 |
| this isn't even a big one! |
 |
| they're as big as the boats! |
 |
| does this make you want to go swimming? |
Over 420 whale sharks are now congregated off the coast of the lovely Isla Holbox, (our favorite destination of last winter's holiday) and have gathered to feed on dense patches of fish eggs. Whale sharks usually prefer to be alone in the open sea but the attraction of food brings them all together for this spawning season. They are the largest living fish species in the world, growing up to 40 feet long. They are a filter feeding shark. Cruising the oceans with their huge mouths open, they feed on plankton, microscopic plants and animals, and obviously, they like fish eggs. Whale sharks inhabit tropical oceans all over the world and have been around for about 60 million years. Completely docile, gentle, and non threatening, they pose no risk to swimmers and snorkelers. It has become a thriving industry on Isla Holbox to take people out for a swim with these gentle giants. I'm no thrill seeker and large fish in the ocean, especially sharks, are one of my biggest fears.....but ...a fly over would be incredible.....a swim?....somehow I just can't picture it.....that's a lot of whale sharks!
19 comments:
I'm with you on this one! no swimming with the fishes for me, seaweed touches my leg and I pass out. They sure are beautiful creatures though.
So impressive. I hope we get our shit together on this planet before it's too late.
You know... I would do it. Probably scared out of my mind, but I would. I have always been fascinated by whales, maybe seeing the orcas coming up the straight as a kid made me love them....now whale sharks????
Wow, how cool is that?!
Hello:
Well, as we can barely swim, that settles that matter.
The sharks individually are such regal creatures and all together, as you show them, they make a most impressive sight. We are not surprised that this attracts a large following of sightseers.
Perhaps we are mistaken but are sure that we have heard of daredevil swimmers who actually swim into the mouths of whales and,hopefully, swim out. Does this really happen and does it happen with sharks too?!!
I think I'd be a little scared, but I'd still love to swim among them.
I am totally creeped out by that. I like splashing around in the ocean, but not swimming in it.
Incredible. Maybe not a swim, but in a glass bottomed boat, yes. My favorite thing I've done was whale watching off the coast at Cape Cod.
oh wow! this is just so incredible! lucky you to be able to witness this and what great info you've given about these beasts!
I've never heard of docile sharks before. Live and learn!
thank you for your June 16 comment.
interesting. the sunday June 12 Objects Of Virtue photographs in question were actually snapped around 6:30 PM. the temperature at the time was a brisk 100ºF with a heat index of 110ºF. glad you liked them :-)
great June 6, 12 & 14 posts. excellent work!
btw June 13 whale sharks. fantastic! ...the only whales we see around here are the ones shopping at the local Walmart.
visit me at:
http://objectsofvirtue.blogspot.com/
http://elementallight.blogspot.com/
ack! i could never do the swim with them, even if i was assured FOREVER that they were harmless. too scary! but i like seeing them in picture format -- from a safe distance! :)
Well, if you want to know, no sharks in my sea!
Holy Moly! That IS a lot of whale sharks....let's go swimming!!! LOL I think not! Glad to have found you. I love the painting and the post about making yourself better by swimming. Great posts!
Not certain I would like that. Never wanted to swim with the stingrays either. I do like little blue or yellow fishes. Enjoyed this, though. Always amazed at what I've never seen.
Awesome shots!!!
I can't imagine being that close to something so out of this world...whale shark envy going on here in the cornfields of Iowa...
peaceful images of graceful creatures — beautiful to behold!
and i completely agree with your previous post about swimming - my body is aching from using a pick axe today and i could use a swim ;-)
wonderful images... happy to have stopped by :)
How interesting. I would sure like to see that. I would definitely have t think about swimming with them though, although knowing me I probably would.
Kevin and Ruth
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com
Post a Comment