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.
What time of year do you swim with whale sharks?
When to go: Whale sharks generally arrive between November and June, with sightings peaking from February to April.
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.
What is the best time to visit Ningaloo Reef?
What is the best time to visit Ningaloo Reef? Ningaloo Reef is a special place to visit all year round, with the water temperatures consistently warm. Mid-March to August are the best months to see the whale sharks, but you’ll also have a fantastic time in the off-peak months, too.
Can you see whale sharks in February?
Djibouti is a whale shark hotspot from November to February thanks to the plankton-rich waters of the Gulf of Tadjoura. Even more excitingly, Djibouti is one of the few places in the world where juvenile whale sharks are known to hang out.
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).
Is swimming with whale sharks safe?
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.
Can you 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!
Do whale sharks swim close to shore?
Thanks to their size, whale sharks aren’t difficult to spot. However, unlike actual whales, whale sharks do not breach. As gill-breathing fish, they stay underwater at all times. And as open water fish, they are not usually found close to shore.
Is swimming with whale sharks ethical?
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.
Is Exmouth or Coral Bay better?
Coral Bay is quieter than neighbouring Exmouth, yet home to the same natural wonders. Here you can experience swims with whale sharks and graceful manta rays, see turtle hatchlings and explore the incredible coral wonders of Ningaloo Reef.
What time of year can you swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef?
The Ningaloo Reef’s Whale Shark season starts in March and runs through to August where they are spotted almost on a daily basis. Although rare, these gentle giants of the sea can sometimes be spotted later in the year during our Ningaloo Eco Experience tours.
Is Ningaloo Reef better than the Great Barrier Reef?
It might not be as big as the Great Barrier Reef, but Ningaloo is still one of the world’s largest (and healthiest) fringing reefs. It’s home to roughly 200 species of hard coral and 50 species of soft coral. The Great Barrier Reef has bigger and more diverse coral gardens, but Ningaloo’s are just as spectacular.
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.
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 see whale sharks in La Paz in March?
The La Paz whale shark season in Sea of Cortez runs between October to April. This is the time when plankton is most abundant in the water.
When can you see 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.
How rare are whale sharks?
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.
Where can I see whale shark migration?
There are other great places to swim with whale sharks in the world, like Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, the Similan Islands, Thailand, Donsol Philippines, Triton Bay or Cenderawasih Bay near Raja Ampat in Indonesia, and Mafia Island in Tanzania.
Is whale shark 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 you have to be a strong swimmer to swim with whale sharks?
You don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer to swim with a whaleshark, and you don’t have to have snorkelled before either, (although it does help!) Our crew includes numerous trained Snorkel Instructors with years of experience teaching people how to snorkel.