Another whale shark swim today! But we have to pack our camp and get back to Exmouth campground before heading back to this side of the cape. So we’re up early to get the camp packed up.
Over at Exmouth we setup camp in the hardest ground so far – grateful for a drill to borrow! By that time we need to meet the bus.
This tour is similarly setup to the first one, but a little more professional and organised. The group today includes some Brazilian girls and it happens that there’s a Brazilian guy on the crew, so there’s a fun energy there. Our practice snorkel is among deep and varied coral.
Just like the other cruise, the plane spots a whale shark as we’re getting back into the boat. Knowing the routine makes the swims much easier! We’re quick to get into line and enjoy a few swims. The shark has a little yellow fish just ahead of it, and they seem to be playing a game.
The instructors again tell us to swim to the other side of the shark for clearer water and we enjoy the freedom. As I get my breath in check I feel like I could swim forever.
We have about four rotations of swimming with the shark. When we get back to the boat they say there’s another one they’ve spotted from the air. And we set off for that one.
This shark has a long scar along its back. As people begin to grow tired fewer and fewer get in for their swim. In the end we swim with this whale shark 7-8 times. The final swim is just us and two instructors, they let us swim for ages and ages – I think they’re having us much fun as we are.
The shark is slowly swimming down well below the surface, near the coral; then coming back up to just below the surface. On the previous tour the sea floor was flat sand, making the shark stand out. Now watching the shark against this coral, its spots blend into the surrounds, so when it comes back up it dramatically emerges from the deep.
Coming as much from the crew as the tourists is spontaneous dancing culminating in a conga line.
This has been another amazing day on the water!
Back in Exmouth we head out to a brewery for dinner.
