I'm a Whale Shark

The very early start today was definitely worth it! The alarm went off (and the roosters crowed-this happened every day) at 4:30 this morning and we all got ready for our long trip to Oslob to swim with the whale sharks!

Although our captain didn't actually show up until 5:15, the boat seats are not built for three hour journeys, and the little Honda engine was deafening we made it to Oslob around 8am. We were all anxious to swim with the sharks as it was what we had all been talking for the majority of the trip. Before we were paddled out to the dive spot we went through a mandatory training and listened to some important rules...

1. Don't touch the sharks
2. Keep a 4 meter distance
3. Don't make bubbles when you swim
4. No suntan lotion is to be worn if you are swimming
5. You must wear a life jacket at all times when in the boat. If you decide to swim you can take it off (because this rule makes perfect sense)

Basically all of the rules above are not at all practical.

1. If you don't touch the sharks they touch you. The combination of the waves, maneuvering around all the paddle boats, and the size of the sharks who only focus on the shrimp they are being fed makes it next to impossible not to touch them.

2. Again the 4 meter distance rule is extremely impractical. There were about ten whale sharks in the water in a small swimming area. Not to mention the ten or so paddle boats rafted together that basically formed a giant whale shark play pen that you could not escape from.

3. How can you not make bubbles when you swim.

4. Who would be stupid enough to not put on sunscreen before getting on a boat for the entire day.

Again, we got our snorkels, suited up, and paddled out to the sharks.

After talking to our guide I learned that the whale sharks only stay in the dive spot we were at until about noon (hence the 4:30am wake up call). The locals feed the sharks shrimp everyday so that they can be sure they will return. When they are full they move on to another spot until the next morning.

I was first into the water from our boat and practically landed on a shark when I jumped in (the 4m proximity rule like I said before is impossible to follow). I'm not sure what I was expecting but at first glance the sharks were definitely not as big or scary as I thought they would be. The coolest thing about the whole experience was watching them feed. They are basically giant vacuum cleaners! I got a picture with one and then got out of the water. There were lots of tiny jellyfish that stung!

Flat Head!

 After an amazing experience it was time to head back to Bohol for the day. The boat ride back was much less enjoyable and at times even a little scary. I have never not wanted to be on a boat as bad as our ride back. First off, our captain put up the shade tent because it was too windy. It's always nice to have the sun beat down on you for three hours... Secondly, we beat against the waves the entire way back. The wind had also made the waves a lot bigger which was not the most comfortable experience in a small outrigged boat (basically an upgraded canoe). Thirdly, there was a point when the captain asked his crew if the keel was still attached to the boat- I'm not joking! Basically the ride back was miserable but diving with the sharks was still worth it!

The rest of the day was spent exploring Alona Beach and the streets around our resort. My camera has become a new addiction and I thought a walk around would be a perfect opportunity to snipe a few pictures. I also enjoyed a cold San Miguel cider and a tuk-tuk ride!