First Whale Shark of the Season!

The manta and its crew were out on just another trip to the lighthouse for a routine survey, which ended up being one of the most amazing experiences of my young life. I entered the water after hearing the “1, 2, 3 roll” and set off in our designated directions for our surveys. Then one of the divers shouted “whale shark!” I looked down and saw the most exquisite animal to pass beneath us. Right below us was a whale shark approximately 6m in length! Everyone frantically started swimming towards it on the surface; people were climbing on top of each other with reckless abandon to get to the front, smb’s were flying. There were those brave few that leapt from the boat, gearless and free dove down fearless in order to join the beast at its depth. My buddy and I dropped down as quickly as possible to the shark’s depth. It was amazing we were so close to it (like 6m away from it).

We swam with it for 3 minutes or so until it swam from our sight. It was amazing to be able to scuba with one, let alone see one, as people hardly ever scuba with them because they are afraid of the bubbles. It’s an experience I will never forget.

Tai Higgo

First Whale Shark of the Season!