Travel Photos - Whale sharks, Exmouth - Western Australia

This day may have just been one of the best day trips we've ever done! We were at Ningaloo Reef - Exmouth in Western Australia. The guys we went with from Exmouth were 3 Islands Marine Charters - (http://www.whalesharkdive.com/). They are a great bunch of guys who really do want to look after the whale sharks as well as the customers. None of the whale shark tours are cheap and so we wanted to get this decision right. As soon as we met the guys the next morning, we felt quite assured that we had made exactly the right decision going with 3 Island Marine - they wanted to look after us right from the off. There's also heaps of information given on the trip about the whale sharks and their habits, markings etc.



The excursion to see the whale sharks started well with an offshore breeze flattening out the swell we had experienced on earlier trips. Our practice snorkel was brilliant – a stingray on the ocean floor and then a huge cod fish – my god, I thought they came the size of the batter on your plate. And then a moray eel, mooching at the foot of the coral – and yes that was impressive too. Large “bombies” sprouting roundly out of the sand. Then two more rays – one huge and black, his edges curled at the sides. Exciting and scary all at once. There was plenty of other fish too including cute banded anemone fish like nemo.



Back on the boat we headed out of a gap in the reef and it wasn’t long before the spotter plane had our first target whale shark, it loomed like a large shadow gliding across the surface. I shivered with chill from the breeze and with excitement, I was right on edge, I knew it would be special. We slid into the water and ducked under to be met by a huge gaping mouth – oh my god – I wanted to scream and shout with excitement but I daren’t take my eyes off the beautiful bluey, grey creature in front of me least it disappeared into the murky shadows without me. We swam fast – this lady wasn’t hanging around. I could hardly contain myself but back on the boat I was almost speechless; in awe of such magnificent being – so powerful and yet so docile, gliding through the water, mouth agape with gills pulsating and a slow rhythmic wave of the tail.

On our third swim I found myself almost along on his right side, conscious of the conservation rules I was trying to keep my 3m distance but he kept coming at me, turning towards me so close I could almost touch his smooth, uniquely patterned skin. He was curious, who was this strange sea creature starring so intently at him as he went about his daily life. But I was nervous – it was both incredible and frightening, totally exhilarating being the focus of his attention and vice versa.

After a couple more swims we broke for lunch, totally fulfilled, our expectations already exceeded. Lunch was fabulous by the way.

We then spotted a large group of Manta Rays outside the reef on the way home - this was more than the icing on the cake – it challenged the whale sharks for amazement. We counted up to ten rays after hastily donning our wetsuits again and sliding in with them. They were curious too – it was a wonderful spectacle as they dived and glided about us – almost brushing past, mouths open filtering the plankton. Rays are magnificent creatures, large and other-worldly, the things of sci-fi films – but these are harmless and gentle. As they performed their dinner-dance around us we could see right inside, white internal stripes imitating a rib cage. One was unusually black all over and came up right underneath me; I held my breath and marvelled at every inch of his vast body. After several minutes, they went on their way, unknowingly having given a small group of people an experience of a lifetime. I’ll sleep well tonight!

Video below of our whale shark encounters

Short video below of the manta rays - amazing!

Travel Photos - Aitutaki and Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Yes, this is paradise on earth! Deep turquoise water; soft, white, deserted sandy beaches; blue sky and a cool breeze. Perfection! Aitutaki is one of a small group of islands that form part of the Cook Islands. If you go to the Cook Islands - its a must visit and if you can afford it, stay there.


We stayed in Muri Beach on Rarotonga at the Muri Beach Resort (http://www.muribeachresort.com/). We were more than happy here, the villas, including tranquil gardens and pool, weren’t far off paradise with a short walk along the sandy beach of the lagoon to various places to get something to eat or drink in the evening.

Lying here on a sun lounger things couldn’t be more perfect; the sun is shining, while fluffy clouds float in the sky and a cool breeze rustles the coconut trees and banana palms. When we arrived, what struck me was how well manicured the island seemed to be – certainly not as rustic as the backyards in other tropical places. The Cook Islanders are proud of Rarotonga – and so they should be. Rugged emerald green mountains soar hundreds of metres above sea level at the island’s interior dropping down to small plateau circling the island which in turn gives way to white sandy beaches and a crystal clear, naturally protected lagoon. Waves crash on the outer reef and an array of coral and reef life keep the snorkelling fanatics happy!

Our trip to Aitutaki was a real highlight - here really was a perfect paradise and we whiled away the day wandering along pristine white beaches, snorkelling in shallow waters and lazing at the waters edge on our own private sand bar at One Foot Island (see photo above). It felt like a special day and that time we spent lying on the soft sand with cool water lapping around us was blissful – I shall remember it for a long time.

Sunset over Muri Beach

We’ve had some other lovely moments here too – I think Helen really enjoyed her Birthday here - she seemed touched when I presented her with some hand picked red hibiscus and a bottle of bubbly for her birthday. We had a lovely stroll along Muri Beach that evening and as the sun set on the far side of the island the sky turned pink and the lagoon lay as still as a mill pond – it was truly beautiful. We had a good evening at the Pacific Resort (http://www.pacificresort.com/). Not having booked a table we end ed up with a lovely spot under a gazebo on the sand – we watched flying fish play at the waters edge and had perhaps the best bottle of wine of our trip – a Seven Terraces NZ Sauv Blanc. We also ate at the sail club, Stefano’s and the Muri Beach Club Hotel, but that night at the Pacific was one of the best. The days would drift into each other, we would laze by the pool and after lunch set out onto the lagoon in a kayak that the resort has. The water was quite still in the lagoon and you could see right through to the bottom. Out in the middle of the lagoon the bottom is sandy and much more tempting for a dip than at the beach edge. We would beach the kayak on the small volcanic motu (islet) of Taakoka and swam out to a series of large coral bommies which teemed with shoals of silvery fish and black and white butterfly type fish so curious they’d stare you straight in the eye, 6 inches from your face! We also saw Box Fish (x 2), rainbow fish, batfish and all the usual suspects. We’d cruise gently around for a few minutes and look behind – sometimes up to 30 or 40 curious fish of all descriptions would be following making us feel like the South Pacific’s very own Pied Piper! We had some gorgeous afternoons – just messing about in the kayak and in the water. We’d scoot around and then jump on with our mask and flippers when we felt like it. Occasionally we would tip the kayak over and we would both fall in, laughing as all the gear floated off. Getting back in was always a struggle and quite humorous! It was a great time here – totally carefree and loving life. It was a special time for me and I shall try and remember always that life is for loving and living and fun like that is the best way to accomplish those feelings. I shall be sad to leave the Cook Islands – we’ve had some good times here and very special moments.