Swimming with whale sharks

by Elen Thomas on 16 October 2013, 10:10AM Everyone asks if it’s scary, swimming with a whale shark. Thrilling, yes, squeal-inducing, of course but there is also something really serene about gliding through the water with these giant fish. Aussie rules are quite strict when it comes to wildlife tours and only 10 people are allowed in the water at any time, so it is easy to find yourself swimming alongside a 23ft whale shark in Ningaloo Reef with only one other swimmer in camera shot. Its movements are bewitching; slow, gentle flicks of its tail propel it forward at a pace which allows you to fully take in its extensive size and beautiful spots, like a sun-dappled patch of ocean. The day started quite tense. Many of my fellow passengers had travelled long distances to see the whale sharks. They had lifelong dreams to fulfi...