Sunbathing on a lounger, swinging in a hammock and jumping into the water from time to time these are the main activities of most tourists on Holbox. Mexico's best spots PLUS all the info you need to pick the perfect location for your next vacation! Key statistics to swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines at Donsol Bay: The late French explorer Jacques Cousteau once called the Sea of Cortez the worlds aquarium. When to go: April and May are the most consistent months for sightings; most are spotted a few days after the full moon.Where to stay:The sandy streets of Placencia, which loosely and fittingly translates to Pleasant Point, offer a handful of affordable cabana-style accommodation, such as Julias. National Park Looking for the Best Places to Dive with Whalesharks? Key statistics to swimming with whale sharks in Cancun, Mexico: Multiple diving schools are offering whale shark encounters. Whale sharks are majestic and graceful giants of the ocean. Dozens of full-grown 40ft whale sharks arrive in (usually) clear blue water to be fed by fisherman. When the wind is calm, finding the whale sharks is usually not difficult, but if the water is choppy it can take a while and get a little rough if you are in a small boat. We recommend going on a whale shark tour around La Paz between October and May when the water is full of plakton. Best accommodation: There are no significant accommodations along the bay. As Quintana Roos sleepy northernmost island, it is the antithesis of crazy Cancun, which is 150km to the south. But also from September to Christmas, magnificent specimens are sighted again and again, but more rarely. This is formed by cartilage braces, which connect the individual gill arches like a grid with each other and on which among each other matted little skin teeth sit. Usually these are areas with seasonal plankton blooms or regions where plankton-rich colder buoyancy water can be observed. If you are not a diver, simply ask if you can take a dive boat to one of the whale shark hotspots. Although the hunting of whale sharks is now forbidden in many places, they are still fished today due to the high profits. Swimmers must stay 12 feet from the whale sharks at all times, and 16 feet from the tail. Of course, there is no evidence that there are any positive effects stemming from this behavior. Home to hundreds of different sea life species, Western Australias Ningaloo Reef is a hub of other activity that is also worth exploring. Chances of seeing a whale shark here are huge all year round, so don your swimming trunks and get stuck in. Read about our 2017 Dumaguete Photo Workshop or our2016 Best of Visayas Trip. Combine exclusive, unspoiled island living with some truly sublime diving at this gorgeous island resort in the idyllic Maldives. But in Donsol the sharks are not fed especially for the tourists. Most of the marine mammals are sighted in October. When to Go: November through February offers the best conditions. Alternatively, the areas directly around Cancun and Riviera Maya are also hotspots for swimming with whale sharks with similar over even higher chances to see whale sharks compared to Isla Holbox. In the evening the place really comes to life, because then Caribbean rhythms sound to the bars and all divers gather in the different bars. Remember, you're there simply to observe, not interact. For diving in more remote locales, take a trip on a liveaboard boat. Sightings are less frequent these days, but whale shark tourism is reportedly more ethical here than in Oslob, Cebu (where the sharks are fed). "Swim" means you can swim with the whale sharks and "Snorkel" means you can leisurely snorkel around the whale shark. Walk on the wild side with these animal encounters that invite you to get up close and personal with some of the planets most incredible wildlife. It is guaranteed to be the counterpart to the crazy, lively holiday resort of Cancun on the Yucatn peninsula in the south. The whale shark is not a mixture of whale and shark but rather a shark the size of a whale! View our range of liveaboards in the Galapagos. Tour operators offer snorkeling trips to South Ari all year round. Whale sharks live all around the world in cooler waters. Visit this beautiful coral reef between May and September for the best chance of swimming alongside the elegant and silvery whale sharks. We will reveal this location at the end. An unknown island with real island life and white beaches, a nice little hotel with a great restaurant (which is even known beyond the island! On the one hand the name is said to derive from the water in the Yalahao lagoon, which is partly dark coloured by the mangroves, on the other hand from a black hole in the ocean, where the fishermen caught their biggest fish. South Ari Atoll is a fascinating marine reserve. