While snorkeler Ruslan Rabin from Karmiel expected a quiet day in the waters off Eilat’s Katsa Port, he instead came face-to-face with one of the ocean’s most majestic and elusive visitors—a whale shark, the largest fish in the world. “I was swimming near the pillars when this massive creature appeared,” Rabin recalled. “It was both scary and mesmerizing, especially with the little fish circling around it. I swam beside it for a while before it disappeared into the depths. It was pure adrenaline and joy.”
Watch the Encounter:
The World’s Largest Fish Visits Israel | Photo: Ruslan Rabin/Rega News Desk
A Gentle Giant in the Gulf of Eilat
According to the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, whale sharks can grow up to 12 meters (40 feet) in length and weigh as much as 20 tons. Despite their size, they pose no danger to humans, feeding exclusively on plankton. In Israel, the species is legally protected and considered globally endangered.
A Sign of a Healthy Marine Ecosystem
Shai Oron, a marine ecologist at the Gulf of Eilat, explained that the whale shark’s visit is a positive indicator of a thriving underwater environment. “Their appearance signals the presence of zooplankton, which suggests the marine ecosystem is functioning well,” she said. Each sighting is logged into a scientific database, helping researchers track migration patterns across the Red Sea and understand more about the species’ elusive behavior.
Public Asked to Watch, Not Touch
Environmental organizations are urging the public to avoid contact with whale sharks, maintain a safe distance, and slow watercraft in their presence. Observers are encouraged to report sightings through the SeaWatch app. “Don’t ride them, don’t touch—just admire, photograph, and share,” Oron emphasized.
