Ocean safari

I was spoilt with a plethora of whale sharks here in Tofo in 2008. When leading a group expedition I’d scrabbled together enough spare dosh to take the group on one of Diversity Scuba’s ocean safaris to look for whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins. It was successful as we saw and snorkelled with several over a two-hour period, and I’ve often described it as my best wildlife highlight ever.

Tofo is known as one of the world’s best agglomeration sites for whale sharks and manta rays but it seems that whale shark sightings here have decreased over time due to the threat of industrial fishing, targeting for fins and general unpredictability of their movement and migration. Today’s ocean safari was exciting for the promise of the giant beasts and glimpse of two dolphin fins, but ultimately unsuccessful. We are allowed to try again next time the boat goes out...