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. It is not uncommon for some of the giants to cross the coast so close that they are even seen by snorkelers. The marine life in these islands is, "Whale sharks in La Paz have the wonderful distinction of being predictable but wild. Most of the time, it can only be seen in the open water anyways. And that is by far not the only attraction of this little corner of heaven off the coast of Mexico. The best tour guides: From Manila, Donsol EcoTour and Whale Shark Adventure and Tours offer both day trips and multi-day packages. You might also like:Best places to snorkel around the world10 of thebest places to learn to diveWhere to see nature's greatest wildlife migrations, This article was first published August 20, 2019 and updated January 31, 2022. Whale sharks are record holders as they are the largest fish in the world. However, this fear is completely unreasonable as a whale shark cannot swallow anything larger than a watermelon. Dive boats scout for whale sharks between dives or on custom trips to see the animals and then hustle you into the water with a snorkel and mask to take in the spectacle. When to go:Whale sharks arrive to feed between March and July following a mass coral spawning.Where to stay:Most tours depart from Exmouth, with pick-ups from local caravan parks and hotels.Operators: Ningaloo Whalesharkshas its own spotter plane, upping your chances of spotting sharks and spending more time swimming with them than you would on other tours. The whale shark youngsters already hatch in the mother. But it doesnt make the experience any less sensational. Lodging ranges from cheap hostels (try Tribu Hostel) to mid-range guesthouses (Holbox Apartments and Suites) and a smattering of plush hotels.Operators: Willys is among the most reputable. In conclusion, sightings of the large marine animals are less frequent than in Oslob on the island of Cebu, for example. Whale sharks are majestic and graceful giants of the ocean. The fascinating sanctuary covers an area of about 100 square kilometers and is located 40 kilometers from the southeastern coastal city of Placencia in central Belize. Key statistics to swimming with whale sharks in the Maldives: This small, hidden bay is located at the western end of the Gulf of Tadjoura in the Indian Ocean. The journey to get there takes about thirty hours by boat from the remote wildlife paradise of theOsa Peninsula but for those who live to dive and swim, the journey will be worth it. It is possible all year round, but especially from April to June. Right time: Whale sharks usually arrive at the end of October and stay in the bay until February. Isla Holbox is a 25-minute boat ride off mainland Mexico. Some people might be afraid of being accidentally swallowed. Explore the colors, wildlife and formations found in these unique environments. Just north of legendary party island Ko Pha-Ngan in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Tao is famous for its cheap diving. Right time: Whale sharks usually arrive between November and June. In conclusion, whale Sharks are beautiful animals. Usually migratory, the whale sharks around Mafia stay in these waters year-round, which scientists think is due to the areas abundance of food like plankton and shrimp. The reef was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Since malignant tumors do not occur in whale sharks, dried shark cartilage is sold as an anti-cancer agent and even offered in Europe. The strong coalitions he builds across the region deliver conservation wins time and time again. Whale sharks are year-round residents of the Maldives, tending to favour the western side of the Indian Ocean archipelago from May to December, then heading to the east until April. We hope to give you an insight in the Best Places to Swim With Whale Sharks. Because of this, they have very little interest in people and it can be a hectic affair trying to keep up with their breakneck speeds. This is the best diving for every season in a state with endless possibility. Here are our favourites. When to go:Whale shark encounters are a pot-luck affair in these parts, but theyve been spotted year-round, especially from April to June.Where to stay:Prices drop if you sign up for a scuba course at comfortable dive lodges such asBig Blue.Operators:Dedicated snorkeling trips arent the norm, so if youre not a diver, ask if you can tag along with a dive boat headed to a whale shark hotspot. However, a sighting is not always guaranteed. Right time: Whale sharks pass Mah between August and November. It can be an extremely humbling experience to get in the water and swim with these beautiful and gentle creatures. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and Trip Advisor): The relaxed village of Holbox is a great alternative to the busy tourist centres. Located 240 miles southwest of Cabo San Lucas and often called "Mexico's Little Galapagos", the Socorro Islands offer a wonderful chance to see a plethora of large pelagic animals. These are our top 6 underwater macro photography destinations from around the world. They gather in the water in such high numbers that the region boasts that 97 percent of whale shark tours result in an encounter. The whale shark is the world's biggest fish and an incredible sight to behold. Most of the whale sharks come between mid-March and July. It is very gentle and does not pose a threat to humans. Since whale sharks were first seen in this fishing village in Luzon in 1998, it is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in the Philippines. Swimming with whale sharks at this under-the-radar destination is not a year round activity, however, as they reside far off land in deeper waters for part of the year. Lucky, then, that there are a few destinations around the world from Mexico to Mozambique where in-season sightings of whale