Whale sharks are not at all related to whales, and unlike most sharks, they are filter feeders. These sharks are gentle giants, and are the largest of living non-mammalian vertebrates; even when compared to dinosaurs, they tip the scales as some of the biggest creatures known to exist on earth. The species is believed to have originated about sixty million years ago, and individuals can live to be about seventy years old on average, though some are thought to be well over one hundred years old. Whale sharks inhabit warm ocean climates, and can be encountered in many places; sometimes encounters are accidental, but most often, they are planned. Our team of experts has had the opportunity to dive and snorkel with whale sharks in countless places; to increase your odds of enjoying the pleasure of meeting one of these magnificent animals face to face, we've compiled this list of top destinations for whale shark encounters. We hope your luck is as good as ours has been!
Richelieu Rock, Thailand
Renowned for its pelagics, including manta rays, as well as for its enormous groupers and fleets of grinning barracudas, Richelieu Rock lies to the north of Thailand's Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea. Though there are many places in Thailand where whale shark encounters are common, Richelieu Rock tops the list. The deep sea surrounding this little oasis of life brings upwellings of nutrient-rich water that enhance plankton blooms, attracting hungry whale sharks. While you are waiting for the whale sharks to arrive, you'll find the central pinnacle and the smaller rocks that surround it contain plenty of fascinating life to keep you entertained. Colorful anemones and soft corals, sea fans, and huge barrel sponges create a magnificent backdrop for life of all sizes; and when the whale sharks arrive, you'll feel as though no other dive site can ever compare.
Utilia, Honduras
While whale sharks are normally solitary, there are some places in which it is fairly common to encounter groups of as many as five traveling near one another. Utilia is one of these places; presumably because it is located along a migratory route whale sharks have been using for thousands of years. This lovely tropical island is home to a splendid array of marine life, so boredom won't be an issue as you're waiting for the whale sharks to enter the area; the best time to come is between the months of March and April, and again in August and September, when sightings are most numerous. Located on the northern edge of the Honduran shelf, Utilia is also an excellent place to encounter other rarely seen pelagics, including swordfish, kingfish, and sailfish. Pods of dolphins and schooling bonita and tuna are encountered with regularity as well. If you love big fish, then this is one place you've got to dive - especially if you hope to encounter whale sharks.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
For the ultimate in marine life encounters, the Galapagos Islands simply cannot be topped. Schooling hammerheads, loads of macro life, and of course, whale sharks make this destination a favorite. This is another area where more than one whale shark may be encountered on a single dive. As local experts will tell you, whale sharks prefer to stick around Wolf Island and Darwin Island; they are rarely spotted at other Galapagos locales, though it does happen on occasion.
The best time to look for whale sharks at the Galapagos Islands is between June and November; then, most of the whale sharks seen are very large females, and they have a tendency to aggregate and swim huge circles near the arch dive sites. In 2008, a group of divers encountered a 33 foot long albino whale shark - the only one ever recorded. As these animals do tend to revisit specific areas, it is possible that this white whale shark will be seen in the area again someday.
Ningaloo Reef, Australia
Not only is Australia's Ningaloo Reef a national treasure, this Coral Coast destination is also an outstanding place to encounter whale sharks, particularly between the middle of March and the end of July. There are a number of excellent tour operators here who dedicate themselves not only to ensuring that visitors get the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, but to providing education aimed at helping this huge - but fragile - species survive. Ningaloo isn't just a great place to encounter whale sharks; from June until November, Humpback whales can be encountered, and from May through November, you'll encounter Manta Rays, as well. While you're waiting for larger wildlife to arrive, you'll find yourself immersed in a wonderland where over 250 coral species, more than 450 fish species, local reef sharks, and a splendid array of nudibranchs and other macro life do their best to captivate your attention. Best of all, this is a place everyone can enjoy, regardless of experience. If a trip to Australia is on your bucket list, then consider visiting Ningaloo Reef - you will not be disappointed.
Seychelles Islands, Africa
In Seychelles, whale sharks have never been hunted, though they are slaughtered on an industrial scale throughout the Indian Ocean. Here, they are protected by law, and conservation efforts are paying off, with sightings increasing with each passing year.
Not only can you dive with whale sharks in Seychelles, you can also take part in conservation programs, spotting them from the air, and of course, snorkeling and diving with them. Understandably, most divers want to get up close and personal with these massive beauties; conservation teams appreciate help in photographing them for individual identification purposes as well as for tracking individuals which have already been identified. When the sharks are spotted in an easily accessible area, a high speed catamaran is dispatched; each catamaran trip involves no more than about 8 people, and these trips take place from about the end of August until the end of October.
There is a fee to participate, however, more than half of that goes to aid in conservation, while the remainder helps cover the cost of the project. This unique opportunity is gaining popularity, so it is advisable to book well in advance if you want to participate.
Whether you get the opportunity to visit just one of these destinations, or if you are fortunate enough to be able to cross them all off your bucket list, you are bound to be amazed by the experience - and you'll quickly discover why these destinations made their way onto our list of favorites! So, hook up with your favorite dive buddy and start planning now. The whale sharks are waiting!