News for the ‘Whale Sharks’ Category

See them now before they are gone

A Publisher’s  by Stephen Frink in Alert Diver Magazine put in writing some feelings I have had for a long time  (sorry no reprint of the editorial that I can find). The article was about his feelings and observations of urgency among divers and photographers  to see large critters, reefs, and the like.   He related a few examples where he squandered chances to see and photograph reefs and corals which are now gone.

I too feel this urgency and not always for reasons of environmental or habitat destruction.  I too mourn a favorite staghorn coral garden now deceased, but I also fear our opportunities to experience manatees,  whales, sharks will be regulated away while rhinos, gorillas, and sailfish will be poached out of existence.

I will continue to  offer trips to see these natural wonders and be frustrated when I have empty slots unfilled – don’t people release that every year could be the last chance to see these wonderful sites?

Edited: March 11th, 2012

The Final Day of Whale Sharks Requires Speed

Today we experienced different conditions and behaviour. For the last 2 days we have found large groups of hundreds of feeding individuals, today there were small groups. The biggest difference was that they were swimming much faster and often under the surface.

We had it easy for 2 days with the whale sharks almost coming to us and cruising slowly right on the surface. Today was an aerobic workout to keep pace with these huge fish. Good training for conditions today would have been to go out into the middle of a 35 mph wide street and try to photograph buses head on.
Many times I had to dive quickly to avoid a collision. I am pleased to know that I can keep pace with a whale shark, but it was very tiring.


Unfortunately it was our last day on the boat so after another delicious meal out and some shopping we will be packing for home.

Edited: August 8th, 2011

Another beautiful day with the Whale Sharks

For our second day we had to move a few miles further out as the crib patch and the whale sharks had moved over night. Once we were on the site we could see that there were even more in one spot than the day before, maybe 150 – 200.

The sharks seemed to be swimming and feeding a little deeper under the surface than they had been on the previous day. Yesterday they skimmed right at the surface with the sound of water rushing into their mouths. Today some were just below the surface. This made it easier for them to sneak up on you from behind.

We had so much fun following an individual getting many great photos then shortly after you stop it would turn and loop back to you.
I had a few goals to my photography today: to get a silhouette against the surface taken from below and some close shots into the mouth and other anatomical features.

Edited: August 7th, 2011

First Day of our Whale Shark Adventure

We had a smooth travel day to Cancun and transfer to Isla Mujeres. We arrived in the late afternoon which afforded us the chance to wander leisurely down the streets and have long and relaxing dinner.

Today was our first day in the water. Our boat left the dock this morning and traveled calm waters under a sunny sky. We had no problem locating a large aggregation of whale sharks. The rest of the day would be spent in the water with them.
All around us the whale sharks swim at the surface with open mouths. They swim toward the boat and veer off at the last second. Accompanying them is a swooshing sound of the water rushing into wide open mouth and swirling around the exposed dorsal fin.

In the water is is possible to keep pace with an individual. When they make a turn you are well positioned to get a head on shot. As they continue by I have to be careful to avoid the large sideways arc of the tail . I look around and another is approaching not far behind me. When there is a pause in encounters it is not long before one or more are on their way.

I am smiling to myself enjoying this very special adventure. I have plenty of time to study and note all of the features of an individual’s anatomy: the spots, the shape of the fin built for maximum speed, the large gills to allow water to pass through. They seem so unfazed by our presence.

I am looking forward to getting more shots tomorrow in the continuing clear visibility, blue water, sunny skies , and flat seas.
What a Treat. Now it is Taco time!

Edited: August 6th, 2011

Preparing to Photograph Whale Sharks

Soon I will be leaving for Isla Mujeres to swim with and photograph whale sharks. The whale sharks skim the surface of the water feeding on bonito eggs. They come in large aggregations to the waters off of these Mexican islands in the southern Gulf of Mexico.
Many people have started traveling to see these aggregations and it seems that good ecotourism standards have been set up from the very beginning when this aggregation was first discovered.

I will see first hand and if I feel that this tourism benefits the protection of the whale sharks and sharks in general, I will arrange a special trip for a small number of guests and photographers for next summer.

Meanwhile I am practicing my free diving and getting my legs in shape for lots of swimming with fins on. I will post photos from my adventure.

Edited: July 27th, 2011