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The 10 Best Places to Dive with Whale Sharks
Whale sharks are a popular choice for shark fans, being easy do dive or snorkel with at a variety of great dive destinations around the world. It’s possible to dive with them somewhere at just about any time of year! Read on to find out more.
Djibouti
This whale shark diving destination might be less well-known than others but that’s part of its charm. Djibouti’s thriving reefs are free of dive crowds, meaning you can explore Red-Sea-like coral reefs in peace and swim alongside whale sharks with ease.
You don’t need any experience to snorkel with Djibouti’s whale sharks but if you visit as a diver you can also enjoy the varied dive sites on offer. Diving between two tectonic plates is a definite highlight once you’ve had your fill of swimming with sharks.
When to go: Visit from November to February for dedicated whale shark and diving safaris. It’s the best time to see adult and juvenile whale sharks.
Liveaboard options: Being a relatively new destination, there are just a handful of liveaboards to choose from. The Nemo is a great choice for safaris that include the best of Djibouti’s dive sites as well as whale shark swims.
Western Australia
Ask where you can swim with whale sharks and most people will name Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. This colourful reef just off the UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Coast hosts hundreds of whale sharks each year and it is easy to go snorkelling with them there.
As well as whale sharks, Ningaloo Reef also hosts a diverse array of other seasonal marine life:
- Manta rays peak in numbers from May to October
- Humpback whales visit from July to November
- Dolphins and turtles are present all year
When to go: March to June for whale shark season
Liveaboard options: For a laid-back Western Australia dive-sail safari, try the Shore Thing liveaboard. This small catamaran gets you up close to Ningaloo’s wildlife with a maximum of 10 other guests.
Indonesia
Whilst other areas of Indonesia are hit by trade winds during the European summer, Cenderawasih Bay remains tucked away from the storms and offers unique whale shark encounters. This area is known for its friendly whale sharks, which visit the bay in large groups.
The local fishermen have always given the sharks a part of their catch for good luck, resulting in the sharks being very tolerant of divers and snorkelers in the water.
When to go: July to September
Liveaboard options: The Pearl of Papua liveaboard offers Cenderawasih Bay safaris, as well as other Raja Ampat safaris year-round.
Maldives
Another top choice for whale shark encounters, the Maldives offers the quintessential tropical diving experience, amongst idyllic white-sand islands and with plenty of sunshine.
With so many islands to choose from it can be tricky to know which atolls to dive in the Maldives to see whale sharks. Ari Atoll is a popular choice for spotting whale sharks. Huvadhoo and Thaa atolls are also good options.
When to go: Ari Atoll is best dived from December to April.
Liveaboard options: The Eco Blue liveaboard offers a variety of safaris throughout the Maldives, allowing you to choose your whale shark destination and enjoy manta ray and other shark hotspots.
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos truly lives up to its name as a wildlife destination, offering not only whale sharks but also hammerheads, silky, Galapagos sharks and more. It is a premier shark lover’s dive destination.
Wolf Island is one of the best places to find whale sharks at the Galapagos and there are always numerous other sharks there to dive with.
When to go: June to December
Liveaboard options: If you want to combine Galapagos diving with naturalist tours, the Aqua liveaboard could be for you. You can add on naturalist tours before or after your dive safari.
Madagascar
Recently in the news as an emerging whale shark hotspot, Madagascar is definitely a destination to dive before word gets out. Over 80 whale sharks have been identified in just one season at Madagascar so far. They are usually found off Nosy Be island.
When to go: September to December
Liveaboard options: The Oceane’s Dream catamaran caters to just 8 guests and offers whale shark swims as well as Madagascar diving.
Honduras
The diving hub of Utila in Honduras’s Bay Islands has plenty of whale sharks to dive with, as well as stunning dive sites along the underwater mountain range of Roatan, Utila and Guanaja. Expect dramatic walls and vibrant reefs as you go in search of these spotty giants.
When to go: March and April for peak shark season, plus September to December for whale sharks in fewer numbers.
Liveaboard options: The Roatan Aggressor is a popular choice for cruising the crystal-clear Bay Islands waters.
Belize
Gladden Spit in Belize has long been known as a whale shark destination, thanks to the fish-spawning that draws these sharks to the area each year.
Make sure you dive there a few days after the full moon to see the maximum number of whale sharks feasting before your eyes.
When to go: April and May for the best sightings
Liveaboard options: The Belize Aggressor III and Belize Aggressor IV offer Belize diving safaris.
Philippines
The lush volcanic landscapes of Donsol would be enough to keep your eyes to the horizon if it were not for the untouched dive sites and numerous whale sharks in the turquoise waters below. This remote destination is famed for both its whale sharks and manta rays.
When to go: February to April for peak whale shark season
Liveaboard options: The gorgeous Philippine Siren cruises a range of the Philippines best dive destinations, including Donsol.
Thailand
The biodiversity of marine life at Richelieu Rock is astounding and a big draw for divers from around the world. As well as numerous critters and schooling pelagic fish, you can also find whale sharks and manta rays feeding on plankton blooms.
When to go: February to April for peak whale shark and manta season
Liveaboard options: The Similan Explorer offers Richelieu Rock safaris, as well as trips to the Surin Islands. The inaccessible Surin Islands offer plenty of shark action, including whale sharks, and are visited by just a handful of liveaboards.
This article was written by divers and writers at LiveAboard.com
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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