TO DO LIST - WHALE SHARKS
To Do List - Whale Sharks - Luxury Travel Magazine
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To Do List - Whale Sharks | |||||
| By: Antonia Maiolo, Issue 47 – Winter 11 | |||||
| (Whale Sharks) | |||||
| DIVE IN THE DEEP END WITH WHALE SHARKS. ANTONIA MAIOLO FINDS THE BEST PLACES TO SWIM WITH THESE GIANTS OF THE DEEP. | |||||
| Whale sharks are the gentle giants of the ocean. They are the largest members of the shark family and the largest fish in the world - a fully-grown whale shark can get up to 15 metres in length and weigh up to 20 tonnes. Usually in tropical ocean waters, whale shark regions draw visitors from around the world and have become a tourist destination for diving adventures. Tours where the whale sharks visit have sprung up as the demand for human to marine interaction has increased. Fortunately, they are completely harmless and peaceful creatures and snorkellers can expect to be amazed and comfortable in their presence. | |||||
| MALDIVES | |||||
| The tropical paradise of the Maldives has become a popular destination for people looking to take a dive in the Indian Ocean. Travellers to the islands have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks all year round as they congregate in the outer reef of South Ari Atoll. The sharks are attracted by the high levels of plankton in the water. The luxury Diva resort is on the Ari Atoll next to the first Marine Protection Area dedicated to the preservation of whale sharks. Euro Divers operates single scuba dives or dive courses from the resort. One hour trial dives in the lagoon cost c64 (around A$86) including all equipment. Diving packages for qualified divers including five beach or boat dives, equipment and guide start from c201 (around A$272). Visit euro-divers.com | |||||
| WESTERN AUSTRALIA | |||||
| The Ningaloo Reef on the Coral Coast of Western Australia is one of the few regions in the world where whale sharks congregate frequently in coastal waters and are easily accessible. Tours depart from Exmouth or Coral Bay and swims take place only three nautical miles off the coast on the reef. These giants of the sea gather together in the Ningaloo Marine Park annually between late March and early July. There are several tours that focus on whale sharks and other reef life such as manta rays, turtles, dolphins, whales and even dugongs may also be sighted. Three Islands Whale Shark Dive Ningaloo offer tours that include meals, snorkel gear and wetsuits, hotel transfers and support from qualified staff. The cost varies, priced at A$375 for adults, A$265 for children and a family of two adults and two children under 16 is A$1,130. Visit secure.whalesharkdive.com to make reservations. | |||||
| BELIZE | |||||
| Between March and June each year whale sharks can be spotted in the Gladden Split region, 26 miles off the coast of Placencia, Belize. Over 20 species of Caribbean fish release their eggs in the area, attracting the sharks who feast on the eggs. The sharks are gentle and can be playful with divers and snorkellers. There are generally 10-14 days of good sightings each month with the three days before or after the full moon the best time to see whale sharks en masse. Belize Scuba runs daily trips with full day snorkelling trips from US$90 (around A$85) and diving from US$165 (around A$155) including equipment, lunch and a trained guide or dive master. Visit belizescuba.com | |||||
| MEXICO | |||||
| Travellers to Central America can swim with these enormous fish in Cancun, Mexico. Whale sharks can usually be found around the islands of Holbox and Contoy off the Caribbean coast from May until September, although mostly during the months of July and August. They gather there due to the nutrient-rich water around the shores. Such is their popularity that August 30th has been formally established as the Mexican Day of the Whale Shark. Holbox Tours and Travel offers a variety of tour packages that includes a VIP private boat adventure. Daily charters cost US$1,050 (about A$975) for a maximum of 10 persons on board. Visit holboxwhalesharktours.com for applicable dates. | |||||
| PHILIPPINES | |||||
| Donsol bills itself as the whale shark (or butanding as they are known locally) capital of the world. The region is just 50 minutes south of Manila by plane so travellers can easily experience a close interaction with whale sharks. Peak months for whale shark swimming are February to May when visitors can often swim with 15 or 20 sharks a day. The tourism industry surrounding whale sharks is still developing, so prices are lower here than in other parts of the world. Donsol Eco Tour operates two night tours with two days of whale shark interaction for at least three hours each. Prices start from US$1,100 (about A$1,036) including accommodation, breakfast and equipment. See donsolecotour.com for full details. | |||||
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