Sharks! The mere mention of that name sends chills down your spine. From the small reef sharks to the great whites; all they want is to take a bite out of you (or that’s what you think). But there’s more to sharks than their bite. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States have stated that sharks are “known to attack humans when they are confused or curious”. So, there you go, stop making sharks confused! LOL. Okay so whether they are confused or genuinely want to make you their dinner; sharks truly are an extraordinary bunch. They keep our ocean’s health squeaky-clean by maintaining the species below them in the food chain. We need sharks! However, there is one shark that we need more than ever cause this big, beautiful creature is the friendliest of them all, and you can get up, close and personal with it should you happen to visit Maldives, a true playground in the Indian Ocean.
So, who is this big, friendly shark? Why it’s the whale shark of course! Growing up to an amazing 31.82 ft (the average size of an adult) whale sharks are the largest known extant fish species in the world! They are such peace-loving creatures who only feed on tiny plankton- so no need to worry about being eaten by a whale shark while holidaying. Some are said to be so curious about human creatures that they like chilling out at beaches that human frequent. Maldives is famous for this that swimming with whale sharks has become a top tourist activity. But, if you’re wondering about the safety of the whale sharks, don’t worry, since 2010 the Maldives has been a sanctuary for sharks. Marine life conservation is such a priority in this beautiful island nation that even the resorts promote it. The Velassaru Maldives for example has their very own dive centre where they teach guests about the importance of these wonderful creatures.
Thus, checking into a Maldives diving resort, like the above, will be the easiest way to book a diving trip as these resorts are all inclusive. Also, booking a trip from a reputed resort has the benefit of being guided by a PADI-certified dive instructor. Before you take the plunge, the instructor will take you through the necessary regulations. Some of these include the basic rules which say that you need to swim at least 3 meters away from the body and take pictures without flash. Then you’re good to go! While enjoying the gorgeous, colourful coral reefs around you, swim alongside the magnificent whale shark and make memories that will last a lifetime!
