This little island off the coast of Mexico has been on my radar for a while. Ask me why?
Because it is a part of the planet where nature puts up a spectacular display that is not only immensely fascinating, but ethereal.
Swimming with whale sharks.
That’s what these Mexican waters have in store. Before you shake your head thinking that this is one of those things you’ve seen on Animal Planet (Read: Man in a cage feeding great white sharks), let me tell you, its not even close.
These gentle mammals are unlike any sharks you’ve ever heard of. In fact, they take on more of whale-like attributes. Feeding only on plankton, these 15-ton, 15m-long spotted giants seem to be a symbol of grace and unworldly bulk that can certainly take you back to the time of dinosaurs and leviathans.
As many as 1,400 whale sharks transit this part of the Caribbean every summer, swimming a seven mile radius around the Gulf of Mexico supporting a large and booming tourism industry that has sprouted in recent times. These tour operators, work hand in hand with the WWF to ensure that no damage comes to these animals from the continued human interaction – hence scuba gear, feeding and attempting to ride them are strictly prohibited.
Imagine how it would feel to be snorkelling through the blue and see the largest fish on the planet glide past you? The prospect certainly frightens me, but I am aware that my worry has no rationale.
Among the many things I’d like to do in my life, this would be a definite highlight, especially during the annual Whale Shark Festival, between June and July. Here are some pictures that mesmerise me every time I see them and strengthen my resolve to visit someday:
 |
|
Image Courtesy: Shawn Heinrichs
|
 |
| Image Source: About Utila |