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Maptlantis

Whale shark encounters

Where to see whale sharks: seasons and ways to meet them

Operators 89Countries 6Published prices 66Encounter formats 7
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see whale sharks around the world is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the whale shark as a target species, 89 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record include Ari & Rasdhoo, Anda, Baja California, Bahia de Los Angeles, Bazaruto Archipelago, WA, Coral Bay and Cebu & Mactan. Encounters are split into boat-based watching, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving and ocean safari. Two "whale shark tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 66 of the 89 operators (74%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Mar–May, Jun–Nov and May–Sep among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.

89 listed operatorsShowing the top 60

All 29 other listings

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Whale shark season

How to meet whale sharks

Whale sharks by country

Other marine life

Frequently asked questions

Where in the world can you see whale sharks?

89 operators name the whale shark as a target species. Main regions: Ari & Rasdhoo, Anda, Baja California, Bahia de Los Angeles, Bazaruto Archipelago, WA, Coral Bay and Cebu & Mactan.

Do you have to get in the water to see whale sharks?

Formats on record: boat-based watching, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving and ocean safari. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.

When is whale shark season?

Operators list different seasons, Mar–May, Jun–Nov and May–Sep among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates.

Will I definitely see them?

No. Whale sharks are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.

How much do whale shark tours cost?

66 of the 89 operators (74%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown.