Whale sharks—the ocean's largest fish—are found in tropical and warm temperate waters worldwide. But seeing them consistently requires knowing where they aggregate, when, and why.

Maldives: Year-Round Encounters

Best time: Year-round, peaking May-November. Location: South Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll.

The Maldives is one of the few places where you can reliably swim with whale sharks throughout the year. South Ari Atoll has the highest concentration, with juveniles (4-8 meters) frequenting cleaning stations and feeding areas.

Whale sharks here are accessible via snorkeling—no diving required. Water clarity is excellent, and encounters can last 20-30 minutes if the shark is relaxed.

Peak months are August-November during southwest monsoon when plankton blooms attract both whale sharks and manta rays to the same areas.

Mexico: Isla Mujeres and Cabo

Best time: June-September (Isla Mujeres), October-March (La Paz). Location: Isla Mujeres (Caribbean), La Paz (Sea of Cortez).

Isla Mujeres offers one of the world's largest seasonal aggregations, with hundreds of whale sharks gathering to feed on tuna spawn. Peak season is July-August, and the sheer number of sharks guarantees sightings.

Downside: It's crowded. Expect 20-30 boats and hundreds of tourists in the water during peak weeks. If crowds don't bother you, the experience is still incredible.

La Paz in Baja California offers a more relaxed alternative. Fewer tourists, clearer water, and encounters in the open Sea of Cortez. October-March is prime time here.

Philippines: Oslob and Donsol

Best time: Year-round (Oslob), November-June (Donsol). Location: Oslob (Cebu), Donsol (Sorsogon).

Oslob offers guaranteed whale shark sightings because operators feed them. This is controversial—feeding disrupts natural behavior and creates dependency. If you go, understand the ethical implications.

Donsol provides wild whale shark encounters in a more natural setting. Sharks come to feed on plankton, not human-provided food. More ethical, but less guaranteed. November-June is the season, with peak activity February-May.

Australia: Ningaloo Reef

Best time: March-July. Location: Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia.

Ningaloo Reef offers some of the world's most pristine whale shark encounters. The reef's annual coral spawn triggers plankton blooms, attracting whale sharks in large numbers.

This is a heavily regulated fishery with strict guidelines: limited boats, no touching, specific approach distances. The result is high-quality, low-impact encounters.

Water is crystal clear, sharks are massive (some exceeding 10 meters), and the reef itself is stunning. If you want a world-class experience with strong conservation ethics, this is it.

Mozambique: Tofo Beach

Best time: October-March. Location: Tofo Beach, Inhambane.

Tofo offers consistent whale shark sightings during the summer months, with the added bonus of manta rays, humpback whales, and reef sharks in the same area.

Less commercialized than other destinations, but infrastructure is basic. Expect simple accommodations and dive operations that feel more grassroots than polished resorts.

Tanzania: Mafia Island

Best time: October-February. Location: Mafia Island.

Mafia Island offers remote, uncrowded whale shark encounters. Operators here work with marine biologists to monitor whale shark populations, and tourism is low-key.

Expect fewer sightings than the Maldives or Mexico, but when encounters happen, they're intimate and unhurried. This is for travelers who prioritize experience quality over guaranteed sightings.

What to Expect

Whale sharks are filter feeders and generally unbothered by swimmers. They move slowly (around 5 km/h) but cover distance efficiently, so you'll need to swim to keep up.

Approach from the side, never head-on. Stay at least 3 meters away (regulations vary by location). Don't touch—it stresses the animal and can damage their protective mucus layer. Move calmly and avoid sudden splashing.

Don't block their path—they'll dive to avoid you. Avoid flash photography—it startles them. Don't chase them—you can't keep up anyway.

Choosing a Destination

For guaranteed sightings: Maldives (year-round) or Isla Mujeres (June-September).

For pristine conditions: Ningaloo Reef (March-July).

For budget-friendly: Philippines (Donsol) or Mozambique (Tofo).

For remote, low-impact: Tanzania (Mafia Island).

Whale sharks are endangered, and responsible tourism matters. Choose operators who follow guidelines, contribute to research, and prioritize animal welfare over customer volume. The best encounters happen when the shark feels safe enough to stick around.