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Planning to swim with whale sharks but not sure where to go? This guide covers the world's top destinations, when to visit each one, and what actually matters when choosing where to have this experience. We'll tell you which places we run trips to and share honest insights about the others worth considering.
There's something about being in the water with a whale shark that changes you. Maybe it's the way time seems to slow down as this massive creature glides past, completely unbothered by your presence. Or maybe it's realizing you're floating alongside the largest fish in the ocean, yet you feel nothing but calm.
If you're thinking about swimming with whale sharks, you're probably wondering where to go and when. Here's what you should know about the world's top destinations for these encounters.
South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is one of the few places on earth where you can swim with whale sharks throughout the year. While other destinations have specific seasons, this part of the Maldives hosts a year-round population.
The water here is warm and clear. The reefs are healthy. And unlike many other whale shark spots that have become crowded, you can still find yourself floating beside these animals in relative peace.
The southwest monsoon from May to November brings peak season, but honestly, any time works here. The northeast monsoon from December to April offers exceptional visibility and calm conditions.
We run small-group expeditions to South Ari Atoll, staying on Fenfushi Island where whale sharks glide through the waters just offshore. Our groups max out at 8-10 people, which means you're not fighting crowds to get in the water when a whale shark appears.
If you're looking for reliable encounters during summer months, Mexico delivers. Isla Mujeres, just off the coast of Cancún, sees massive aggregations of whale sharks from June through September. We're talking about hundreds of whale sharks gathering to feed on plankton and fish eggs.
La Paz in Baja California offers a different experience from October to April. The water is cooler here, and you'll likely spot other marine life including manta rays and sea lions.
We offer trips to both Isla Mujeres and La Paz, timed to catch peak season when the aggregations are strongest. If you've been to crowded tourist destinations before and hated it, our small group approach makes these experiences feel completely different.
From March to July, whale sharks migrate to Ningaloo Reef on Australia's western coast. The advantage here is consistency—the encounters are nearly guaranteed during peak season, and the reef itself is stunning.
The downside? It's remote. Getting to Exmouth requires planning, and tours can book up months in advance. But if you're already in Australia or up for the journey, few places match Ningaloo's reliability.
Oslob in Cebu has become controversial. Yes, you'll see whale sharks—lots of them. But the animals are fed to keep them in the area, which has raised concerns about behavior changes and long-term impacts.
Donsol offers a more natural experience. From November to June, whale sharks arrive to feed in these waters. Encounters aren't guaranteed, but when they happen, you know these animals chose to be there.
Mafia Island remains one of the less-visited whale shark destinations, which is part of its appeal. From October to March, whale sharks arrive to feed on plankton blooms. The island itself is quiet, undeveloped, and refreshingly uncommercialized.
Water conditions matter. Whale sharks feed on plankton, which means they're often in water that's a bit murky. Don't expect crystal-clear Caribbean waters everywhere.
Encounters vary. Some days you'll spend hours in the water with multiple whale sharks. Other days you won't see any. Nature doesn't follow a schedule.
Fitness helps. You'll be snorkeling, sometimes for extended periods. You don't need to be an athlete, but basic swimming comfort makes the experience better.
Small groups feel different. Being on a boat with 30 other people, all trying to jump in at once, changes the vibe. If meaningful encounters matter to you, group size matters.
Swimming with whale sharks isn't just about checking something off a list. It's about those moments when you're floating in blue water, holding your breath, watching this massive animal move through the ocean with complete grace.
That's what pulls people to these experiences. Not the photos (though those are nice). Not the bragging rights. Just that feeling of being present with something so much larger than yourself, in its world, on its terms.
If you're ready to make this happen, pick your destination based on when you can travel and what kind of experience you want. Year-round access? Head to the Maldives. Massive aggregations? Mexico in summer. Remote and pristine? Western Australia.
The whale sharks will be there. The question is just: will you?
Ready to experience the Maldives' year-round whale sharks? Maui offers small-group expeditions to South Ari Atoll, where you'll swim alongside these gentle giants in uncrowded waters. Learn more about our Maldives experience.
At Maui, we believe the best travel stories start with the people you meet, not just the places you go. Join us, and become part of something bigger than just another trip.
📩 Questions? Reach out at info@mauitravel.io – we'd love to hear from you.
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