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I was on a boat racing across the open ocean off Cancun’scoast. I became thrilled as I wondered what this beautiful day had in store for me. I joined oneof the eco-tours that headed out to sea daily and dropped tourists into theocean with whale sharks—the world’s largest fish! I had learned in thebook that they were hard to find and quick to leave. This experience was boundto beunforgettable!

After an hour-long rideat sea, we noticed large black fins(鱼鳍)appearing all around us and I knew immediately we were in for an unforgettabletime! With a full boat of 10people,   we took turns plunging into theshark-filled waters two at a time with the addition of a guide. We couldimmediately see enormous whale sharks swimming in every direction around us.Whale sharks are gentle giants, and it is impossible not to wonder at theirhuge size and grace as they glide through the water. These giant fish aren’tafraid of humans, swimming quietly right by us.

The toursallowed for 15 minutes in the water at a time, rotating(使轮流) other touristsin and out. On this day the waves were very strong and several of thepassengers became seasick, and so did I. But I don’t normally get seasickness.Luckily for me, those passengers stopped taking their turn, allowing me moretime in the water!

Before the tour ended we had been in the water for a couple of hours and within a fewfeet of dozens of whale sharks. How could the experience get any better? Youmight ask. How  about a surprise visit from manta rays jumping out of water? Yes!Giant manta rays were propelling(推 动) themselves into the air for our viewing pleasure on our way backhome! Some even swam by our boat and gave us a close-up view!

On the way back to Cancun we ate lunch at thebeautiful and slightly crowded beach of Isla Mujeres. By thetime the day had ended it put my previous experience inBelizeto   shame—this was indeed a day that had made my dreams come true.