Whale sharks are often spotted at the Chumphon Pinnacle which is a dive site just about a 15 minutes boat ride from the Koh Tao Island. Koh Tao is famous for its cheap diving and this pinnacle is an excellent spot to swim with the harmless whale sharks.
Can you swim with whale sharks in Phuket?
Not only is it one of the best diving locations, but it is also the best spot to swim with a whale shark. If you dive at the right time of year, you will most likely see a variety of marine life, including whale sharks, other shark species, manta rays, and a plethora of fish.
Is it OK to swim with whale sharks?
It is perfectly safe to swim and snorkel with whale sharks, for people and the sharks. They are filter feeders, not predators, eating only tiny plankton. They don’t have teeth, and there have been no deliberate attacks on humans. Snorkelers can observe them at a relatively close distance.
Where is the best place to swim with the whale sharks?
Ningaloo Reef currently holds the world’s highest rate of whale shark swim numbers and accessibility of interaction, making Ningaloo one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks.
How much does it cost to swim with whale sharks?
Snorkel and Swim with the Biggest Fish in Mexico!
The fee of the whale shark marine park ($7 per person).
How rare is it to see a whale shark?
Whale sharks are an endangered species with currently decreasing numbers, so it is still very rare to see them. For some diving on Koh Tao, this means the possibility of a whale shark sighting on the 3rd dive of their PADI Open Water Diver course.
Is diving in Thailand safe?
Diving is not dangerous Thailand, or wherever you go diving
Diving or learning to dive during your holiday is a great experience. You only have to watch out for diving sickness, also called decompression sickness. This is caused by staying underwater for too long or ascending too quickly after a dive.
Why can’t you touch a whale shark?
Touching whale sharks can disturb the protective mucous layer on their skin – and it can also have unpleasant consequences for you or me. The tiny, tooth-like scales (known as dermal denticles) that cover the skin of most shark species can cause a painful graze known as “shark burn”.
Is snorkeling with whale sharks safe?
Their mouth can be 5 feet wide, with three rows of about 300 tiny rasplike teeth. As filter feeders, they eat only plankton and the occasional fish, so they’re not dangerous to humans.
Is swimming with whale sharks scary?
Yes, Whale Sharks are considered a part of the shark family, but no, Whale Sharks are not dangerous. These gentle giants are very docile and extremely agreeable to swimming alongside humans. In fact, they are not very shark-like at all. They feed on plankton, krill, fish eggs, and some deep-sea fish.
What is the best month to swim with whale sharks?
While there are year-round whale shark sightings, the best time to visit is March to April when the highest concentrations of these magnificent pelagics come to visit.
Can a whale shark swallow a human?
And suddenly you might worry that that could actually happen to you. Could a whale shark swallow you by accident? The quick answer is no.
Why can’t you scuba dive with whale sharks?
Are you allowed to scuba dive with the Whale Sharks? No, you are not. In fact, because the Whale Sharks and mantas remain at the surface in order to feed, you can get in the water with nothing more than a pair of fins and snorkel gear.
Can you swim with sharks in the Maldives?
An exciting day trip while in the Maldives is to go swimming with whale sharks and this is most popular in the South Ari Atoll where they are spotted year-round. The atolls are considered nurseries, so you’ll probably spot juvenile whale sharks, however they’re still recorded as measuring up to six metres in length.
Do whale sharks go to Hawaii?
Have you ever wondered whether Whale Sharks make their way to Hawaii? Though extremely rare, they do. Not only are the winter months in Hawaii considered Humpback Whale season, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the biggest fish in the sea, the Whale Shark (don’t forget that whales are mammals).
How fast do whale sharks swim?
3 miles per hour
Whale sharks are slow swimmers, moving at speeds of no little more than 3 miles per hour. 1.
Is it better to dive or snorkel with whale sharks?
Diving and snorkelling encounters are possible with whale sharks, however not in every location. Snorkelling can in fact bring some advantages over diving in certain situations. Encounters are often in very shallow waters, while snorkellers are generally able to move faster than divers.
What do you do if you encounter a whale shark?
feeding whale sharks, stay still
and let the animal move around you. Whale sharks can be curious animals and could approach you. If this happens, do not move and watch!
Are whale sharks playful?
Despite their size, whale sharks do not pose significant danger to humans. They are gentle, docile creatures that are at times playful and curious.
Is snorkeling safe in Thailand?
As Thailand is considered one of the safest destinations for diving and snorkeling in the world, it is perfect for first-timers wanting to try these pastimes out.
What is the best time to dive in Thailand?
Although November through to April is the best time for optimum site conditions, the Thailand scuba diving season runs all year round. This is reflected in the period when liveaboards run to the Similan Islands (late-October to mid-May).