Swimming with the Whale Sharks!

Whale Sharks (Tiburon Ballenas) are the gentle giants of the sea:  the largest known species of fish.  From early winter through late spring, these filter feeders live in the shallow waters near LaPaz.  Once before we had tried to find, view, and SWIM with the whale sharks:  but no luck that time.

This year -- determined to see them up close and personal -- we opted for the professional panga tour guide (plus we did it during peak whale shark watching season).  We waited for a calm morning, and then promptly at 8am we headed out around the Magote (sand spit near LaPaz) and began the hunt for those elusive giants.

We opted that leaving earlier than most tour groups would give us the best conditions (calm seas) even if we had to find them (small disturbances on the water -- not quite as much as a dolphin fin).  At first we drove back and forth looking & looking.  Flat calm seas.  Then we noticed another panga tour boat was pretty stationery.  Heading in that direction, I spotted the tale action!  YEAH!  WHALE SHARKS!

In almost no time, we were in the water, snorkeling with these behemoths watching them filter feed.  At times we all felt the need to snorkel backwards to stay out of the way.  But no problem.   It was an incredible experience.  Awe inspiring.

SOLD!  A Panga Tour to View the Whale Sharks.

Our Panga

Hello.  I'm your friendly Whale Shark.

Good Shot of Open Mouth -- Filter Feeding

WOW!

Whale Shark

Bryan watching a Whale Shark (see bump ahead on surface of water) and READY to snorkel backwards!  

YEAH!  We swam with the Whale Sharks!