sharks are almost guaranteed. By submitting above, you agree to Scuba Diving's privacy policy. You can track whale shark sightings as they happen by downloading the local Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme'sWhale Shark Network Maldives app.Where to stay: Many island resorts and guesthouses offer their own tours.Operators: Contact the MWSRP for more information. When to go:The highest concentration of sharks arrives between March and April, then in fewer numbers from September to December.Where to stay:Accommodation is mostly limited to dive hostels (try Underwater Vision). We were evaluating the most important criteria when someone aspires to dive with blue sharks, namely: Number one of the list of Best Places to Swim With Whale Sharks. With simple standards and gorgeous colors, Julias Cabanas lies on the beach. Prime months for this experience are July, August, and September. The best tour guides: With the professionals from MCSS, you are guaranteed to be on the right side. On the website of the Maldives Whaleshark Research Program (MWSRP) there is an app to watch the whale shark currents. The right time: April and May are the safest months to see whale sharks. After all, one thing should not be forgotten: If curiosity is so great, these sea giants deserve respect. Their dots on their backs reveal unique formations with which each whale shark can be identified. This explosion of nutrients also attracts a huge diversity of fish activity making which makes, Whale sharks gather during the summer in two areas around, "Although this is a snorkel-only destination, the opportunity to snorkel and swim with whale sharks, particularly in July/August, is about as near of a guarantee as you'll find for marine life. Diving boats also offer trips to whale sharks in remote bays. Scuba Diving may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Key statistics to swimming with whale sharks in Belize at Gladden Spit: Some of the first scientific whale shark records come from the Seychelles, where the peaceful animals are well protected. A multitude of boats brings guests, most without fins, in a circle to visit and swim with the whale sharks", There are other great places to swim with whale sharks in the world, like. Pets Nearby Isla Contoy has emerged as a popular gathering spot over the last several years. Special snorkel trips are not offered. But it is estimated that the animals can grow up to 20 meters long, weigh more than 34 tons and live to be over 100 years old. Small bars, friendly, laughing people, music. Expect to see turtles, shoals of tropical fish, reef sharks and even humpback whales while on your quest for whale sharks. With a head like the hood of a Ford, dizzying dots and tiny eyes incongruous with its sheer mass, this endangered animal is the largest fish in the oceans. It is also one of only a few whale shark research centers in the world. Try Elysia Beach Resortor Dancalan Beach Resort.Operators: Donsol EcoTourand Whale Shark Adventure and Toursboth offer single-day tours and multi-day packages. Bahia de Los Angeles, also known as the Bay of Los Angeles, is in the northern Sea of Cortez, Mexico. Undoubtedly, it is high on the list of many outdoor fans, adventurers, nature and sea lovers. Whale sharks gather to feed in the Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, off of the countrys western coast. Looking to venture outside the popular tourist bubble? Best accommodation: The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles works with the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles to offer snorkelling trips in October using a microlight aircraft. Learn more about diving in the surrounding areas with our trip report, Malapascua & The Visayas Trip Report. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Our five favorite shark destinations in the world. Whale Sharks are the largest fish in the world gentle giants of great beauty. Mozambique is about as close as it comes to an earthly paradise, with hundreds of miles of unsullied coastline, balmy blue waters and pristine white beaches. Whale shark encounters flow with the spring lunar cycle in the Gladden Spit, when snappers spawning draws in the whale sharks. Whale sharks have a colored blue-gray back, which is covered with white dots and stripes, a light belly and a 1.5m wide, blunt mouth. The best tour guides: MWSRP and TME Retreats are the competent local providers. - Adam Gibson, La Paz is a short, easy flight from either Los Angeles or Mexico City - although most people will fly into Los Cabos Airport and take a van or taxi for two hours to La Paz. All rights reserved. From May to December they prefer the western side of the Indian Ocean archipelago and then head east until April. Boats must stay 50 feet away from the animals while divers and snorkelers are required to maintain a 10-foot distance. Declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2011, the 300km stretch is home to over 500 fish species. When to Go: March to June typically sees the highest concentration of whale sharks in Australian waters. The peak season is November to January.Where to stay:Base yourself in Djibouti City and try the Atlantic Hotel.Operators: Dolphinand Siyyan Travel & Leisureboth operate liveaboard dive expeditions and day-long snorkeling trips. Seeing these gentle giants in the wild