Whale Sharks

Whale Sharks

Where to dive with whale sharks?

All divers dream of diving with whale sharks. This gentle animal is the largest fish in the oceans. Yet it seems light and fragile when you observe it moving underwater. The whale shark is usually followed by a multitude of fish or other sharks during its peregrinations. The experience is sensational. Below we present the best destinations for whale shark diving.

1. Quintana Roo, Yucatan Province, Mexico

Best period for diving Mexico with Whale Sharks: from mid-July to the end of August.

Local fishermen from the islands off the Yucatán Peninsula paid no attention to the whale sharks that frequented their waters each summer, since they did not consider these animals as a source of food. But since tourism has exploded on the peninsula and diving centers have developed in Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel, the whale shark has become the local star.

The region of Playa des Carmen is one of the most important scuba diving spots. This little corner of paradise, beyond the opportunity to dive with whale sharks, has some of the most beautiful cenotes in the world.

2. Gladden Spit, Belize, Mexico

Best time for Belize Whale Shark Diving: April and May, during the dorado breeding period at the Gladden Spit dive site.

Whale shark breeding at Gladden Spit, near Placencia, Belize (about 100 miles south of Belize City). During this period, boats usually have a 90-minute window to spot whale sharks. In Belize, divers are not allowed to approach within 3 meters of the world's largest fish and camera flashes are prohibited, but these rules, which are meant to protect these magnificent animals, do not take away from the magic of the encounter.

3. Honda Bay, Palawan, Philippines

Best period for Philippine whale shark diving: Optimal conditions are from April to November.

Diving clubs will offer you whale shark diving. In addition to scuba diving, numerous day boat cruises can offer you snorkeling trips to meet this majestic animal.

4. Koh Tao, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang and the Similan Islands in Thailand.

Thailand, beyond its cultural richness and its beautiful sandy beaches bordered by translucent water is also one of the regions of the world with the highest concentration of whale sharks. It should be noted that the number of individuals in the region is declining.

4.1 Whale shark diving at Koh Tao

The best time to dive in Koh Tao with whale sharks is from February to May. 

The island of Koh Tao and in particular the Chimphon Pinnacle dive sites as well as Sail Rock are open sea dive spots and are regular passage points for whale sharks that move in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Tao, the smallest of the three main islands in the Gulf of Thailand, is one of the world's most popular scuba diving destinations. In fact, Koh Tao is home to the largest number of PADI Open Water courses in the world. Beyond diving with whale sharks, Koh Tao is probably one of the best places in the world to start scuba diving. However, be aware that the two dive sites presented above are among the best dive sites in Koh Tao and are also the only two dive sites in the area where you can encounter a Whale Shark.

4.2 Diving in the Similans Islands, Adaman Sea with Whale Sharks

Just like koh tao in the Gulf of Thailand, the best time to dive in the Similan Islands with whale sharks is from February to May.

The famous Similans Islands, on the other side of the country, at the level of the Adaman Sea, are extremely famous for their beautiful dive sites, often visited by Whale sharks. The dive sites of Hin Muang and Hin Daeng are open sea dive sites very frequented by the biggest fish in the world.

5. Cabo San Sebastian, Mozambique

Best period for diving Mozambique with whale sharks: from November to February.

Mozambique has one of the highest concentrations of whale sharks in Africa and fabulous fields of pristine coral reefs. Yet the country, certainly due to the lack of associated facilities, is not prey to mass tourism. Many whale sharks wander in the shallow waters to feed on plankton and krill. The best place to dive with whale sharks in Mozambique is certainly the reefs of Cabo San Sebastian (30 to 45 meters deep).

6. Utila, Honduras

Best time for diving Honduras with whale sharks: all year round.

Utila, Honduras is certainly one of the only diving destinations in the world where you can see whale sharks all year round. It is especially in the shallow waters of the north of the island that you will have the best chance to see the largest fish in the world.

Do you know other great places to dive with whale sharks? Don't hesitate to tell us and we will add them to our article. Thank you on behalf of the whole spotmydive team.

Source : https://www.spotmydive.com