Whale Sharks are known as the gentle giants of the sea
They are the largest, yet friendliest of all the shark
species, growing up to incredible lengths of around 10 to 12 metres (33-40
foot. ) however in some cases they have been known to get to sizes of 18 metres
(60 foot).
They swim at slow speeds in warm coastal waters travelling
the world’s oceans. Their diet is more like whales as they are filter feeders
eating plankton unlike their shark relatives.
And although Whale Sharks are mostly nomadic, during a
certain time of year these gigantic sharks head to Australia’s western
coastlines and can often been seen congregating in groups, feeding on the
plankton during this season.
Each year between April and July the Whale Sharks enter the
coastlines and into the Ningaloo Reef which is located close by to Exmouth,
1200 kilometres north of Perth. It is also one of the few places around the
world that you can actually experience this swim, getting right up to the
gentles giants as they feed on plankton.
Apart from being able to enjoy the swim with the Whale
Sharks, the reef itself offers abundant marine life which includes large manta
rays, sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins and depending on the time of year the
possibility of seeing humpback, minke and southern right whales. About 500
species of fish and 300 varieties of coral makes it a vibrant and bustling
underwater city that needs to be seen up close.
The tours out to the Whale Sharks each year between April
and July fill up very quickly, due to the limited season of their visit. So now
is the best time to organise your trip to Ningaloo if you want to secure your
spot for this year.
It’s a unique and rare experience that may not be available
in years to come. So don’t delay and visit Western Australia’s most famous reef
at Ningaloo and Swim With The Whale Sharks.
If you are unable to get over to the Australia’s West Coast
there are many more wildlife viewing tours all around Australia. Some of my
picks are below;
If you are daring enough you can now get the opportunity to
swim with the world’s most effective predators… the Saltwater Crocodile. You
are in a glass cage of course but this gets you in the croc tank and you will
come face to face with these killer crocs.
Another effective predator that frequents Australia are the
Great White Sharks and here in Port Lincoln you can get in the shark cage and
see these magnificent hunters up close and in their natural environment.
The great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of
the World and is so because of its abundant wildlife and amazing eco-system
that support both marine life and aquatic plantlife. The area also includes
protected bird areas including many nesting sea birds that visit throughout the
year. The area is vast and covers many reefs and outer islands so no matter how
many times you visit the reef there will always be something new and exciting
to experience.
Each year humpback whales travel down the Australian east
coast either heading too the cooler waters of Antarctica or headed back up
north to the tropical waters. These whales are playful and love to make splash
with the crowds that gather to witness their migration. There are plenty of
places to view the whales which includes Sydney and the Gold Coast. But they
asre best seen around Jervis bay, Hervey Bay and Byron Bay on the mid to north
coast of NSW.
Dolphins and seals are always the main attraction for
visitors to all sorts of sea-life parks. Here in Melbourne however you can swim
with a pod of wild dolphins and get up close to seals getting to see how they
interact with each other, how they hunt and how they also interact with us
humans. Booking a dolphin swim at a sea-life park is also worth the visit and
these available in the Gold Coast but for a real adventure there is nothing
better than a swim with dolphins and seals in the wild.
For all Wildlife Tours In Australia – Click Here
Daniel Hardie
WIN Aussie Adventures – Every Month
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