We have been here in November 2017 already - which was not the right timing to meet the whale shark. We would lie saying that we did not plan the trip now in May to be there when it is whale shark season.
The swim with these giants was definitely on our bucket list. And if it is not yet on yours - add it. These animals are amazing. Another once in a lifetime experience.
We booked a trip with Coral Bay Ecotours - the same company we booked for a Manta Ray trip in 2017. And again the tour was worth every penny. We have been lucky swimming with some different whale sharks on this day.
In the beginning it feels strange. It is scary jumping from a driving boat, around 10km off the shore. There was nothing then water around us - deep blue water. No ground to be seen. Nothing but water. And suddenly these sharks appear out of nothing - calmly swimming near the surface. A massive animal making its way through the ocean. We instantly forgot being somewhere in the open water. Having the chance to give this friend accompany is a real gift.
We jumped into the water for several times with different sharks the plane searching for the sharks has been spotting. The boat brings you in front of the sharks, a fearless jump in the water - and then swim along with the whale shark. It can be that easy - but you will never get bored
The swims with turtles, which we also enjoyed on that day might be easily forgotten. But these creatures are as beautiful as the sharks are - and therefore also worth being mentioned.
You may wonder what the eco aspect of the company is - next to the fact that there is no plastic being used on the boat, they really care about the marine wildlife. Don't expect to swim with the sharks for a long time. It is not you who is in charge, the animals define what is going on. And the primary goal of the knowledgeable crew is to let the animals live in peace. You are just a visitor in their territory. Another benefit coming along with the eco tour is that the boat is not packed - it is maximum of 10 people in the water.
We spent another day at Coral Bay - we like this place. It is very tiny, the 'city' consists of a campground, a bakery and a restaurant only - but you can feel a good vibe there.
We took a break walking across the sand dunes, strolling along the beach and planning our next destinations. We enjoyed the slow life in Coral Bay.
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