Swimming With The Biggest Fish In The Sea

Finally the day has come..... When we left Melbourne we had worked out we would be in Exmouth during the season when whale sharks are there. What an amazing experience that would be - albeit a costly one, we decided to build the cost of a tour into our ever growing budget. We researched which company to book with, and in Esperance (back in March) booked with Eco Adventure Tours. Marni one of the owners offered an exceptional customer service in relation to our queries and questions, and even gave us some great tips about places to see on the way up the coast

With anticipation growing we (along with the Backsons) hypothesized whether we would: see whale sharks (there had been a few days when they weren't seen - guess it's not a zoo so it can't be guaranteed), if it would be calm, whether we'd need sea sickness tablets, if there would be enough food for the kids, what the seafood they advertised would be, and if the kids would be able to keep up and swim with the whale shark. What if, what if...

Mothers Day 13th May 2012 - dawn broke, not a cloud in the sky or a single breath of wind could be felt, how perfect. After a quick breakfast, and the presentation of some artistic cards we drove to Tantabilli boat ramp to meet the crew. We watched as 6 other companies headed out, waiting for Eco Adventures to arrive, all of us edgy with excitement and apprehension.

Many keen eyes were keeping watch on the road to see if the bus was coming, with squeals of delight when it was finally spotted.

After introductions with the crew and others doing the tour we were ferried out to the boat on a zodiac. The kids thinking this would be a perfect little boat for us to buy - like we have a spare $2k and for that matter room for a tinny or zodiac. On board we were fitted out with our snorkel, flippers and wetsuits, along with a rundown of the safety requirements and the days itinery. The younger kids were super excited at the prospect of being "allowed" 2 cans of soft drink and bottomless glasses of cordial on offer.


As the spotter plane set off in search of a whale shark we jumped in for a snorkel. The size of the bombies were incredible. One of the staff, Dave, took Abbey over a coral garden and showed her a group of clown fish. She quickly lifted her head out of the water, pulled off her mask and yelled excitedly "I've seen Nemo". As we swam back to the boat (a bit of a test to make sure you can actually swim) a couple of large reef sharks were spotted, and videoed by the videographer. I'm sure that if it had been any other shark swimming nearby we would have been quite anxious. Back on board, while having warm Turkish bread and dukkah, we waited for the skipper to confirm a whale shark sighting. A few had been seen surfacing but diving straight back down. "Got one" yelled Ken, the skipper, and suddenly the boat took off full throttle in the direction of the plane.

Again we had a quick run through of the protocol of swimming with the shark, and before we knew it group 1 was told to get in the water. Group 2, comprising of us and the Backsons, lined up on the back waiting for our signal to jump.
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"GO" in we slid, searching for the group leader Rachel, in amongst the flippers and bubbles, all the time trying to spot the whale shark. Through the blueness of the water a 3-4 metre whale shark swam effortlessly passed us. Dumbfounded by the size and beauty, it was a moment before we all kicked fervently, swimming freestyle to try and keep up with this wonder of the deep. As it slowly swam down into the dark depths of the water leaving us dog paddling in the middle of the ocean, adrenalin pumping through our bodies after the sight we've just seen. Back on the boat, Ken was told of another bigger whale shark nearby. Off we went in its pursuit.

In all we swam 5 times with three different whale sharks and saw one surface beside the boat, which thrilled Abbey as she wasn't able to swim with them. With each swim the excitement grew and the realization of such a special moment was embraced, all the while I was trying to catch a few photos on the camera to cement the memories in our minds forever.







Before we knew it, it was 2:30pm, and feeling quite peckish after our swims. As we cruised back into the reef area, we were treated to a gourmet lunch of cold meats, a variety of salads, prawns and smoked salmon. A spread which far exceeded our expectations, and certainly filled the kids stomachs as well as our own.










To finish the cruise we went for a second snorkel over a coral bombie which was perfect for diving down and around through crevices, and spotting a stingray, and schools of fish.

       

All too soon we were back at Tantabilli boat ramp, wishing we could go back out and do it all again.



Jo & Pete, who had done a tour at Coral Bay, suggested having a meal prepared for tea as we would be too tired to cook. I'm glad we were able to just heat up our meal, and sit together recalling the day and our experiences.

Although Matt got a little sea sick, and Abbey had to stay on board and help Dave and Ken in the cabin while we swam, we ALL thought it was simply "the BEST day ever". What a Mothers Day to remember.