Whale Shark at Molokini

[MeiLing]

There was an blurb (with picture) about a whale shark visit on near Molokini on March 8th. It was in today's Honolulu Advertiser 4/4/08. It is pretty cool. Said that it sat very still near divers for a long time.

Sorry but it doesn't seem as though they posted it online.

Even better though, I did manage to find a site where the photographer posted them online:

Roy Bendell (roy-bendell-watermanphoto) : photos : Whale Shark Interaction with divers- powered by SmugMug

The second photo on page one is the one that was in the paper.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Good find.

 

[dbittner]

The pictures are incredible! Thank you for posting the link. I've never seen any whale shark pictures like those.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that whale sharks are rarely seen in Hawaiian waters. To have one not only pass through, but actually stick around and interact with divers is just amazing.

Thanks again,
Dave

 

[redrover]

Nope, Kona sees them, not like the Manta or Eagle Ray frequency. ‘In Hawai’i, they are rarely found north of Kaua’i.” (Sharks and Rays of Hawai’i)

Maybe they figure they are the bigger creature. Amazes me too though seeing those photos…what is with people have to touch everything?

 

[deeper thoughts]

Amazing pix

 

[sbaggs]

Amazing pictures. I had the same feeling as RedRover when looking at the pictures, however, about why people feel the need to touch the poor thing. I don't get that. We were able to snorkel with whale sharks in Utila last year, but they didn't get nearly that close or stick around for that long.

 

[ScubaSeanMaui]

Amazing pictures. I had the same feeling as RedRover when looking at the pictures, however, about why people feel the need to touch the poor thing. I don't get that. We were able to snorkel with whale sharks in Utila last year, but they didn't get nearly that close or stick around for that long.

I agree 100%. They almost tried to mate with the poor fish!

I think Prodiver and another boat were able to see the Whale Shark a few times... Everyone else was looking for it but didn't find it They had one up at Mala as well. They show up from time to time... You just have to be lucky!!

Sean

 

[scottitheduck]

I really wish people wouldn't get so close to the whalies.... the spook easily and need to spend time in shallow waters just chillin. Great photos though!