year has been off to a good start in June with lots of sharks. The peak shark season is near end of july to mid august. Last season we had tons of sharks and mantas right up till sept 17 closing day.
8 boats sounds a lot better than the 30+ we had. We were lucky and were the second boat on the pod so got some good early snorkels in before the hoards arrived with several people on various boats chumming the water with their vomit. This was also pre life jacket days so I was able to free dive 30 feet down with them. We enjoyed it until it started feel way overcrowded and, frankly, a bit unsafe.
That's when it wasnt so regulated as it is now. CONANP is usually present and monitoring all boats. No freediving anymore. Wetsuits are ok to use otherwise lifejacket is mandatory. You must remain on surface. 12 years ago there were 120+ boats going out. Now maybe 70? Most of the boats leave early at or before 8am. Blue H2o Cozumel leaves marina at 930am so we arrive to the shark area when most boats are returning back.
