Whale Sharks

For those who were lucky enough to be there, the 30 July 2008 will be a day they will never forget. Around 300m off the local reef at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on a dive site called Middle Garden, a massive baitball of fish stretching from a depth of 5m down to 22m was being pursued by 4 whale sharks. A baitball occurs when a large shoal of fish such as sardines feel threatened and are corralled into a tight, swirling ball. This sort of display is normally associated with the world famous “Sardine Run” which occurs annually off the coast of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa in June/July but the display on 30 July 2008 left many experienced dive professionals who have worked in Sharm for years claiming it was the best diving experience of their lives.

Initial reports of the baitball and whalesharks started coming in some time after 8:30 and it wasn’t long before dive boats from all over were heading to the area to be part of this show. The pictures and video included have been kindly provided by a couple of the instructors from Emperor Divers.