Coral Bay Western Australia - Whale Sharks

Just got back from a Coral Bay trip.

The diving was ok, but the snorkling better. The dive operator there really doesn't have a big enough business to offer serious diving, so they hit the shallower (5-10m) snorkling spots so they can cater for both divers and snorklers.

They also didn't cater very well for photography. I had to hassle them each day to ensure I got a rinse tank for my camera. They were also reluctant to give me fresh water.

The diving was good, but the vis was not. If you are interested in hard coral, then there is a ton here - over 130 species. I imagine the diving outside the reef is good when they get out there.

Anyway, the highlites were snorkling with the Manta's and the Whale sharks - awesome! Not cheap mind you, but very worth it.

I had to do a lot of cleanup on the water on this shot, as the shark was feeding on plankton (as they do).

Awesome shot!!

Compositionally: love the water on the top LHS and the position of the shark. You've even got nice sunbeams coming down the shot. It has cleaned up so well, you'd never know you had probs in the beginning.

Any details on the shot (lens/exposure etc.,)

Also re operators - was the one you went with the only one available in the area?

Any details on the shot (lens/exposure etc.,)

It was the 18-70mm kit lens set at full wide angle.

I used Shutter priority at 1/90s, aperature was F8. In hindsite, I should have increased the shutter a bit, as you have to swim with these things (2 knots) to stay with them. I found I got a bit of camera shake on a few shots. I would have like to have used a strobe, but it is not allowed.

Also re operators - was the one you went with the only one available in the area?

The operator was Coral Bay dive (part of Exmouth dive). They are the only serious operator in Coral Bay. They have the single dive shop; although I think that there may be a couple other operators. I should also say the staff were friendly and helpful, I just think they were doing the best they could with a small operation. They have two boats. The large one is very nice, but is used for the Whale shark tours when they are running. Their small boat is a small (10 person) inflatable, which is not very comfortable to dive from.

I think it would be a great spot if you could charter their boat for a few days with six or seven people.

It was the 18-70mm kit lens set at full wide angle.

 

I used Shutter priority at 1/90s, aperature was F8.  In hindsite, I should have increased the shutter a bit, as you have to swim with these things (2 knots) to stay with them.  I found I got a bit of camera shake on a few shots.  I would have like to have used a strobe, but it is not allowed.

 

 

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Very nice shot! You are right about higher shutter speed, and I don't think a strobe would have helped at all.