A short while back we were in the water again. This time our search was focused on whale sharks and sea lions. The Sea of Cortez is active all year with different whales migrating through its waters. Whale sharks spend most of their day searching for and feeding on plankton. When we found a feeding area we slipped into the water with snorkels and cameras and let the action happen. These gentle giants are not aggressive and truly had no problem with our presence in the water. Over a couple days we had 15 to 30 footers swimming around us. Visability wasn't the best, but it made for some eerie experiences as these great fish swam into focus.
At times we had 3 or more whale sharks feeding around us. Like a huge vacuum they took in gulps of plankton rich water and filtered it through their gills. They were so oblivious to our presence we felt like we were going to get sucked in with the plankton.
A secondary part of our trip involved getting in the water with a colony of Sea Lions. This ended up being a great highlight of our trip. The interaction we had with these curious and playful mammals was off the charts. They nipped at our fins and snorkels in an underwater game of tag. At one point I had a young one climb on my back for a little ride.
I couldn't get my camera clicking or aimed fast enough.
Wildlife moments like this takes our understanding and appreciation of the natural world around us to another level. Being in another creatures environment and literally playing by their rules makes you realize the incredible intelligence and personalities of these amazing animals. I had great respect for sea lions before this adventure, but everything has gone to a whole other level.
Up next... Orcas of Norway!!!
Wildlife moments like this takes our understanding and appreciation of the natural world around us to another level. Being in another creatures environment and literally playing by their rules makes you realize the incredible intelligence and personalities of these amazing animals. I had great respect for sea lions before this adventure, but everything has gone to a whole other level.
Up next... Orcas of Norway!!!