Sunday, April 21, 2013

WHALE SHARKS, MAFIA ISLAND FAREWELL, AND MORE

The sail of a whale shark safari boat features two silhouettes of what are the world's largest fish.  
In only a few places in the world can humans swim with whale sharks. One year ago, on our first stop in the Philippines, we watched as a group of fishermen dropped tiny shrimp into the gaping mouths of the world's largest fish. 

In Mafia Island, one of our last stops, there would be no feeding. But we did get a brief underwater encounter with a few whale sharks, including the one below (really, there's a 15-foot fish in this photo!). 

A massive whale shark tries to hide from the camera in the choppy waters off Mafia Island.
Kip and our safari guide Afro, who's the godfather of whale shark swimming in Mafia. 
Since we mailed our underwater camera home and have zero photos of actual whale sharks, below are a few parting shots from our final days on one of the most unique islands we've ever been to. 

Liz cruises past three Mafia natives on her way to the beach.
An island woman sells fish on the beach. Thanks Wolf and Ollie for posing (aka, lazing on the beach ALL day).
Mafia is home to colorful birds, including this Lilac-breasted Roller. 
More happy kids.

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