30 Jun 2024

Swimming with Whale Sharks in Gorontalo

For many today was the day we’d been dreaming of, we were headed for Gorontalo to swim with Whale Sharks. Arriving with our hearts racing, it was only a short swim from the Zodiacs to access the area where we expected to see the Whale Sharks. Sure enough, as we got closer, out of the blue ocean appeared a magnificent five-metre spotty giant.

This giant beauty swam vertically in the water as it was fed by locals, intermittently moving off and swimming through the observing group. It wasn’t uncommon for a second and third Whale Shark to appear inquisitively behind us which while initially giving a bit of shock, quickly translated into joy.

It was an easy swim back into the beach, and we were fortunate to have the whole morning at Gorontalo which allowed many to swim the Whale Sharks up to three times! It was an incredible experience that will stay in our memories forever.

After spending the morning with these gentle giants, we returned to Heritage Adventurer for lunch. The dining room was a buzz after the morning we had enjoyed, but there were rumours of something fishy afoot with the equator crossing not far away. When the time came, we met on the pool deck where Poseidon and his gang of (unusual) friends had risen from the deep to have us complete the most sacred ritual (which included a kiss from a fish) that would allow us to cross the line safely.

Images © A, Sianipar & C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions