I’ve been wanting to swim with the whale sharks ever since I learned about this Island back in 2007. It’s been a bucket list item. So when our trip was moved from November to June I was so excited….I read about all the companies and went with the one that was highly recommended because it is a bigger boat and has a toilet. I tend to get seasick so I thought a bigger boat would be better. I learned that this means it’s a lot slower. Many boats passed us as we were heading out [this will be important later].
I also read to book as early as you can in your trip to make sure if weather is bad you have other days to do the tour…..
I booked 2 weeks out for the day after we arrived which would be a Monday. I almost booked Wednesday but there was then only one other day left with this company that week so this way we have an extra day just in case. Perfect I think.
It stormed the whole week before we arrived….we were told by a couple of gals Sunday that tours were closed through Tuesday because of the weather. We hadn’t heard anything from our company so I sent an email. They replied Monday morning that they were waiting to get approval and it was open. I think this is good news but a little warning bell goes off…
So we arrive at the meeting place and there’s coffee granola and yogurt. Great start.
Everyone going on the tour is super friendly and we all get along. The guides are also super nice. This is going to be great…
After everyone arrives they tell us because of the storms the whales have moved out so it will take longer to see them…and there’s the possibility we might not see them….we’ve already paid. I should have asked at this point if we could reschedule…If I could go back in time I would….
2.5 hours out….it’s really rocky…I’m doing ok…but others are not….2 have already thrown up. Once we stop and the boat really starts rocking 2 more join the fun….I’m told to jump in as it will make me feel better…I should NOT have jumped in. It was worse in the water…now for 20 minutes or so I want to die…
There is 1 shark and at least 10 boats…they let 3 jump in after we wait in line forever….they all think it was cool. From the boat, we can see the fin and we see a turtle. Maybe this will be worth it.
Then the boat leaves…what? We have to wait in line for each group…now there are 20 boats ahead of us and more puking…and 3 more groups to go in and wait in line. Say what again? We vote as a group to move on….
We hit the snorkel spot and I’m starting to feel better [almost wish i could have puked] so I’m afraid to go in. Half the group goes in. Reef is alive and pretty and lots of fish….but really we all are ready to be off the boat.
Since we are all staying Playa Norte. They take us there and literally dump us in the water. They said it would be shallow and we can walk right up…It’s to my shoulders and I have the phones. They put our stuff in garbage bags and we hold on our heads….but it’s finally over.
Wow. That was definitely a trip to remember.
It’s after 3 I think when this adventure ends.
So that was the trip I had been dreaming and planning…
What I learned.
- Book when you arrive not before. Check weather.
- Smaller boats get there faster.
- If weather is not good, you are not missing out. Skip.
I guess Wednesday was awesome. 50+ whale sharks and no lines of boats…people were still puking but they were done by NOON. I had originally picked Wednesday but was afraid we’d miss out. HA HA HA….
Trish's Travels 