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It's not surprising that diving with whale sharks ranks highly on any diver's bucket list. These gentle giants of the underwater world may look intimidating due to their enormous size, but are harmless filter feeders. Munching their way through algae, plankton and krill, extracted from seawater through their iconic mouths. The largest fish on the planet, whale sharks can grow up to 18 metres in length and live for up to 130 years! Find out more about where you can dive with whale sharks below.

These enigmatic and graceful giants are more often seen close to the surface, making that elusive encounter possible for divers and snorkellers alike. Despite their elusive nature and endangered species status, we're delighted to report that whale shark awareness is on the increase, and we have confirmed sightings from Regaldive divers holidaying in Egypt, Oman, Maldives, Philippines, Galapagos, Azores, Indonesia and other destinations around the world.

We've put together a couple of options for those looking to maximise their chances of an underwater encounter with these gentle giants on a range of whale shark tours. Just don't forget your camera!

Where to dive with whale sharks?

Maldives

Whale shark in the Maldives

In the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives, there are several dive sites where you can reliability swim with whale sharks alongside other large marine life in warm tropical waters. Throughout the year plankton rich waters attract the world’s biggest fish, meaning diving with whale sharks has a very high success rate.

Dhigurah Island, located in the South Ari Atoll is on the edge of a marine protected area, a famous whale shark region where these beautiful creatures can be seen all year round. Visitors to Boutique Beach Hotel can enjoy warm tropical waters and palm trees while going out on dives and whale shark snorkelling tours to encounter these amazing creatures.

Further north in Baa Atoll, seasonal plankton blooms from July to October attract manta rays in their hundreds. The nutrient rich water attracts other pelagics, such as whale sharks, to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hanifaru Bay. Here, only snorkelling trips are allowed in the bay itself, in an effort to help ocean conservation. Those staying at Reethi Beach Resort have an excellent likelihood to dive with whale sharks and manta rays.

Galapagos

Whale shark in the Galapagos

For more experienced divers, the Galapagos Islands are recognised as one of the world's best locations to encounter adult whale sharks in large numbers, specifically between May and November. Galapagos liveaboard trips journey around the archipelago and dives at Wolf and Darwin Islands, where seasonal sightings of whale sharks and other pelagic species are common. Declared a marine protected area in 1998, the Galapagos Island Marine Reserve covers almost 200,000 km² and is on many scuba divers bucket list, by travelling during the plankton blooms in the summer months you’ll have a good likelihood of diving with whale sharks.

In this area it’s also possible to see hammerheads sharks, silky sharks, and Galapagos sharks around Darwin Island and on the main archipelago marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, sea lions, and a variety of endemic bird species.

Mexico

Whale shark in Mexico

Mexico has multiple options for whale shark encounters. With Baja California bordering the Pacific coastline and the Caribbean Sea encircling the Yucatan Peninsula, there's plenty of ocean to uncover.

Starting on the western coast is Baja California, there are two options for whale shark sightings. The Sea of Cortez is a haven for pelagic species and larger sea creatures. The nutrient rich waters fluctuate throughout the year, so if you want to witness whale sharks gather, the best time is from late November through to March. Liveaboard trips to Socorro Islands for more advanced divers, and those with their sea legs, from May-July diver can see oceanic manta ray and bait ball, and it’s also the best time for whale shark encounters.

On the Yucatan Peninsula the best time to spot whale sharks is from June to September, around Isla Mujeres. During the summer months snorkelling tours depart daily with almost guaranteed success rates of spotting the whale shark aggregation. It's not uncommon to have manta rays, turtles, and dolphins show up too! Isla Mujeres is park of a 85km2 marine park, and is arguably one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks.

Indonesia

Whale shark in IndonesiaIn Southeast Asia, the tropical waters of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle deliver again. Not only whale sharks are seasonally spotted around the archipelago, but also large marine life such as manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and reef sharks can be seen while scuba diving.

The best chance of spotting whale sharks in Indonesia is by liveaboard. Sailings are able to reach further afield and into the whale sharks natural habitat, Cenderawasih Bay and Triton Bay are reporting regular sightings in summer and winter respectively. For hundreds of year 'jukung' - traditional fishing vessels - have been shark’s main focus, as local believe the majestic creatures to be sacred and split their catch. This ancient relationship has also aided conservation efforts, as scuba divers and snorkellers alike are keen to see this beautiful friendship.

Whale sharks can also been seen close to national park of Komodo. The Mermaid I and Mermaid II vessels are swinging by Saleh Bay on their way back to port to offer snorkelling and diving with whale sharks. The nutrient rich waters of the bay attract whale sharks and have an excellent success rates.

Tanzania

Whale shark in Mafia Island, Tanzania

On the Indian Ocean side of Africa, off the coast of Tanzania, lays Mafia Island. The waters around this island are a marine protected area, with seasonal plankton blooms occurring from late December through to March, attracting whale sharks as they feed. Successful snorkelling tours throughout this time, providing opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks. More common in this area are juvenile whale sharks, but for the largest fish in the ocean, they still measure 3–10 metres in length.

The scuba diving is also wonderful in this area, with strong tidal currents Mafia Islands waters are rich with marine life. Off the beaten track, this destination offers culture, peace and quiet, and whale shark sightings.


To organise your whale shark diving holiday, or for more information, please contact our friendly, specialist team on 01353 659999.