Is Sharm on course for another great Manta & Whale Sharm season?

Last year saw some spectacular activity from the whale sharks. The now famous “bait ball” dive occurred at the end of July and signs are already auguring well for similar “big fish” encounters. Anticipation is growing of another impressive pelagic year in the Red Sea after many sightings from guides and guests of a manta in mid-January in Sharm and a 7m whale shark this month is Hurghada.

Not only was the manta ahead of schedule but it was also seen dancing during a night dive. Manta sightings in previous years have started around March/April, which coincides with the coral spawning and an increase in the manta food supply. Sightings then tend to steadily increase through May.

This early sighting has reminded staff and guests of the splendid sights witnessed last year when the whale shark and mantas were seen in far greater numbers right through to September.

An unusual warm winter, by far the warmest in the last 10 years has kept water temperatures at 23oC in many places and not the usual 20-21oC. A local marine biologist in Sharm says “When it gets warmer earlier in the year, it can lead to an upswelling of nutrients from deep water. Since manta rays and whale sharks feed on plankton they will thrive in conditions like this”.