Tuesday 2nd June - went on a snorkelling with the Whale Sharks trip. The crew were lovely, and we went on a boat in Ningaloo Reef, and first off started with some snorkelling over the reef. I didn't really get to see much of the Great Barrier Reef due to bad weather, but most people say the GBR has had its day now, its dying due to all the tourists and Ningaloo Reef is much better. Well I was impressed beyond words. The visibility was amazing, and the coral was spectacular, all different shapes, sizes and textures, and there were so many different fish, schools of small turquoise ones cruising around, larger striped, brightly coloured ones, big fish, little fish (cardboard box!). Then we went further out and there are plane spotters in the air to spot the Whale Sharks. Whale Sharks are actually sharks and not whales, but they are called Whale Sharks due to their enormous size, and they come to Ningaloo Reef between March and June each year to feed on plankton. They are the largest animals in that ocean, and feed on the smallest thing - plankton. They can get up to 20 metres in size and live up to 100 years old. They are known as gentle giants who cruise along minding their own business. As we were sailing along we saw 2 Humpback Whales in the sea, only a very short distance from our boat. Now is the time of year to see so much in the ocean, as the Humpback Whales come in for migration. There was a huge burst of water being blown out of their blowholes, then they would rise out and roll over the ocean, and they travel in 2's or 3's. They were enormous, and to see them so close to us was amazing, everyone was ecstatic. Then we went in the water to view the Whale Sharks. We saw 2 of them today, one was 3 metres, and the other was a whopping 8 metres. You have to keep a distance of 3 metres away from their head and 4 metres from their tail, as they swish their tail around, if it hits you, it will hurt. Lots. And we are not there to freak them out. Anyway, first swim was with the 8m giant, and the visibility is fantastic, you can see absolutely everything. This baby was coming staright at me, with a 1 metre long mouth. I thought "Oh s***, got to get out of the way, quick!", so started back peddling, wasn't working, this huge giant was still coming straight at me, so turned around and swam away for dear life to clear the 3m distance needed, we were so close together it was unreal. Once the distance was accomplished, you stay still and just watch him glide past, then you swim along side him as far as you can keep up. Half of us were on one side of him and half on the other, and the size difference was incredible. There are these tiny humans in flippers, along side this beauty who was MAHOOSIVE!!! We managed to keep up for ages and their not phased by us at all, and there are always a few little fish swimming underneath his belly as they feed off the surface, so wherever he goes, they go. Cute. Got 4 swims with the huge fella and 2 swims with the 3 metre fella. It was amazing beyond words. It was a very humbling experience to share the water and get so close swimming alongside these gentle giants. After lunch on borad we went for another snorkel over the reef, and the water was so warm. I kept expecting to hear the voice of David Attenborough start up "And here we have the species called English snorkeller, this is the female, displaying bright pink flourescent flippers, and a tendency to suck water into her mask. This species is very common in these waters at this time of year, feeding off seeing the Whale Sharks" It was an incredible experience though, and one I will never forget. They are truly magnificent and beautiful creatures.