Fishing Frenzy

You may or may not know about whale sharks. They are slow filter feeding sharks but much more gentle and kinder than the average sharks. Because they gorge on plankton and smaller marine wildlife they are considered safe. Although they are actually very large (some can grow up to twelve meters long) they pose no threat at all to humans and many love the idea of swimming with them. Photogenic, friendly and with a definite 'wow' factor they make great diving buddies! If you're into global travel and want to try to see whale sharks for yourselves then here are some tips:-

Whale Sharks migrate every spring to the continental shelf of the central west coast of Australia. The Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia provides the whale shark with plenty of plankton and are often spotted here regularly at this time. Although there is also whale shark activity around the coast of South Africa, Yucaton, Mexico, Indonesia, Tofo Reef in Mozambique, Tanzania, Thailand, Maldives and the Red Sea. Whale sharks have an inquisitive nature so if you get your timings right there is a fair to good chance of seeing them.

Before you head off to your chosen destination, make sure you find out about a diving tour group with a good reputation. It can be very dangerous to seek whale seeks on your own so make sure you ask around for some recommendations. A good place to start is fellow well seasoned travellers or good internet travel forums.

You might wonder if all this is worth the effort, it definitely is. Whale Sharks are strikingly beautiful and are often very playful and enjoy human company. There are even reports of them allowing people to hitch a ride on them! Of course there is the added bonus of them not being dangerous, the only thing you'll have to remember is not to get too close to their blow hole (they can sometimes unexpectedly snort!)

If you're not an experienced diver then snorkelling with whale sharks is also possible. Tours normally give you a practice snorkel (or dive) and then in groups of normally ten to twenty you will get taken out to the reef. The dive master will look out for a whale shark and when one is spotted the group will dive in to swim with this graceful animal. Many swimmers agree that it can be truly can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.