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What an experience - swimming with the whale sharks at Ningaloo reef. We planned it but never thought it would happen. We had real trouble getting up to Exmouth as it was a public holiday and all the flights were taken, but we persisted and it happened.
We set off for the boat as 7:30 am, leaving shoes behind we waded into the turquoise sea to get to the boat (no piers in this part of the world). Careful negotiation of the fringing reef soon saw us in deeper water - Was Jane really going to jump into these shark infested waters with the biggest fish in the ocean? There was no time to think - the first shark was spotted and in we jumped, all 8 snorkellists. Oh my God - the thing was HUGE and coming straight for us , mouth open. Jane frantically tried to swim out of its path and lost a flipper, Bryan tried to retrieve the flipper not realising the shark was upon us! He rolled over its back just behind the mouth, sliding off, aghast that he had touched the fish. Meanwhile Jane shouted that she had lost her flipper when the call went up" watch out the shark has turned" looking down she saw the shark coming straight for her again, frantically kicking with just one fipper, the shark missed her by inches. Bryan returned the flipper only to hear the shout again " the shark has turned" Oh my god thought Jane - its after me, as it once again headed straight for her. Oh no thought Bryan the shark is annoyed that I collided with it and its coming for me! We need not have worried for the beautiful gentle giant glided smoothly past - a majestic animal, so calm and awe inspiring. We swam along side it as it fitered plankton from the nutient rich sea, admiring its easy effortless movement and beautiful colouring. We swam 7 times with 4 different whale sharks in total. It was really wonderful. After that we spotted some Manta Rays - really big and balletic flying through the water as they swam up to investigate us. Jane loves Manta rays now!
The next day we snorkelled off the reef after taking a 4 WD across the uninhabited limestone and ancient coral rocky hills of the Cape Range, spotting kangaroos, wallabies and Emus on the way. Jane saw her first reef sharks - white and black tipped ones - up to 3m long -the black tipped ones were menacing but swam away - thank goodness! Swimming with the turtles was lovely. Bryan chased after the sharks hoping to get a good underwater shot, but earlier that day he had run away from some birds! He had gotten too close to some Emus (7ft high male looking after its brood of young chicks) and the thing decided to chase him. He jumped through the patio door, slamming it shut behind him whilst the Emu strutted up and down out side, whilst Jane was killing herslelf laughing inside!
We loved Ningaloo reef and swimming with whale sharks is the highlight of our travels. You must do it if you get the chance.
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