Where & When to See Whale Sharks
The wondrous whale shark is one of the most sought after marine encounters for both divers and snorkellers. Growing to lengths of up to 18 metres, the whale shark is the world’s largest fish. Feeding mainly on krill and plankton, these ocean giants are gentle and docile.
Despite being mainly solitary, whale sharks aggregate to certain known locations around the globe. We offer a range of trips to locations where encounters with these magnificent creatures are possible, allowing you to dive or snorkel alongside these wonderful gentle giants…
Jan, Feb, Mar
During the winter months, Mafia Island is a great location to spot whale sharks. Traditional, unspoilt and friendly, Mafia Island lies off the coast of Tanzania. The island boasts clear waters, vibrant reefs and a beautiful array of marine life, especially inside Chole Bay and at Kinasi Pass. The island also hosts its spectacular whale shark aggregation each year between the months of December and March, where small males come to feed in the channel.
Trip idea: Dive Mafia Island - 11 days from £2,075
The seldom visited or dived island of St Helena in the Atlantic Ocean has enjoyed a recent phenomenon in the last few years between December and March, where whale sharks aggregate around the island in increasingly large numbers. Due to the new addition of an airport, this remote island is now much more accessible, allowing you to be one of the first to dive there!
Trip idea: Untouched St Helena - 12 days from £3,095
Apr, May, June
As the spring begins we recommend travelling to the Maldives in search of whale sharks. These gentle giants can be seen throughout the year in the Maldives, especially around Ari Atoll, but sea conditions are great from February till April.
The central area of the Maldives comprises of Malé and Ari atolls, Felidhoo, Faafu and the smaller Rasdhoo Atoll. This area is perfect for pelagic encounters, allowing you to experience manta cleaning stations, mesmerising drift dives and incredible whale shark encounters.
Trip idea: Best of the Maldives Liveaboard - 9 days from £1,925
July, Aug, Sep
The small rocky outcrops of the Wolf & Darwin Islands in the Galapagos attract huge whale sharks, schools of hammerhead and silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, manta rays and more. From June to November whale sharks aggregate to the area while the Humboldt Current is at its strongest, creating exciting dives and wonderful encounters, perfect for experienced divers.
Trip idea: Galapagos Liveaboard – 10 days from £5,495
The island of Holbox sits off the northern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula and each summer plays host to one of the world’s most incredible marine events. From May to August whale sharks stop here in huge numbers to feed on their annual migration, allowing the spectacular experience of snorkelling alongside them. While there, enjoy exciting dives in Mexico’s stunning Cenotes cave system.
Trip idea: Cenotes & Reefs - 9 days from £1,575
The northern atolls of the Maldives see less divers than the south, creating quiet reefs and uncrowded dives. During the summer months, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Hanifaru Bay attracts exceptional numbers of mantas and whale sharks that arrive to feed in the nutrient rich waters.
Trip idea: Dive Baa Atoll - 10 days from £2,475
Oct, Nov, Dec
From November to May whale sharks aggregate in the Philippines, in the waters off Donsol, often swimming close to the surface. Swimming and snorkelling with these gentle giants here is an incredible experience. While in the Philippines you can also encounter the manta rays of Ticao and the thresher sharks of Malapascua.
Trip idea: Big Fish Tour - 14 days from £2,175
Read more about diving & snorkelling with whale sharks or contact a member of our friendly Dive team to plan your own whale shark diving holiday.
