Whale Sharks

The Whale Shark. Rhincodon typus. Literally the biggest fish in the ocean.

This time of year, they’re enjoying the warm plankton-filled waters of the Bay of La Paz.

We were too.

You can spot them by looking for the giant sucking open mouth at the top of the water. Easy enough.

We came across several. Estimates ranged from 8 to 10 meters. A three-story building, give or take.

These things are so big that you can apparently go on a sightseeing tour to see them from an airplane.

Watching these guys feed isn’t scary at all – except maybe for the one lady in the next boat who actually got in the ocean, but refused to look underwater. Not sure about the logic on that one.

The only “oh, shit” moment came when we were drifting along watching one feed and another swam up behind us. When you turn to see the largest fish in the ocean silently gliding past you out of the corner of your eye… it get’s your attention.

Huge thanks to Sidonie for sharing her underwater shots!