6 Epic Spots to Go Swimming with Whale Sharks
If swimming alongside a polka-dotted school bus sounds like your idea of a good time, you’re in for a treat. Swimming with whale sharks—the biggest fish in the sea—is one of the most surreal experiences on Earth. If you’re in the United States, the good news is that there are A LOT of whale sharks close by! Isla Mujeres and La Paz are both home to whale sharks. I’ve personally been lucky enough to see whale sharks in Mexico, Indonesia, and the Maldives.
Here are six of the best places in the world for swimming with whale sharks:
1. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Season: June–August
Close to the United States, every summer, the warm waters off the coast of Isla Mujeres become a floating feast of plankton and tuna eggs—aka the ultimate whale shark brunch spot. Hundreds of whale sharks gather here, making it one of the most reliable places for swimming with whale sharks anywhere in the world.
It’s a bit of a boat right (2-2.5 hours each way) from Isla Mujeres to the feeding spot AND each person only gets to jump in with the whale sharks twice. If you’re traveling with a group or have the funds, getting a private boat here has a lot of benefits because you generally can jump more times on a private boat (communicate clearly and ask all your questions before sending a deposit for a private boat).
Isla Mujeres can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to whale shark encounters. In the last, there were no regulations for the whale shark swim and videos of a lot of bad behavior surfaced (think riding and touching the sharks). Mexico has implemented a lot of regulations to help protect the sharks (only 2 jumps per person, everyone has to wear a life jacket in the water, no diving down, etc.). Even with all the regulations, there are still a lot of boats in search of the whale shark each day. With that being said, when I was there there were a LOT of whale sharks. Overall, I went with an operator that was respectful of the sharks and felt like I had a good experience. Here’s my post on ethical whale shark swims.
2. La Paz, Mexico
Season: October–April
La Paz, on the Sea of Cortez, offers a more laid-back whale shark experience. These juvenile whale sharks all hang out right off the coast in shallow bays, which means shorter boat rides and more time in the water.
Tours here are regulated by the government—permits are required and time in the water is limited. This helps protect the sharks and ensures you’re getting a responsible experience. Always follow your guide’s instructions, even if that means waiting your turn.
The whale is not very deep (around 8-10 feet) and the water is a bit murkier, but it’s a much shorter boat ride and the operators combine the whale shark swim with a trip to Los Islotes to see the sea lions.
3. The Maldives
Season: Year-round (best May–December at Hanifaru Bay)
The Maldives are known for overwater bungalows and honeymoon selfies, but they’re also home to resident whale sharks. That’s right—some of these filter-feeders stick around all year! The South Ari Atoll is your best bet for calm, clear encounters.
Hanifaru Bay is a snorkel only destination, but I went with the Scuba Spa in April 2024 and we were lucky enough to have a smaller whale shark at the back of the boat for hours. Many of the liveaboards will put a big light out off the back to bring in plankton and hopefully whale sharks or manta rays. I was lucky enough to swim with this whale shark for an hour!
4. Western Australia (Ningaloo Reef)
Season: March–July
Move over, Great Barrier Reef—Ningaloo Reef is the quiet legend of Aussie marine life. Every autumn, whale sharks show up like clockwork after coral spawning events, and tour operators offer well-run, eco-conscious trips to see them.
Western Australia has some of the strictest whale shark regulations in the world. Operators are monitored, swim times are limited, and drones or spotter planes help reduce impact by maximizing your chances of a quick, safe encounter.
5. The Philippines (Donsol & Southern Leyte)
Season: November–June
Best for: Budget-friendly adventures with a community-focused feel
In Donsol, the whale sharks aren’t baited—they’re just doing their thing, following natural food sources. That makes the sightings a little less predictable but way more ethical. Southern Leyte offers similar vibes, with even fewer tourists.
Skip Oslob, where whale sharks are hand-fed to guarantee sightings. It disrupts their migration and encourages dependency on humans—not exactly “wild” behavior. Instead, go where the whale sharks roam free.
6. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Season: June–December (best around Darwin Island)
This is best for advanced divers chasing epic megafauna encounters
If you’ve dreamed of swimming with whale sharks the size of a school bus (and then some), the Galápagos Islands should be on your radar. Specifically, around Darwin Island, divers regularly spot massive adult females—many believed to be pregnant. It’s remote, raw, and jaw-droppingly wild.
Swim With Respect
Swimming with whale sharks is a bucket-list adventure that blends awe, wonder, and a healthy dose of humility. Just remember: these animals are wild, and every encounter is a privilege—not a guarantee.
Whether you’re exploring turquoise atolls or Baja’s rugged coastline, always choose operators that put conservation first. If the whale shark swims away from you, it’s not personal—it’s just being a fish.
Pack your reef-safe sunscreen, your patience, and your sense of wonder. The ocean’s gentle giants are out there—and they’re worth meeting on their terms.
