Swim with Whale Sharks: Top Destinations Around the World
Swimming alongside the largest fish in the sea is one of the ultimate bucket-list experiences. Fortunately, there are several destinations where in-season sightings of whale sharks are almost guaranteed, from Mexico to Mozambique.
Seeing these gentle giants in the wild is an unforgettable experience, but it is essential to do so responsibly. Always keep a respectful distance from the creatures, choose reputable dive operators, and avoid flash photography. Remember, you’re there simply to observe, not interact.
Isla Holbox, Mexico
Isla Holbox is a 25-minute boat ride off mainland Mexico. As Quintana Roo’s sleepy northernmost island, it is the antithesis of busy Cancun, located 150km to the south.
When to go: Tours depart daily from late May to September, when the whale sharks arrive to feed and mate. The peak season is from July to August.
Where to stay: Some tour companies offer a speedboat pick-up from Cancun and Playa del Carmen, but relaxed Holbox is a great alternative to the main tourist centers, offering proximity to the sharks. Lodging options range from budget hostels like Tribu Hostel to mid-range guesthouses (Holbox Apartments and Suites) and luxurious hotels.
Operators: Willy’s is one of the most reputable choices for whale shark tours.
Utila, Honduras
Utila, known as one of the world’s most affordable diving destinations, is a backpacker hub off Honduras’ Caribbean coast. This area also boasts one of the few year-round whale shark research centers.
When to go: The highest concentration of sharks arrives between March and April, with fewer sightings from September to December.
Where to stay: Accommodation primarily consists of dive hostels, such as Underwater Vision. For more comfort, all-inclusive resorts like Deep Blue Utila offer dedicated whale shark trips during the season.
Operators: You can connect with the Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center, or board one of the daily dive boats headed to the island’s northern side, where most sharks are frequently spotted.
Donsol Bay, Philippines
Donsol gained prominence after whale sharks were discovered in the fishing village in 1998. Today, it is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, and the ethics of whale shark tourism here are considered more responsible than in Oslob, Cebu.
When to go: Whale sharks usually arrive between November and June, with peak sightings occurring from February to April.
Where to stay: Donsol remains a sleepy town with limited accommodations. Recommended options include Elysia Beach Resort and Dancalan Beach Resort.
Operators: Both Donsol EcoTour and Whale Shark Adventure and Tours provide single-day tours and multi-day packages.
Gladden Spit, Belize
A mass fish-spawning season between March and June attracts whale sharks to Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, approximately 40km off the southeastern coastal town of Placencia.
When to go: The most reliable months for sightings are April and May, especially just after the full moon.
Where to stay: The sandy streets of Placencia, translating to “Pleasant Point,” offer several affordable cabana-style accommodations like Julia’s. For a more upscale experience, Turtle Inn features its own diving school.
Operators: Sea Horse Dive Shop in Placencia conducts diving and snorkeling tours to Gladden Spit Marine Reserve during the season.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Australia’s largest fringing coral reef, Ningaloo, is located approximately 1200km north of Perth. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011, this 300km stretch is home to over 500 fish species.
When to go: Whale sharks typically arrive to feed between March and July, coinciding with a widespread coral spawning event.
Where to stay: Most tours leave from Exmouth, with convenient pick-ups from local caravan parks and hotels.
Operators: Ningaloo Whalesharks operates with its own spotter plane, enhancing the likelihood of shark sightings and maximizing your underwater experience.
Tofo Beach, Mozambique
Tofo is a diver’s paradise located 400km north of the capital city, Maputo. This region houses one of Africa’s largest aggregations of whale sharks, thanks to abundant plankton.
When to go: Sightings often reach up to fifty strong from October to March.
Where to stay: Tofo offers various accommodations, from backpacker lodges to comfortable B&Bs such as Baia Sonambula Guest House.
Operators: Dive centers in the area, including Tofo Scuba and Diversity Scuba, offer daily snorkeling trips during peak season.
Ko Tao, Thailand
Just north of the vibrant party island of Ko Pha-Ngan in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Tao is renowned for its budget-friendly diving. Whale sharks are frequently spotted around Chumphon Pinnacle, which is just a 15-minute boat ride from the island.
When to go: Whale shark encounters can occur throughout the year, especially peaking from April to June.
Where to stay: Prices are lower if you take part in scuba courses at local dive lodges like Big Blue.
Operators: Dedicated snorkeling trips are not common, so if you are not a diver, consider inquiring whether you can join a dive boat headed toward whale shark hotspots.
South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Whale sharks are permanent residents of the Maldives, usually favoring the western side of the archipelago from May to December before heading east until April. South Ari Atoll is designated as a Marine Protected Area.
When to go: Operators in the area organize weekly, year-round snorkeling trips to South Ari. Additionally, the local Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme’s Whale Shark Network Maldives app allows you to track sightings.
Where to stay: Many island resorts and guesthouses have their own whale shark tours.
Operators: For more information, get in touch with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme.
Bay of Ghoubbet, Djibouti
This elusive bay, located at the western end of the Gulf of Tadjoura, stands out as one of the most reliable locations to swim with whale sharks. It’s common to spot several of these giants close to shore, enabling snorkelers to easily access them. For diving in further reaches, consider a liveaboard trip.
When to go: Whale sharks start arriving in late October and remain until February, with peak season lasting from November to January.
Where to stay: For convenience, base yourself in Djibouti City, where options like the Atlantic Hotel are available.
Operators: Both Dolphin and Siyyan Travel & Leisure provide liveaboard diving excursions and day-long snorkeling tours.
This article was first published on August 20, 2019, and updated on January 31, 2022.
