Attempting to swim with a whale in the water is something that is only possible in very few locations throughout the world, the majority in Sanctuary Zones like the Ningaloo Marine Park. These excursions provide people with the chance to see humpback whales up close in the open ocean and possibly even have a chance to get a glimpse of their eyes.
However, they have very stringent rules that serve a number of functions, including safeguarding swimmers from harm and protecting whales from disturbance, as well as laying the groundwork for successful, sustainable interactions. We must interact with the whales on how they prefer and take care not to upset them if we want to have a pleasant humpback whales Exmouth encounter.
Since humpbacks are naturally curious creatures, they might decide to swim up to us to have a closer look. Though it's crucial to keep in mind that whales practise enormous care in order to survive and safeguard their pod, they will respond if they sense any kind of threat.
How to Swim with Whales
Nothing is more amazing than coming face to face with a friendly giant under the sea. You'll quickly come to understand that you are a guest in their world when you gaze into their all-seeing eyes. Supporting ethical whale tourism is an excellent way to aid regional conservation initiatives and see the ocean's biggest ambassadors.
You are frequently only able to see whales up close on a boat's deck because they are a protected species in the majority of the world's oceans. But if you have a strong desire to swim with whales, it is possible to fulfill that desire. Here's what you need when swimming with humpback whales:
The Basis for a Successful Experience Is a Soft-In-Water Encounter.
A Soft-In-Water encounter is a low, non-aggressive action (the only kind of swimmer contact allowed in the Zone). Swimmers just float peacefully close to a friendly whale, letting the whale's innate curiosity lure them in.
No SCUBA stuff of any kind, other than a mask, fins, and snorkel, is permitted. Instead of swimming or freediving actively, participants float collectively and calmly at the surface. The whales and their offspring are responsive to this calm, non-aggressive relationship. It is a meeting that happens in their space and under their rules.
All ability levels are welcome to participate in the snorkel-only experience of swimming with humpback whales. You must, however, be at ease in the water and possess the fundamentals of snorkelling.
The Whale Approaches You; You Don't Approach Them
Many people often wonder: "How close do we get to the whales?" "How closer do the whales come to us?”. Humpback whales Exmouth that doesn't want to be approached cannot be approached. But as you might discover, a curious whale can come extremely near to swimmers. The distance, timeframe, and tempo of any meeting are all under the command of the whales during all soft interactions.
Since humpback whales are wild animals, it is impossible to foresee how each opportunity will turn out. However, utilising this passive approach has led to daily contacts lasting anywhere between a few minutes and many hours.
Determining Which Whale to Approach
Selecting the right whale for an encounter is essential to its success. At any given time, a variety of humpback behaviours are on show. While they're all great for whale watching, they might not be ideal for in-water interactions.
Candidates cannot be whales that are cruising, acting rowdy, or engaging in surface social behaviour. In contrast, whales that are sleeping, singing, or courting are. The aim of the guide is to locate whales that are most likely to accept interaction, ensuring that both the whales and you have the greatest possible experience.
What You Can Do While Swimming to Save the Whales
Since more than 3 million whales were killed during the last century's harsh whaling technique, whale numbers have been in decline. Whales are currently constantly in danger from ship collisions, fishing gear interactions, noise pollution, and ecological loss. Furthermore, in many of the plankton's primary feeding areas, plastic particles outnumber them.
We are safeguarding ourselves by preserving whale populations and their habitats. So, here are some simple ideas about how you can act.
Get Rid of Plastic.
Every year, at least a million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans, and by 2025, it is predicted that our waters will be polluted by more than 255 million tonnes of plastic. It's tough to comprehend how much plastic there actually is, and it's even more difficult to digest how much of this waste is consumed by whales and other marine animals, usually leading to hunger death. One of the major hazards to all whales and dolphins globally is plastic waste.
Swim with a Goal in Mind.
Scuba diving or swimming introduces you to a whole new world and links you to a global network of ardent ocean conservationists. You will not only be able to physically enter the whales' habitat and perhaps, if you're fortunate enough, come face to face with one, but you will also be able to take significant action to save them.
By participating in citizen science projects to rehabilitate the whales' habitats, you can help local communities in their protected areas.