is an unforgettable experience, but it's essential to do so responsibly: keep a respectful distance from the creatures at all times, choose only reputable dive operators (who don't attempt to entice the fish with food and limit group numbers to avoid overcrowding) and avoid flash photography. Pull out your moon chart! Cancn is a beach lovers paradise: miles and miles of white sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters. is Donsol. This Mexican cenote offers a chance to dive beneath the world's weirdest (and least understood) cave formations. Talk to one of our travel experts today and start creating your once-in-a-lifetime trip to one of our whale-shark friendly destinations. is Mexico. It is one of the most reliable places in the world to swim with whale sharks. I pull my diving mask off my face, smile softly into myself and at the same time out of myself. With any luck you'll find yourself in a surreal world where the celestial patterns across the whale's back cruise under you as the hot sun and desert mountains shine above." Surrounded by a barrier reef teeming with vibrant marine life, almost half of Mafias coastline has been designated as protected marine park. For exclusive access to Ningaloo, stay in luxury tented eco-camps on the beach at Sal Salis perfect for snorkelling the shores in the day and enjoying the spectactular sunsets at night. This discreet bay tucked neatly at the western end of the Gulf of Tadjoura, is one of the most dependable places in the world to swim with whale sharks. "In Oslob, Philippines, a day trip from Dumaguete, there is a whale shark experience different from the most others in the world. Costa Ricas Cocos Island is only for serious diving enthusiasts. Apparently, the whale-shark has the thickest skin in the realm of the fish, it is 10-15 cm thick. Whale shark encounters rank near the top of any diving bucket list. There are multiple location where you can go to encounter them. Whale sharks are often seen around Chumphon Pinnacle, just a 15 minute boat ride from the island. Here is our list of top six destinations where you can get in the water up close with the largest fish in the world. scubadiving.com is part of PADI Media, a division of PADI Worldwide. Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime when youre face-to-face with the worlds largest fish. The Philippines is one of the most popular destinations to see whale sharks in the wild Fata Morgana / Shutterstock, The world's best places to swim with whale sharks. In this guide, "dive" means you can scuba diving with whale sharks is possible. This explosion of nutrients also attracts a huge diversity of fish activity making which makes scuba diving with whale sharksin the Galapagos even more awesome! We communicated, vibrations, energy, pictures 30 minutes! Numerous tours start from Exmouth with pick-ups at local caravan parks, campsites and hotels such as the Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort. It can be an extremely humbling experience to get in the water and swim with these beautiful and gentle creatures. In order to cover their enormous food requirements, they filter small fish and other sea dwellers out of the water in this way in addition to plankton. No. In addition, the animals only become sexually mature between 15 and 30 years. So: keep your distance and try to not touch them like everything under water and dont photograph with flashlight. It can be hit-or-miss here, but impromptu snorkel sessions between dives are when nearly all whale shark encounters occur in Utila one of the few places in the world where the animals can be spotted year-round. No one is feeding these sharks! The whale shark is classified as endangered on the Red List of Endangered Species. The name Holbox comes from the Maya language and means black hole. From the East Coast of Mexico, where the favorite holiday spots Cancun and Playa del Carmen, lie Isla Holbox is not far. Whale sharks actively suck in the water (up to 6000 l/h) and squeeze it out again through their gills, which are equipped with a sponge-like filtering apparatus. The small backpackers paradise off the Caribbean coast of Honduras is one of the cheapest destinations in the world to get your diving license. Swimming alongside the largest fish in the sea is one of the ultimate bucket-list experiences. The whale shark, on the other hand, tilts its entire body alternately from left to right and from right to left. Go there between May and September to get close to these magnificent creatures. When to Go: October to February is prime time when the whale sharks move to shallow waters. I am happy to receive emails from Jacada, including travel guides, tips and information. For more comfort, all-inclusive Deep Blue Utilaoffers dedicated whale shark trips in season.Operators:Check in with the Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center, or jump on one of the daily dive boats headed to the north side of the island, where most sharks are spotted. The knowledge about origin, behavior and travel-routes is even more miserable. The TME Retreats Maldives are partners of MWSRP and therefore a good choice for accommodation and tour service. I feel connected with the sea, with the land, with the sky, with our galaxy and the whole universe. Our tips are the Elysia Beach Resort or the Dancalan Beach Resort.