Unforgettable Dive: My Touching Encounter with the Gentle Giant, the Whale Shark in Djibouti

Last winter, I had the immense privilege of participating in an expedition to Djibouti, in the company of a passionate and seasoned team of divers, among whom some had decades of experience in observing marine wildlife. At just sixteen years old, everything still felt like a first-time experience for me: I was about to encounter my very first whale shark!

Arrival in Djibouti: New Surroundings and Excitement

After eleven hours of flying, I landed in a country I had never visited before. The contrast is striking: the heat is intense, and the atmosphere is completely new. Barely gathered, our group is already filled with a single desire: to reach the sea as quickly as possible. Without wasting a minute, our bags are loaded onto a magnificent old sailing vessel, a traditional boat reminiscent of pirate ships from yesteryear. We set course for the Goubet, not far from the Gulf of Tadjourah.

Around us, nature offers a fascinating spectacle. The sea displays its blues, oscillating between deep blue and brilliant turquoise, while the surrounding mountains reveal arid ridges, almost desert-like, plunging into the golden sandy beaches. Then the landscapes become volcanic, raw, without a trace of vegetation or any visible animal life. Everything suggests that activity thrives… beneath the surface!

Safety Briefing and Respect for Whale Sharks

During the navigation, Vincent, our guide, gathers us for an essential briefing before going into the water. Safety, respect for the environment, and the whale shark: he reminds us of the vital rules to follow when encountering this giant. One must never touch the animal, maintain a distance of at least one meter from its body and two meters from its tail, not pursue it if it moves away, swim gently when approaching, and limit each session to ten minutes to avoid disturbing it and to allow it to feed peacefully. Everything is designed to preserve the whale shark’s tranquility.