The Whale Shark

Swimming with a whale shark is just one amazing adventure 

that can be had at the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.
We did this as a family on our recent trip to Exmouth, far north WA,
and it's an experience that my kids will always remember!

Deep out in the ocean

in waters clear and warm

swims a gentle giant

large and grey in form

Bigger than a bus

w i d e r  than a whale

three ridges on his side

lead to a pointed tail

Moving oh so smoothly

mouth open wide to feed

he swims about the water

gathering plankton that he needs

Rows and rows of tiny teeth

fill up his gaping smile

but they’re not used for eating-

just elements of style

Filter feeding on small things-

krill and red crab larvae

tummy full, he turns and winks

Would you like to play now?

I’ll lead you through the water

Swim with me in the sea

The vast blue of the ocean

is where I love to be!

I smile because I’m happy

I swim because I’m free

People come a long, long way

to snorkel next to me

And so I swim beside him

admiring all his spots

arranged in special patterns-

a giant dot-to-dot

His size makes me feel tiny

His girth makes me feel small

This friendly gentle giant

The most magnificent fish of all!

PS. While on our whale shark dive, we were lucky enough to meet Jana, 
one of the founders of the Hearts for Sharks foundation 
that aims to raise awareness of the true nature of sharks and their conservation. 
Click here to read all about this awesome cause.