Member-only story
This story happened on my trip to explore the beauty of the Raja Ampat Archipelago.
It was still too early in the morning when our tour leader reminded us again to prepare. Of course, we are ready. I am 100% ready. No one wants to miss this rare opportunity to swim with whale sharks.
From afar, we could already see how busy the Bagan or the fishing platform we wanted to go to was. Above the Bagan, birds in search of food. A group of fishermen are working on pouring baskets full of small fish onto the the water. Below the surface, the giant whale shark welcomed the small fish from the fishermen.
As we arrived, three whale sharks were visible swimming under the fishing platform. Without waiting long, one by one jumped into the water to swim with whale sharks.
I was the last person to jump. There are two reasons why. The first one: I’m afraid. I’ve never swam in the open ocean in my whole life. Moreover, to swim with these giant fish. I hid my fear and didn’t tell anyone. But one of the crew noticed my fear and convinced me to jump.
Reason number two: I wanted to enjoy watching how everything worked. These fishermen provide fish to feed whale sharks that swim around their bagan. What a heartwarming relationship between this group…
