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Maptlantis

Whale shark · Island hopping & boat trips

Where to find boat trips to see whale sharks

Operators 77Countries and regions 31Published prices 57Encounter formats 7
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About this list

When you look for boat 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 island hopping or boat trip programs, 77 in all. Countries and regions on record include Ari & Rasdhoo, Anda, Baja California, Bahia de Los Angeles, Gorontalo & Olele, Inhambane and Djibouti City & Gulf of Tadjourah. Not every island hopping or boat trip 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. 57 of the 77 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 Nov–Jun among them. There is no single season for boat 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.

77 listed operatorsShowing the top 60

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Other ways to meet whale sharks

Whale sharks by country

Island hopping & boat trips by country

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find boat trips to see whale sharks?

77 operators on Maptlantis name the whale shark as a target species and run island hopping and boat trips. 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 boat trips to see whale sharks?

Seasons the operators give: year-round, Mar–May, Jun–Nov, Nov–Jun and Jun–Apr (peak Oct–Mar). Operating periods differ between operators even in the same area, so check before you book.

How is island hopping and boat trips 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.