Dolphins escort whale shark through pack of stunned scuba divers

The Galapagos Islands are unique and fascinating for many reasons. Situated on the equator, west of Ecuador, they are home to some unbelievable animals. Four strong ocean currents converge here, creating an upwelling of cold water and nutrients that bring fish and other animals to the area. These smaller creatures attract larger predators. Hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, and Galapagos sharks congregate here in great numbers. Trevallies, large fish that prey on smaller fish are also common here. One of the most magnificent creatures in the ocean also come to these waters. Whale sharks are the biggest fish that live. Only a few species of whale are larger. The whale sharks are plagued by remoras, fish that cling to them with suction cups on their heads, creating extra drag that is problematic for whale sharks that swim great distances. The remoras also swim inside the gill slits and affect the whale sharks' ability to effectively filter plankton and krill.