The El Bajón Dive Centre in El Hierro have published a spectacular video on their social media pages after an encounter with one of the most incredible creatures in the world, up close right here in the Canary Islands.
“Today, our diving trip included a magical encounter with a whale shark. They are very rarely seen in La Restinga, and even less so in the season we are in. We are truly lucky,” they commented alongside the video in which the size of the animal can be appreciated.
Whale sharks, one of the largest fish in the sea, are gentle giants known for their distinctive spotted patterns and immense size, often reaching lengths of up to 15 metres (almost 50 feet) or more. Despite their daunting appearance, they are filter feeders, primarily consuming plankton and small fish by swimming with their wide mouths open to filter food from the water.
These majestic creatures are known to be highly migratory, travelling great distances to feed and breed. Whale sharks are generally solitary but are occasionally observed in groups when food is abundant.
Their docile nature and the awe they inspire have made them a popular subject of ecotourism, contributing to both their conservation and the local economies of coastal communities. However, they are classified as endangered due to threats from overfishing, habitat loss, and the impacts of climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure that these magnificent ocean dwellers continue to thrive.
Whale sharks are typically found in warm, tropical ocean waters around the world. Their preferred habitats include coastal areas, coral atolls, and lagoons, though they are also known to traverse open ocean regions. Key locations where whale sharks are commonly sighted include:
1. The Maldives: Renowned for their clear waters and abundant marine life, the Maldives provide an ideal environment for whale sharks.
2. Ningaloo Reef, Australia: This reef is one of the most famous whale shark hotspots, especially from March to July.
3. Donsol, Philippines: Known for its whale shark ecotourism, Donsol offers excellent opportunities to swim with these gentle giants.
4. Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres, Mexico: These islands are famous for whale shark aggregations, particularly from May to September.
5. Belize: The Gladden Spit Marine Reserve is another notable location where whale sharks gather, particularly around the full moon during the spring and early summer.
6. Tanzania: The waters around Mafia Island are also known for whale shark sightings, especially between October and March.
Their presence is quite rare in the colder waters of the Atlantic and the Canary Islands, so it is unusual to see them or catch them on video in this area.
