I never grow tired of seeing these and other sharks and every time I get to spend time in their world with them I feel privileged and so wish that more of my kind could reciprocate their tolerance of us invading their space. On our way home from the deep we spotted a dark shape and instantly thought it to be a massive shark cruising just below the surface. To our amazement it was a large manta ray, roughly 3.5-4.0m wide. Quickly I grabbed a mask and fins, positioned the boat well ahead of the manta and slid in and waited for the giant ray to approach me. It was awesome as the barn door like creature glided by a foot away from my feet and cruised on its’ merry way to who knows where. It was the first time I had ever seen a manta in our area and one of only three records that I have been able to hear of. So as we come to the close of yet another spectacular year of amazing wildlife interactions I can only be grateful for having had all of these incredible opportunities. I am also so grateful for being healthy, having my eyesight and hearing as well as my legs and arms that have allowed me to do what I do and not a day goes by where I take this for granted. Thank you to friends and guests who shared many of the magical moments together with us, it was that much more special with you.
We hope that in 2012 many of you will join us again on our expeditions as we look to share more time in the company of the amazing wildlife that makes our oceans and open spaces on land the wonderful places they are. Here’s to a great 2011 and fantastic 2012.
