18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Whale shark encounter in West Papua

This image represents my meeting with the whale sharks in West Papua. Here, in Teluk Cenderawasih National Park, you can swim with these beautiful animals, which are continually approaching the fishing platforms and surround you with their slow and impressive motion. The experience leaves you breathless.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2018
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Indonesia
Camera: HERO6 Black
Copyright: © Marco Zaffignani