Swimming With Whale Sharks (2024): All You Need to Know
About a week ago, I started looking into shark cage diving to see if it’s something I’d want to try. While doing that, I stumbled upon a surprising fact: whale shark is not only the biggest shark in the world, it's also the largest fish in the world! That got me thinking—I realized I hardly knew anything about them. So, I did some digging, and here’s what I found. Let’s dive in!
Are Whale Sharks Dangerous?
Swimming with whale sharks is generally not dangerous. These massive creatures are filter feeders. Unlike the classic image of a shark going after prey, whale sharks feed by swimming with their massive mouths open, filtering out tiny organisms like plankton from the water. They have no interest in humans or large animals, making them super gentle and peaceful creatures despite their size. They have no interest in humans as prey, and unlike some other sharks, they don’t have sharp, aggressive hunting behaviors.
But given their massive size (up to 61.7 feet, 18.8 meters long), the biggest risk when swimming with whale sharks comes from accidental bumps or tail swipes. If you get too close, you could be unintentionally knocked by their powerful tail or body.
By keeping a safe distance (around 3-5 meters), staying aware of their movements, and following safety guidelines provided by reputable tour operators, any potential accidents can usually be avoided.
Interesting fact: Each whale shark has a distinct pattern of white spots on its dark gray-blue skin, much like a human fingerprint. Scientists use these patterns to identify and track individual sharks.
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Best Places to Swim With Whale Sharks, When, Why, and Prices
These locations not only offer the chance to swim with whale sharks but also emphasize responsible and ethical tourism practices, ensuring that your encounter is both safe for you and sustainable for these magnificent creatures:
1. Isla Holbox, Mexico
When: June to September (Peak: July and August)
Why: The warm, plankton-rich waters off the Yucatán Peninsula attract large numbers of whale sharks during the summer. It's one of the most accessible places to swim with them, and Holbox offers a laid-back, eco-friendly vibe.
Price: $100–$150 USD, including a boat tour, snorkeling gear, and a guide for 6-8 hours.
2. Ningaloo Reef, Australia
When: March to July (Best: April to June)
Why: Ningaloo Reef is famous for its clear waters and biodiversity. Whale sharks come here to feed on plankton after the coral spawning season, making for amazing underwater visibility and encounters with other marine species like manta rays.
Price: $300–$450 USD for a full-day tour, including food and gear.
3. Donsol, Philippines
When: February to May (Best: March and April)
Why: Donsol is known for ethical whale shark tourism, where interaction rules are strictly followed to minimize stress on the animals. It offers a more natural, non-commercial experience, with whale sharks drawn by the plankton-rich waters.
Price: $20–$50 USD for entrance fees and boat hire; additional fees may apply for gear.
4. Gladden Spit, Belize
When: April to June (During full moons)
Why: This area of the Belize Barrier Reef is known for fish spawning, which attracts whale sharks looking to feed. The combination of marine biodiversity and the unique timing makes it a spectacular place for encounters.
Price: $150–$250 USD, usually covering snorkeling gear, guides, and boat transport.
5. South Ari Atoll, Maldives
When: Year-round (Best: May to December)
Why: The Maldives offers year-round whale shark encounters, especially around the southern atolls. The warm, calm waters and stunning coral reefs provide an incredible backdrop for swimming with whale sharks.
Price: $120–$200 USD, including gear, guides, and boat transport.
6. Tofo Beach, Mozambique
When: October to March
Why: Tofo Beach is a less touristy destination with an abundance of marine life. Whale sharks are often seen close to shore, and the area’s marine biodiversity, including manta rays and dolphins, adds to the experience.
Price: $50–$150 USD, covering boat transport, gear, and guides.
7. Seychelles
When: October to November
Why: Whale sharks pass through the Seychelles during their migration in the fall, drawn by the plankton blooms. The islands offer pristine waters and the chance to swim with whale sharks in a truly unspoiled environment.
Price: $100–$250 USD, typically including snorkeling gear and guides.
8. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
When: June to December
Why: The Galápagos is one of the most unique marine ecosystems in the world. Whale sharks, especially pregnant females, gather around the northern islands of Darwin and Wolf. It's ideal for divers looking for encounters with multiple species of sharks and marine life.
