Although whale sharks aren't technically listed as endangered species, approaching and touching a whale shark can be super dangerous.  It's a thrill I myself would love to indulge on, but I hope we can focus on being responsible and respectful of such great (and potentially sensitive) marine creatures.  I hope I'm not sounding too preachy, I just wouldn't want to see anyone get really hurt and damage the reputation of such magnificent creatures.  They deserve all the help from us humans as they can get!  And I know they don't outright attack, but I do know of someone in Baja who was knocked unconscious in the water when a whale shark got spooked by his touch and swam off.  The powerful caudal fin's swoop landed him in the head...

Well, I think it's fabulous they were here and that you have posted the shots on the website to spur more appreciation and awe for these beauties.  Snorkeling next to a group in Baja for research has definitely been one of my most memorable and marking marine encounters.

Cheers!
Karlyn Langjahr
NOAA Coral Reef Management Fellow
DPNR, Division of Coastal Zone Management
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands