Whalesharks are seen every year (but not on every cruise) during the latter part of the summer, beginning at the end of July. They are often gregarious, and allow interaction with ecstatic snorkelers and divers. Whalesharks are plantivorous elasmobranchs (related to sharks and rays), and range from around 15 ft as juveniles to 40 or 50 ft as adults. (photo: Quenton Dokken)