Price: $1,500–$6,000 USD, as part of multi-day diving trips, which include accommodation and diving gear.
Interesting fact: Whale sharks are highly migratory and often travel thousands of miles across the oceans in search of food.
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Requirements to Swim With Whale Sharks
Swimming with whale sharks is a regulated activity similar to other whale encounters, with participants generally required to swim at least 200 meters unaided in open water, although no SCUBA certification is necessary. Licensed tour operators handle permits, ensuring both participant safety and environmental protection. While insurance isn't mandatory, it's recommended to cover health and travel disruptions, and reputable providers like Amex or Allianz offer simple claims processes. Age restrictions usually range from 8 to 12 years old, though specific requirements depend on the region and tour operator.
How to Swim Safely With Whale Sharks?
Despite their gentle nature, swimming with whale sharks still requires careful precautions. Licensed operators ensure safe experiences by following strict regulations, such as limiting group sizes and maintaining a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the sharks and to protect both the animals and participants.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when swimming with whale sharks:
Let the whale sharks control the interaction.
Don’t touch them.
Stay clear of their tails.
Swim alongside them, not directly toward them.
Be a strong open-water swimmer.
Always follow instructions from your guide and captain.
Interesting fact: Whale sharks' mouths can be up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide, which helps them gather large amounts of plankton and other small creatures.
Packing List
I recommend checking out my detailed ultimate gear and packing guide for swimming with whales, cause the basics are gonna be the same for every snorkeling experience, but here are a few essential items to remember:
Mask, Snorkel, and Fins— it's best to bring your own gear that fits well to avoid discomfort with rented equipment.
Anti-fog Drops or Baby Shampoo— these are essential for keeping your mask clear.
Sun Protection— wear UV-protective swimwear with UPF ratings of 50+, apply reef-safe sunscreen with at least SPF 30, use rash guards, and accessorize with hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Waterproof Camera.
Positive Attitude— approach the encounter with respect for the sharks and their environment, maintaining a positive and responsible attitude.
Whale Shark in Captivity
Whale sharks have been kept in captivity in a few aquariums worldwide, but it’s a highly controversial and challenging practice. Due to their massive size and migratory nature, they require enormous tanks and specific conditions that are difficult to replicate. The most famous examples are the Aquarium in Georgia (USA) and Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Japan), where whale sharks have been kept in captivity for educational and research purposes.
However, many marine conservationists argue that keeping whale sharks in captivity can lead to stress, health issues, and shortened lifespans, as these creatures are meant to roam freely over vast distances in the ocean. I found in another article that a study at Churaumi Aquarium from 1980 to 1998 showed that, on average, whale sharks in captivity survived only 502 days, while they are thought to live up to 70-100 years, though this is still being studied. Due to these concerns, most aquariums no longer attempt to house them. And I can’t tell you how glad I am about it.
FAQ
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Yes, a whale shark is technically a shark. Despite its name, the whale shark is not a whale but the largest species of shark and fish in the ocean.
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Whale sharks do not lay eggs in the traditional sense like some other fish. Instead, they are ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs hatch inside the female's body, and she gives birth to live young. The baby whale sharks (called pups) emerge fully formed and ready to swim.
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Yes, whale sharks do have teeth, but they are tiny and not used for feeding. They have thousands of small, vestigial teeth—about 300 rows in each jaw—but these teeth play no role in their diet.
Conclusion
Swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable experience, and it’s not as scary as it sounds! These massive, gentle creatures are peaceful, and as long as you respect their space and follow your guide’s advice, you're in for a safe and magical time. Wherever you choose to swim with them—whether it's the Maldives, Mexico, or another amazing spot—it’s a chance to get up close to some of the ocean’s most incredible creatures.
Check out my other articles to learn more about sperm whales or humpbacks, which are twice as heavy as whale sharks! And if that sounds exciting to you, don't miss the chance to explore current whale tours on our website and start planning your next adventure today!
If you’ve got any questions or want to share your own experience, drop a comment down below — I’d love to hear from you!
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Explore the new whale swimming regulations in French Polynesia designed to protect marine life while allowing tourists to swim with whales responsibly.