Meet the natives of the ocean
Along with the
exotic animal kingdom on land, our planet is also blessed with an equally
exhilarating marine life
In order to explore wildlife in the truest sense, one
needs to dive into the oceans. From outer space Earth looks something like a
blue marble. That's because most of Earth's surface, more than 70 per cent, is
covered by the oceans. These waters house about one million species of animals.
In fact, the largest animal to live on Earth is the gigantic mammal- the
blue whale. The ocean also teems with plant life and coral reefs that serve
as a habitat for creatures. Besides, the ocean showcases the most colourful
spectrum of life you'll see anywhere. Like the Big Five of the land-lions,
elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhinos-that crisscross the African Savannah,
for your next holiday, consider visiting the big five of the ocean ie whale
sharks, giant manta rays, humpback whales, dolphins and tiger sharks.
GREET THE PREDATOR
SHARK CAGE DIVING
The popularity of the undersea wildlife is growing
phenomenally. Snorkelling may be the most popular way to explore the aquatic
life but if you want to up the adventure quotient, shark cage diving is the way
to go. Locked up in a submerged steel cage, these giant aquatic predators are
lured with chum (dead fish). Enjoy a close encounter with these awe-inspiring
yet dangerous creatures in their very own habitat and observe the natural
behavioural patterns of these predators.
ISLA GUADELUPE, MEXICO:
Isla Guadelupe occupies the first spot in the list of
Great White diving sites. With up to 100 feet of visibility and wonderfully
warm waters, it is a paradise for novices and experts alike. You can choose
from expeditions that range from a day or six-day long adventure.
STEWART ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND: New
Zealand's third largest island, Stewart Island boasts of an 85 per cent area
reserved as a national park. The island is a true wilderness of isolated
beauty. Titled as Rakiura, or Glowing Skies, in Maori,
it's a haven for cage diving with Great White Sharks. Besides,
Stewart Island is a magnet for nature lovers and hikers alike.
TIGER BEACH, BAHAMAS: If
you've already tried shark cage diving and are looking for a new terrifying
twist, try cage free diving in the Bahamas. As the name suggests,
you will dispense freely in the waters to swim with the sea scavengers.
Although Tiger Sharks can be curious in the water and must be
approached with a great deal of respect, cage free diving with these creatures
is apparently perfectly possible. If you've got the guts, you know where to go.
DIVE INTO THE DEEP SEA
EXPLORE AN UNDER WATER TROPICAL
PARADISE
Region: Thailand
People flock to Thailand for its stunning beaches.
Its long coast line offers access to an exhilarating marine life for underwater
enthusiasts. These places vary from wild current swept rocky landscapes to
gentle sloping coral reef. In Hin-Daeng and Hin-Mouang also
known as the red and purple rock, you can swim with the gray sharks and manta
rays. The site is a feeding ground for pelagic fish, allowing you to see lots
of large creatures during your dive. A boat ride away from Phuket lies Koh
Dok Mai, which is famous for its night dive. Keep an eye out for eels
peaking out of the yellow tube corals. Head out to the small cave, which
leads to a huge cavern with fairly strong currents adding to the whole thrill
and excitement of this dive spot. In addition to the moray eels,
watch out for large soft corals, sea horse, and leopard sharks that often lurk
around. One of the best diving sites in Thailand is around the Richelieu
Rock, a horseshoe shaped rock in the Andaman Sea. Barracuda
tornadoes and schools of tropical fish are a captivating sight for
underwater photography enthusiasts. Be sure to spot seahorses,
pipefish, cuttlefish and even shovel nose rays while
you are there.
WADDLE WITH THE PENGUINS A
WALK WITH THE PENGUINS
Region: Antarctica
Antarctica has gained popularity as a supreme travel
destination for the true adventure traveller. Once here, when you are out
kayaking or cruising waters, you’ll may find that whales aren’t running the
other way. Humpback and Minke Whales are just
a few of the regulars spotted in these chilly waters. Apart from the whales,
penguins are another most common inhabitants in the Antarctic. Living in
colonies with populations larger than some cities, and surviving in the
harshest of conditions, it is no wonder that penguins are seen as the icon of
Antarctica. However, of the 17 different species of penguin, only two (Emperor
and Adelie) make the Antarctic continent their true home, although others
(chinstrap, gentoo and macaroni) breed on the northern tip of the Antarctic
Peninsula, where conditions are less harsh. The best place to enjoy the
frolicking of penguins would be at Paradise Bay. The snow-capped
mountains in the background with the little creatures happily scampering about
is quite a sight. In terms of wildlife, there is more to see than just
penguins. Sometimes leopard and Weddle seals beach themselves
on shore to relax after a meal.
SPOTTING DOLPHINS AND SPERM
WHALES
Region: Guam
The tiny island of Guam, a US island
territory in Micronesia, sits in the Philippines Sea.
Take to the open seas in search of the playful spinner dolphins that
live along the coast of Guam. Enjoy the sunshine and the wind in
your hair as you cruise out from Fish Eye Marine Park on a
highspeed boat, and learn about the dolphins from your friendly skipper and
guide. Board your sporty cruiser boat at the Agat or Hatgania Marina,
and meet your amicable guide. As you move closer toward your destination, you
might spot schools of skipjack tuna or flying fish leaping
into the air around the boat. Soon, you encounter a pod of spinner
dolphins-small dolphins that flourish in the tropical waters of Guam. Your
guide educates you about the creatures that thrive in the waters. Furthermore
you can try your luck at bottom fishing when the boat is
anchored. Besides, you also stand a chance of spotting a pod of sperm whales, a
few miles off the coast of the Agat Marina.
A PEEK INTO THE MYSTICAL
KINGDOM GAZING AT THE MAJESTIC NARWHALS
Region: Canada
The narwhals and polar bears are the babies of the
Arctic kingdom. Narwhals, the unicorns of the ocean, are tusked fish that dwell
in the far northern reaches of Canada. Travel to the northern reaches of Baffin
Island where the sea ice meets the open water, and marine mammals and
other wildlife congregate at the floe edge. Experience the classic
spring floe edge and view the polar bears, narwhal and icebergs under the Midnight
Sun. Narwhal and polar bear safaris are a popular attraction here. You can
opt for a guided safari that gives you the option of swimming with the narwhal
if the opportunity arises. Those who prefer not to get wet can relax and watch
them from the safety of the floe edge. Apart from the two majestic creatures,
you can also spot harp seals, bearded seals, ringed seals, bowhead whales, and
beluga here.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
KAYAKING WITH WILDLIFE
Region: UK
UK is rewarded with many strips of water where large
marine life, known as mega fauna thrive. The sites range from the north east
coast of England to Anglesey in Wales and the Irish
Sea. Instead of gazing at the dolphins from the comforts of your boat, we
recommend trying a kayaking expedition to get up close to these adorable
creatures. Besides, kayaking can be a great way of viewing marine wildlife both
above and below the water if the sea is calm and clear. Dolphins are naturally
social animals, and are known for their playful behaviour. The dolphin kayak
tour segment allows you to greet dark grey coloured dolphins with a near white
underside. The inquisitive dolphins can often be seen close to shore. Kayaking
can be a great way of viewing marine wildlife both above and below the water if
the sea is calm and clear. It is highly recommended that you paddle from one
coast to another. Start by Fort William and paddle to Inverness on
the opposite side of the country. The Great Glens Canoe Trail in
Scotland makes for a great trip in a kayak too.
Compiled by Shireen Kanchwala
Shireen.Kanchwala@timesgroup.com
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