Mary Winzig at the Cortez Club in La Paz

by Mary Winzig

Whale Shark in the Sea of Cortez, photo by Dení Ramirez

Swimming with whales sharks is the most amazing thing I have ever done in my life. They are such magnificent animals and I felt so lucky to be in their presence. I was scared—to see something so large and to know you are jumping in the water with them made me pause for a moment. My heart seemed to be almost leaping through my wetsuit, I asked the guide to make sure they were whale sharks because their dorsal fins were so huge! But after watching them and seeing their polka dots, I realized I had to swim with them. You can’t be afraid of anything with Polka Dots!

Jumping in and seeing them through my diving mask was magical. Once I was in the water, I wasn’t afraid. I have no idea how long I was in the water with them, 2 minutes? 15 minutes? I was transfixed. Their mouths look like the grill of a ‘57 Chevy.
I have never felt so small or insignificant, but also so powerful. I have decided I have to do everything in my power to help save these magnificent creatures. Thank you Todos Santos Eco Adventures for this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to swimming with the sharks again!

Adventures to swim with whale sharks and sea lions in the Sea of Cortés arranged by request. For more information contact Todos Santos Eco Adventures at www.TOSEA.net

Click here for our related feature on Whale Sharks.