More Big Fish

After numerous attempts to catch up to these extremely bashful sharks, it dawned on me that I was missing out on the pure joy of just being in the same waters with these magnificent beasts.  So I put away my camera and simply enjoyed the scenery.  At one point, I was very close to a juvenile whale shark, which was about 20 ft long (yes, juvenile).   It had been gaining momentum and swimming rapidly away from me when all of a sudden, it had a change of heart and circled back.  I then found myself face to face with this gentle giant and for that fleeting moment, nothing else mattered.  It was such a humbling experience to be that close to nature, I could barely contain myself.  I felt very blessed.

A Very Big Fish

I indeed made it down to Utila, Honduras for a week of scuba diving and whale shark watching.  And while I caught my connection in Atlanta with only 5 minutes to spare prior to departure, my luggage did not.  It took 2 days for my stuff to arrive.  I did not have any toiletries in my hand carry (lesson learned), no sunblock and worse of all (gasp), no hair brush!!!  Of course, we were on a tight schedule with four dives a day, I was badly sunburned by Day 1.  I had the most attractive short tan from a shortie wet suit I had to rent because none of my dive gear made it with me until a couple of days after I arrived.  Nevertheless, I made the best of a bad situation.  Met some very friendly Americans during my stay and they were kind enough to lend me some hair stuff and toothpaste.

The diving in Utila is spectacular.  The aquatic life is absolutely pristine and healthy.  I manage to catch some whale sharks too, along the way.  But these large pelagics are extremely shy and easily startled.  I was lucky to even catch one on camera. 

Utila Dive Lodge, Utila Island, Honduras

Utila Dive Lodge is by no means a luxury all-inclusive resort where you do nothing but sip alcohol and sunbathe all day long.

As you can see, the accommodations are fairly modest, but comfortable and functional. It's geared for the diving enthusiasts who have come here for this:

I have not been able to encounter any whale sharks yet (or manta rays for that matter). I missed them when I visited the Galapagos Islands in 2004, and missed them again when I visited Belize in 2005. So this year, I want to see them, swim with them and hopefully get a real close encounter.

Photo Credits: Utila Dive Lodge