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Whale shark · Liveaboard

Where to find liveaboards to see whale sharks

Operators 15Countries and regions 8Published prices 11Encounter formats 6
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About this list

When you look for liveaboards 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 liveaboard programs, 15 in all. Countries and regions on record include Maldives liveaboards, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Raja Ampat, Djibouti City & Gulf of Tadjourah, Hurghada and Nosy Be. Not every liveaboard 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. 11 of the 15 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, Jan–May, Jul–Oct, Sep–May and Oct–Mar among them. There is no single season for liveaboards 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.

15 listed operators

Other ways to meet whale sharks

Whale sharks by country

Liveaboard by country

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find liveaboards to see whale sharks?

15 operators on Maptlantis name the whale shark as a target species and run liveaboards. 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 liveaboards to see whale sharks?

Seasons the operators give: year-round, Jan–May, Jul–Oct, Sep–May, Oct–Mar and Mar–Nov. Operating periods differ between operators even in the same area, so check before you book.

How is liveaboards 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.