Probably the most common question asked about swimming with whale sharks is “Will they bite?” And the answer is no. Unlike most species of sharks, they are filter feeders, not hunters. They do have teeth, but they are teeny tiny and not used for biting down on food.
Is it harmful to swim with whale sharks?
Swimming with whale sharks in the middle of the ocean! While whale sharks have a huge mouth, they almost exclusively feed on plankton. That is why they are absolutely harmless to humans. They are mainly interested in fish eggs, algae and krill, and they are definitely not interested in the person swimming next to them.
Is it okay to touch a whale shark?
It is illegal to touch a whale shark, so make sure to swim out of the way if one swims toward you. There’s no mistaking their large size and tremendous power, especially of their tail!
Is it worth it to swim with whale sharks?
The opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks is one of nature’s gifts and one of the most exciting wildlife encounters we’ve had. It cannot be taken for granted. We’ll never regret our experience in Mexico; learning is a big part of why we travel.
Are whale sharks friendly to humans?
Whale sharks aren’t dangerous
They’re huge, but they’re not dangerous. Whale sharks are gentle creatures that mostly ignore humans; in fact, they’re one of the nine animals that aren’t as dangerous as you think. The biggest risk they post to humans is accidentally swatting one with their tail if they swim too close.
Is it ethical to swim with whale sharks?
The short answer is yes – when it’s done right, absolutely. But the truth is, not all whale shark tourism has these creatures’ best interests in mind, let alone the environment. Before you book your whale shark experience – it’s important to check that the swim is both ethical and environmentally sustainable.
Can kids swim with whale sharks?
Children six years or younger are not usually allowed to swim with a whale shark unless the child has previous experience swimming in the ocean, and the parent is confident in the child’s ability in the water.
Can you hug a whale shark?
They are actually quite docile and slow enough when “cruising-for-krill” that some swimmers have been able to hitch a ride on their dorsal fins. For the benefit of your health and theirs, we strongly ask you not to touch the whale sharks! See the end of the article for more on whale shark swimming best practices.
What to do if a whale approaches you while swimming?
If you are swimming and you come across a whale, swim 100 feet or more. Try to get away as soon as possible.
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.
Do whale sharks jump out of water?
It may seem hard to believe, but the answer is actually yes. Sharks can and do jump very high out of the water sometimes, though how often and why they do it are two different questions that aren’t easy to answer.
How much does it cost to swim with a whale shark?
about $60 to $100
Booking a swim with the whale sharks costs about $60 to $100 and is possible online or in person.
Can whale sharks be aggressive?
While its large size might suggest a dangerous animal, the whale shark is actually a gentle giant and will permit divers to approach it closely without exhibiting aggressive behavior.
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.
Why are whale sharks so friendly?
Scientists believe the whale shark species originated some 60 million years ago. These large fish are often considered, by those who study them, to be the ocean’s friendly giant due to their peaceful nature and diet of microscopic plankton and small ocean nekton.
Can I swim with whale sharks on my period?
The answer is very simple: Yes, it is ok to dive during your period and there is no evidence that your chances of being attacked by a shark increase (see more from Divers Alert Network).
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.
Are whale sharks rare?
According to the IUCN, the Indo-Pacific population of the whale shark is thought to have reduced 63 percent over the past 75 years. The population in the Atlantic is thought to have been reduced more than 30 percent. The populations are continuing to decrease. Because of this, whale sharks are classified as endangered.
Can you swim with sharks pregnant?
Yes, you can be up to 7 months pregnant. What types of sharks do we see?
Can you swim with baby sharks?
At Ayada Maldives you are almost guaranteed to see an abundance of baby reef sharks around the shallow waters of the lagoon and quite often even find yourself swimming among them. These baby sharks are totally harmless and will most likely swim away if you come too close.