Is the whaleshark a whale or a shark?
It's classified as a shark, the whale association comes from its humungous size and the fact that it is a filter feeder. These enormous creatures of the deep are completely harmless and very rare.
Twenty years ago less than 350 whalesharks had ever been spotted but team up with Coral Bay Adventures and you, like Ernie, might be fortunate enough to see one or two.
The waters of Coral Bay are a protected marine sanctuary and this is why is numerous whalesharks return to the area between March and June each year.
Adventurers can never be assured of spotting a whaleshark but on this story it only took an hour for the Coral Bay Adventures spotter plane to locate one. While the plane is out searching, an experienced guide instructs the group on the do's and don'ts associated with swimming with whalesharks.
For example, swimmers must stay three metres away from the head and four metres from the tail to ensure safety. Only ten people are allowed in the water with a whaleshark at any one time and there is the reassuring presence of a guide at all times.
The whalesharks seen in this story were up to eight metres in length but adults can grow to a whopping 18 metres; which is about three times the size of a great white shark. Swimming alongside something so gigantic will get the adrenalin of even the most devilish thrill seekers running.
For something a little more sedate Ernie took a ride on the Sub Sea Explorer, a glass bottom vessel that permits viewing of the marine life that call Ningaloo home.
Over 500 species including the humbug and parrotfish reside on the reef and on the Sub Sea Explorer keen observers can watch the creatures without getting their feet wet.
Another drawcard of the reef is that all year round adventurers can go swimming with the spectacular dancers of the deep; manta rays.
Of course, Ernie didn't pass up a chance to swim alongside these beauties in fact he swam right beside a manta ray with a wingspan that measured three and a half metres in length.
The facts
Qantas flies to Perth daily from all capital cities. Prices start from $600 ex-Brisbane and $543 ex-Sydney. Prices include charges and taxes.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Skywest fly from Perth to Exmouth and return airfares cost from $475.
Skywest Airlines
Tel: 13 13 00
Ningaloo Reef Resort has accommodation starting from $138 per double per night or a weekly special of stay for seven nights but only pay for six.
Ningaloo Reef Resort
Tel: 08 9942 5934
Coral Bay Adventures offer full day Swim with Whaleshark packages with lunch and snorkelling gear included for $310 per person. Half-day Swim with Manta Ray adventures cost from $104 per person. One hour cruises aboard the Sub Sea Explorer cost $25 for adults and $15 for kids.
Coral Bay Adventures
Tel: 08 9942 5955
Western Australia Tourism Commission
Tel: 1300 361 351
