Exmouth - Whale Shark Diving

5 May. Day 3

Whale Shark Diving trip - Exmouth

Chris and I were picked up at 7am for a 30 minute mini van ride to the Tantabiddi Boat ramp. Then a 100m ferry in a tinnie to the Jazz II 52 ft launch.

Just a few kms trip to a piece of inner reef for a practice swim and a snorkel acclimatisation. Some beautiful small fish and a turtle sighting, everyone ( 20 pax on board) was comfortable with the gear and the procedures for the whale shark swimming.

Then only about 15 minutes cruising further out and we had our first encounter. A spotter plane directs the boat into the immediate area and the skipper does the rest from the fly bridge. 10 people at a time ( maximum allowed by Parks and Wildlife dept regulations) then jump in and swim alongside the whale shark. We had 6 encounters for the day, with two of the amazing fish. Both about 5m long. They range from 3m to 9m apparently. During the first two encounters it was had to keep up with them, even with flippers. The remaining 4 were much more sedate. They travel at varying depths from 3 m to 15m depth generally. They are not at all flustered by the boats and human interaction. And they have a beautiful serenity about then. They are the largest fish in the ocean. They are not a whale or a shark, they are fish. Little is known about any migratory habits or their breeding patterns.

Lunch was served. Salad rolls, cake and fruit. Needed sustenance, as it’s hungry work!

We them motored back into a lagoon area only a couple of kms from the boat ramp and had another snorkel dive on an area of very colourful coral. An amazing collection of very colourful fish. Saw a couple of turtles and a huge cod. As we pulled up anchor the skipper spotted a large tiger shark nearby. He motored over to it and it was not disturbed by the boat and we came within a boats length of it. Very impressive, probably about 4m long.

Back on shore by 2:30. A fabulous experience.

Went to the Whalebone Brewery for a very good pizza and a beer. Back to the vans for a cup of tea and small talk. I just couldn’t stay awake. It had been a big day in all regards.

Here is a link to a good backgrounding video by one of the tour operators: https://youtu.be/GgF5rHEr8_o? si=frLIUj668JNDPgfmもっと詳しく