Catching Some Rays. On a Camera.

One of the many reasons we wanted to come to the Maldives is the Whale Sharks.  Apparently, it's the busiest hub/route for Whale Sharks, and since we didn't make it to Perth to see them live, we figured it was as good of a reason as any to head the the Maldives.

 

As soon as we arrived, we signed up for the Whale Shark snorkeling trip, where 85% of the time they see Whale Sharks.  Pretty good odds, eh?!

 

So we boarded the boat with 4 other guests and a crew of 3 to head out and find them. 

We're very excited to see Whale Sharks.

On the way, we swung past an area known for Manta Rays and were lucky to see a few.  They are pretty big - the ones we saw had a 6 foot-ish wing span, but we hear that there are many in the area that eclipse 12 feet or more!  They are so graceful and beautiful. 

Big Daddy.

Jeff thinks National Geographic is going to call him for rights to this photo.

See ya later!





Unfortunately, we didn't see any Whale Sharks. It could be because of a call from the Sea Shepards telling all of the Whale Sharks in the area that we had 4 members on-board from a certain whaling nation...or, it could have been because they were all swimming too deep for us sissy snorkelers to see them...

This is how I felt about not seeing a Whale Shark. (please note that my
hair looks like Jerry Seinfeld when his landlord put in the low pressure
shower.  Ha Ha.)

 

The Mirihi Thari.

Maybe we'll try another Whale Shark excursion...we'll see!