There continues to be a lot we don’t know in regards to the largest fish on the earth. They can develop as much as 20m and weigh as a lot as 34,000kg. Yet for all their dimension and shark title, they current little hazard to people as they’re filter feeders that primarily eat plankton and small fish.
Whale Sharks can develop as much as 20 metres and weigh as a lot as 34,000 kg./Supplied
Soon we attain a Bagan, which bustles with fishermen hauling up nets. Our information begins chatting with one of many fishermen, however it’s minimize brief by a cry, “There’s one!”. I swivel and see big fins swirling beneath the boat. I’m in disbelief once I see the house between the dorsal and tail fins is bigger than our 6m boat. No time to waste, we seize our snorkels and leap into the balmy, clear water.
It’s not lengthy untill I see a shadow within the water heading straight for me. It’s a 10m lengthy whale shark with a gaping mouth. Despite my considerably frantic makes an attempt to maneuver out of its method, it takes no discover and gracefully swims beneath me. The shark then cuts vertically throughout and appears to asssess the fishermen internet hosting off their boat however I’m quickly distracted by a 12m shark cruising previous me in direction of the free feed coming from the ship.
The Whale Sharks performing like Labradors. Photo/Lachlan Rennie
I’m transfixed by their sleek actions as they glide by way of the water, mesmerising as they hoover up plankton and fish fragments in lengthy, meditative sweeps. Smaller fish additionally dart round, and remoras cling to the bellies of the sharks like hitchhikers.
Like human fingerprints, every shark’s pores and skin is a novel constellation of white spots and stripes and watching them float previous fills me with a heady mixture of awe and worry.
The solar starting to rise over our whale shark expertise. Photo/Lachlan Rennie
I lose monitor of how lengthy we’re within the water, sitting in a trance-like state, earlier than I’m tapped on the shoulder. Time to floor. As I break by way of the floor, I’m momentarily blinded by one of the crucial breathtaking sunrises, the sky exploding in streaks of orange and yellow.
Back on the boat, everyone seems to be buzzing. We trade tales and impressions, attempting to seize the expertise. As the Bagans shrink behind us, and we head again to the Aqua Blu, I can’t cease smiling.
Out of the entire superb adventures I bought to expertise whereas aboard the Aqua Blu, this was the clear winner. It was greater than a wildlife encounter. It was a quiet, unforgettable second within the presence of the ocean’s giants. I couldn’t advocate it extra, and I’ll carry it with me all the time.
Checklist
Indonesia
GETTING THERE
Fly from Auckland to Labuan Bajo with one stopover in Denpasar.
