531 replies to this topic

[Capn Jack]

Okay, whale sharks have been number one on my list for a few years so YES, I AM IN!!!!! I definitely have to get a digital underwater camera for this one. Any suggestions/recommendations on type of camera?

I don't know much about cameras, but after last year's trip - I would advise BIG fins (think freedivers') and lots of aerobics - these big fishies can really haul

[Scubatooth]

scuba1fun.

if your looking at cameras please send me a PM and i will help you out. but base questions whats your budget and two how much editting do you want to do?

Tooth

[scuba1fun]

Okay, whale sharks have been number one on my list for a few years so YES, I AM IN!!!!! I definitely have to get a digital underwater camera for this one. Any suggestions/recommendations on type of camera?

I don't know much about cameras, but after last year's trip - I would advise BIG fins (think freedivers') and lots of aerobics - these big fishies can really haul

So I guess my smaller fins are a big no for that trip! Never tried freediving but there is always a first!! I can't even imagine what it is going to be like being in the water with those big fishies!! Any other advise to pass on to someone who has never been diving with a single whale sharks let alone more than one?

[WreckWench]

So I guess my smaller fins are a big no for that trip! Never tried freediving but there is always a first!! I can't even imagine what it is going to be like being in the water with those big fishies!! Any other advise to pass on to someone who has never been diving with a single whale sharks let alone more than one?

Regular fins are fine! Just get into good shape! Walk or jog 3-5 times a week and you'll do fine keeping up with them.

As we get closer to the trip we'll remind people about getting biodegrable sunscreen etc.

And the whales will come to you if you are calm in the water. EVERYONE got their fill of them during our trip!

[Capn Jack]

WW is right - big is not required. SWMBO (my SO) has the ittiest fins you have ever seen - and she was ok.

I'm just suggesting that if you really want to get down beneath the critter for a photo upward, and keep up while you're doing it, you'll need a decent set of fins and the lungs to go with them.

As far as dealing with these big fishies... no worries - they are virtually oblivious to your presence, and are not aggressive at all. The only accidental encounters came to a couple of divers that forgot the tail fin sticks up pretty far, and they got shoved a little as the shark cruised on by. Some of the folks even got directly in front for the gaping-mouth head-on shot, and the sharks usually dove below them or turned. One diver got bumped, but it was a non-event.

Like WW said, they will turn away from noisy divers, so long, slow strokes, keeping your fins below the surface works best from a noise view. I liked to turn on my side so I could do full leg kicks, and not worry about splashing while I watched the sharks.

[scuba1fun]

So I guess my smaller fins are a big no for that trip! Never tried freediving but there is always a first!! I can't even imagine what it is going to be like being in the water with those big fishies!! Any other advise to pass on to someone who has never been diving with a single whale sharks let alone more than one?

Regular fins are fine! Just get into good shape! Walk or jog 3-5 times a week and you'll do fine keeping up with them.

As we get closer to the trip we'll remind people about getting biodegrable sunscreen etc.

And the whales will come to you if you are calm in the water. EVERYONE got their fill of them during our trip!

I usually swim laps 4 to 5 times a week for my DM class and also just started training for the Chicago marathon in '07. I guess I need to practice some "free diving"! I am so excited about see whale sharks!

[scuba1fun]

WW is right - big is not required. SWMBO (my SO) has the ittiest fins you have ever seen - and she was ok.

I'm just suggesting that if you really want to get down beneath the critter for a photo upward, and keep up while you're doing it, you'll need a decent set of fins and the lungs to go with them.

As far as dealing with these big fishies... no worries - they are virtually oblivious to your presence, and are not aggressive at all. The only accidental encounters came to a couple of divers that forgot the tail fin sticks up pretty far, and they got shoved a little as the shark cruised on by. Some of the folks even got directly in front for the gaping-mouth head-on shot, and the sharks usually dove below them or turned. One diver got bumped, but it was a non-event.

Like WW said, they will turn away from noisy divers, so long, slow strokes, keeping your fins below the surface works best from a noise view. I liked to turn on my side so I could do full leg kicks, and not worry about splashing while I watched the sharks.

Thanks for the additional advice. I have read and seen documentaries about whale sharks and they say they are docile (as docile as one can be with as big as they are!!) and feed on plankton, not people so no worries there! When we first start snorkeling with the whale sharks I will follow the lead of the experienced such as yourselves. I have been diving with many sharks around the wrecks but much smaller of course! Although we did come across a great white about 13 feet long. It was the first great white encounter in about 20 years in the NC area they told us on the boat. I was also the last one on the hang line on one of our dives that same day and had 2 bullsharks follow me up the anchor line from the wreck to the hang line. I think the whale shark experience should be a little less stressful than that!

[scuba1fun]

Although we did come across a great white about 13 feet long. It was the first great white encounter in about 20 years in the NC area they told us on the boat. I was also the last one on the hang line on one of our dives that same day and had 2 bullsharks follow me up the anchor line from the wreck to the hang line. I think the whale shark experience should be a little less stressful than that!

But you love it, right?

Absolutely!!

[Scuba2Much]

We can do the same but only do Cozumel for 2 days of diving vs. 3.

I am definitely for at least 3 days of diving in Cozumel! 4 would even be better!!!!!

Count me in for 3 (4 even better) in Cozumel

[WreckWench]

Trip Update:


This trip is now open for booking! Please note some special discounts...$100 off for payment in full by Feb 20th, a chance to win FREE Nitrox in Cozumel for anyone deposited by Feb 20th. And this price is great for 3 tremendous trips in 1!

[ScubaShafer]

Trip Update:


This trip is now open for booking! Please note some special discounts...$100 off for payment in full by Feb 20th, a chance to win FREE Nitrox in Cozumel for anyone deposited by Feb 20th. And this price is great for 3 tremendous trips in 1!

Oh you temptress of the Whale Sharks!

How awesome would whale sharks and the cenotes be during the same trip!

Put me on the interested by can't quite commit list.

[finGrabber]

Oh you temptress of the Whale Sharks!
How awesome would whale sharks and the cenotes be during the same trip!

Put me on the interested by can't quite commit list.

I've added you to the list! Everyone last year talked about how great the whale shark experience was - I hope I can go as well!

[cat fish]

Hi Kamala,
YES, I am in on this trip! Will send deposit by mail. .... /cat

[nurseshark]

Hi Kamala,
YES, I am in on this trip! Will send deposit by mail. .... /cat

Whoo Hoo !!!

I will add you to the "checks in the mail list"

Karen