Top Destinations to Dive with Whale Sharks
In their mission to create a billion Torchbearers to explore and protect the ocean, PADI is encouraging divers to seek adventure and experience first-hand the vital eco-systems below the surface of the ocean.
To further raise awareness of this mission on International Whale Shark Day (30 August 2021), PADI has rounded up the top destinations in the world that are currently open to divers.
Galapagos Marine Reserve, Galapagos Islands
Diving the Galapagos is always an adventure. Paired with a splendid array of marine life and visibility, the Galapagos Marine Reserve is one of the best spots to dive with whale sharks. Most common in these waters between August through to October, PADI Liveaboard Calipso Dive Galapagos offers a luxurious multi-day expedition that combines diving with whale sharks and an education on how to protect the environment.
Find out more with PADI’s Dive Guide for the Galapagos Islands
La Paz & Isla Partida, Mexico
Home to over 850 marine species, divers can encounter the smallest of seahorses to the largest of whale sharks! With the warm waters in the Sea of Cortez drawing whale sharks in around October and then again in the Spring, PADI 5 Star Center Cortez Expeditions takes divers out on boutique adventures suitable for all levels of experience.
Find out more with PADI’s Dive Guide for Mexico
Exmouth, Australia
Located in Western Australia, Exmouth is rated amongst the top six destinations in the world for marine diversity. Offering a chance to swim with whale sharks, which grace these waters from March to September of every year, Exmouth Dive takes keen explorers out to the Nigaloo Reef for the day. After a swim with the whale sharks, opt for a second dive along the world’s largest fringing reef!
Find out more with PADI’s Dive Guide for Australia
Pondicherry, India
Along India’s eastern coast is Pondicherry, which is full of untouched reefs, wrecks and marine life. Whale sharks are known to frequently swim these waters every February and March. Whale sharks are a protected species in India and PADI 5 Star Dive Center Temple Adventures takes keen divers out for a whale shark encounter they will never forget.
Find out more with PADI’s Dive Guide for India
South Ari Atoll, Maldives
The Maldives are more than just dreamy white sand beaches and overwater bungalows. The low-lying nation also offers excellent reefs and an abundance of marine life—including whale sharks! Sightings of these friendly giants are common year-round, with one of the best sighting spots being the South Ari Atoll, where the warm waters, abundance of food and minimal predators make it a great home spot. In fact, the researchers of the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme identified over 527 whale sharks and 8,000 encounters in the area over the last decade. There are more than 180 PADI Dive Centers and Resorts throughout the Maldives that can take divers out for chance to have a whale shark encounter.
Find out more with PADI’s Dive Guide for the Maldives
Azores, Portugal
Offering one of the most diverse diving destinations in Europe, the Portuguese islands known as the Azores offer a chance to dive with whale sharks. Most commonly sighted in the island of St. Maria between June and October, PADI 5 Star Dive Center Season Challenge Azores will also offer the opportunity to dive through arches and through shipwrecks.
Find out more with PADI’s Dive Guide for Portugal
Diving with whale sharks and manta rays can make a difference in protecting these incredible species for future generations – dive tourism encourages protection from local communities and governments. But its important to always adhere to local guidelines and best practices to ensure these creatures’ well-being is always at the forefront. PADI dive operators understand the importance of using the proper equipment, the time of day to dive with sharks, and the maximum number of operators that should be on the water at any given time. To learn more about responsible shark and ray tourism and other ways you can support the protection of these incredible animals, visit padi.com/aware/sharks.
