When & where to dive with whale sharks
The whale shark is the number-one animal divers want to meet. It is somewhere on Earth all year, but the odds swing hard by season and place — here is where and when to plan for one.
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Maldives · South Ari
Year-round, not daily“A resident group off South Ari, present all year: the west side of the atoll Dec–Apr, the east side May–Nov.”
Dive it at: Hanifaru Bay · Fuvahmulah · Fotteyo Kandu
Galápagos · Darwin & Wolf
Reliable in season“Pregnant giants cruise the far north on the cool current — a big-animal pilgrimage.”
Dive it at: Darwin & Wolf · Gordon Rocks
Thailand · Richelieu Rock
Seasonal“The early-year Similans window on the Andaman’s most famous pinnacle.”
Dive it at: Richelieu Rock · Koh Bon · Koh Tachai
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Seychelles · Mahé
Occasional“Occasional whale sharks around Mahé, mostly Oct–Nov. Far fewer than before 2010, so treat one as a bonus.”
Dive it at: Astove Wall · Aldabra Passes · Cosmoledo Atoll
Philippines · Tubbataha
Seasonal“Passing whale sharks along Tubbataha’s walls, only reachable in its short mid-March to mid-June season.”
Dive it at: Monad Shoal · Amos Rock · Delsan Wreck
Sea of Cortez · Bahía de La Paz (snorkel only)
Seasonal, snorkel only“Juveniles feed in the shallow bay in the cool season. Scuba is not permitted in the refuge: it is a snorkel encounter with licensed boats, and the season can be suspended.”
Dive it at: El Bajo Seamount · Los Islotes · Las Animas
Oman · Daymaniyat Islands
Seasonal“Summer plankton blooms pull whale sharks onto the Daymaniyat reefs.”
Dive it at: Lima Rock · Octopus Rock · The Aquarium
Saudi Arabia · Al Lith
Reliable in season“One of the world’s few juvenile aggregations gathers over Shib Habil each spring — with almost nobody there.”
Dive it at: Shib Habil · Sha'ab Ammar · Gorgonia Reef
Go deeper: Swimming with Whale Sharks: The Complete Liveaboard Guide
Common questions
When is the best time to dive with whale sharks?
The strongest windows are: Maldives (Year-round); Galápagos (Jun–Nov); Thailand (Feb–Apr); Seychelles (Oct–Nov); Philippines (Mar–Jun); Sea of Cortez (Dec–Mar); Oman (Jul–Sep); Saudi Arabia (Mar–May).
Where is the best place to see whale sharks?
Maldives is our top pick — A resident group off South Ari, present all year: the west side of the atoll Dec–Apr, the east side May–Nov. We also run trips to Galápagos, Thailand, Seychelles, Philippines, Sea of Cortez, Oman, Saudi Arabia.
Are whale sharks sightings guaranteed?
No. We show honest season-by-season odds and a reliability rating per destination, and plan your trip for the peak window to maximise your chances — but wildlife is never guaranteed.
Other animals to plan around
