Whale shark · Beach & water play
Where to find beach trips to see whale sharks
About this list
When you look for beach trips to see whale sharks, search results rarely show how the trip actually works. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the whale shark as a target species and actually run beach or water play programs, 11 in all. Countries and regions on record include Anda, Ari & Rasdhoo, Okinawa Main Island, Maputo & Ponta do Ouro, Cebu & Mactan and North & South Male. Not every beach or water play program is the same experience. Approach distance, whether you may enter the water and group size limits differ by country, and by operator within a country. 8 of the 11 operators (73%) 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–Mar and Dec–May among them. There is no single season for beach trips to see whale sharks, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator running wildlife programs can guarantee an encounter. Treat any trip that promises one with suspicion.
11 listed operators
Philippines · Anda
Anda White Beach Resort · Water Activities
SnorkelingSwimmingBeach & water play- Season
- Mar–May
- Price
- See the operator page
- Checked
- Official source
Maldives · Ari & Rasdhoo
Best Dives Machchafushi
Scuba divingSnorkelingBeach & water play- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
Japan · Okinawa Main Island
Lapice Marine Sports
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- ¥9,500 per person for 2 or more · ¥15,000 for 1 person
- Checked
- Official source
Mozambique · Maputo & Ponta do Ouro
Maputo Dive Center
Scuba divingBeach & water playLiveaboard- Season
- Jun–Mar
- Price
- US$100 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Philippines · Cebu & Mactan
Purple Ocean Dive
Scuba divingSnorkelingBeach & water play- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- PADI, accommodation not included $290 · SSI, accommodation not included $260
- Checked
- Official source
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Maldives · North & South Male
Koamas by Jalboot @ VARU by Atmosphere
Scuba divingSnorkelingBeach & water play- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- USD 175++
- Checked
- Official source
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Philippines · Cebu & Mactan
S2 CLUB Cebu Store
Scuba divingBeach & water playIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Dec–May
- Price
- USD 80 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Maldives · North & South Male
Malahini Marine & Recreation Hub
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- US$775
- Checked
- Official source
Philippines · Moalboal
Blue Orchid Dive Resort
Scuba divingSnorkelingBeach & water play- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
Philippines · Moalboal
DiveStory Moalboal
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- PHP 4,000 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Philippines · Panglao
Bohol Beach Club Dive Center
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
Other ways to meet whale sharks
- Wildlife trips to see whale sharks103
- Snorkeling with whale sharks88
- Scuba diving with whale sharks87
- Boat trips to see whale sharks77
- Family trips to see whale sharks34
- Swimming with whale sharks28
- Freediving with whale sharks15
- Liveaboards to see whale sharks15
- Surfing and SUP with whale sharks11
- Kayak and paddle trips to see whale sharks4
Whale sharks by country
Beach & water play by country
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find beach trips to see whale sharks?
11 operators on Maptlantis name the whale shark as a target species and run beaches and water play. The list shows them by country and region.
Will I definitely see whale sharks?
No. They are wild animals, and there are days you will not meet them because of the season, sea conditions and their movements. If an operator promises an encounter, treat that wording with suspicion.
When is the season for beach trips to see whale sharks?
Seasons the operators give: Mar–May, year-round, Jun–Mar and Dec–May. Operating periods differ between operators even in the same area, so check before you book.
How is beaches and water play different from boat-based watching?
Watching from a boat and getting in the water differ in both rules and price. Some countries ban getting in the water or allow it only with licensed operators, so check which kind of trip you are booking.