At the end of whale season, we were very fortunate to encounter a pair of oceanic manta rays in some form of courtship ritual. For 45 minutes or so, I was in the water with them and they would continue to come back to us and our little boat.
They would swim right at us and made contact a few times.
My friend Kristen with the rays:
It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. To have eye contact and be a focal point of interest to these majestic creatures was really cool and for it to continue beyond a few close encounters; breathtaking!
With the whales gone, it's back to visiting the other critters.
twice, a couple weeks apart, I had the fortune of catching a glimpse of a good sized tiger shark as it passed by me. Both times, I tried to catch up for a photo op but only the second time was I able to at least get a "proof" shot. It would take off when I pursued it.
Drone shot of the reef I spend most of my time exploring: