Share The LOVE Dive and Swim With Whale Sharks Many scuba divers dream of swimming with whale sharks in the ocean. After all, there’s no better place than deep oceans where divers can have an up-close, awe-inspiring experience with these gentle giants. It’s an adventure that is on every underwater enthusiast’s bucket list. We have dived across the globe to discover the ultimate destinations for swimming with whale sharks. As a result, we’ve created a list of the top spots for those looking to turn this dream into reality in 2024. Each location promises an unforgettable chance to dive with whale sharks and marvel at their grandeur and grace. We have created the list by considering the following factors: general biodiversity and the high likelihood of encounters with them. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a snorkeler eager to swim with whale sharks, our guide is your ticket to an unparalleled adventure. Let’s get diving! Please note that in this guide, “dive” indicates the opportunity to scuba dive alongside whale sharks, “swim” implies the chance to swim near whale sharks, and “snorkel” denotes the option to snorkel around them casually. Wolf and Darwin Islands, Galapagos Wolf and Darwin Islands, Galapagos, experience a change in weather from June to November. This also changes the water temperatures as the water becomes colder. This shift triggers migratory bloom due to natural upwelling currents, which draw whale sharks to the region for feeding. This nutrient explosion also increases fish diversity, and diving with whale sharks becomes an altogether different experience. In the northernmost part of the Galapagos, Wolf and Darwin islands provide warmer waters than other areas. Here, encounters with whale sharks can be sudden, necessitating a vigorous swim to maintain proximity. The unique marine life of these islands further solidifies their ranking among top destinations for shark enthusiasts and scuba divers alike. The Galapagos is a place where everything seems magnified, including whale-shark encounters. Swimming with whale sharks here means engaging with individuals between 40 and 50 feet long, almost twice the size of those found elsewhere, a truly remarkable experience. The Galapagos Whale Shark Project is working to protect whale sharks. Since 2016, whale sharks have been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, so conservation efforts are essential. The research project in the Galapagos, supported by GCT since 2014, has provided vital information on their behaviour and biology, aiding in their conservation. Socorro Islands, Mexico The Socorro Islands, 240 miles southwest of Cabo San Lucas and affectionately known as “Mexico’s Little Galapagos,” is one of the best places to swim with whale sharks. In November and December, these islands become a hub for spotting whale sharks, giant mantas, humpback whales, and various large gamefish, making them a prime location for marine wildlife enthusiasts. This remote archipelago, also called the Revillagigedo Islands, comprises the volcanic islands of San Benedicto and Socorro, along with the seamount Roca Partida. Recognized as one of the best diving sites globally, it draws whale sharks annually from May to December. The presence of dolphins often enhances encounters alongside large schools of jackfish and manta rays, offering a holistic marine viewing experience. Socorro stands out as a top destination for swimming with whale sharks, attracting divers keen on experiencing these gentle giants up close. Dive with whale sharks in this unique setting surrounded by dramatic underwater landscapes and vibrant aquatic life, cementing Socorro’s reputation as a must-visit for those seeking unparalleled encounters. Isla Mujeres, Mexico During the summer, whale sharks gather in two areas around Isla Mujeres, Mexico. While most operators offer snorkelling with whale sharks off Isla Holbox, where these creatures feed on plankton and krill, others take adventurers far into the clear blue waters off Isla Mujeres to witness whale sharks and manta rays feasting on bonito eggs after spawning events. Unsurprisingly, Isla Mujeres is one of Mexico’s best places to swim with whale sharks. Isla Mujeres may be a snorkel-only destination, but it offers an almost guaranteed opportunity to swim with whale sharks during July and August when marine life is at its peak. The plankton-rich waters and breeding tuna eggs act as a natural magnet, drawing in hundreds of these majestic creatures and manta rays. As the best destination for swimming with whale sharks has spread over the years, the area has seen a surge in boats and snorkelers. However, regulations have been implemented to protect the animals, such as limiting the number of snorkelers allowed in the water at one time and maintaining a safe distance from the whale sharks. Despite the crowds, the sheer abundance of these gentle giants ensures that each snorkeler can experience the thrill of swimming. La Paz, Mexico La Paz is one of the best places to swim with whale sharks, especially during the fall and winter. Visiting in October and November is recommended when the water is warmer and the whale sharks actively feed on plankton. A winter visit may mean cooler water temperatures, but it also presents the possibility of spotting grey and humpback whales. La Paz is a short flight from Los Angeles to Mexico City. Most travellers fly into Los Cabos Airport and then take a van or taxi for the two-hour journey to La Paz. Due to new government regulations, the bay is closed for swimming with whale sharks from May until early October. The whale sharks in La Paz have the unique distinction of being predictable yet wild as they feed. While they may appear slow in the water, their size means they can move at breakneck speeds. So, positioning oneself strategically and avoiding obstructing their path is crucial for witnessing the celestial patterns on their backs against the backdrop of the hot sun. Bahia De Los Angeles, Mexico Bahia de Los Angeles lies in the northern region of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. You can reach this destination on a long drive from Southern California or join a liveaboard expedition like the Rocio del Mar. Those opting for liveaboard trips typically fly into Phoenix, Arizona, then take a van to the northern tip of the Sea of Cortez. The best months to swim with whale sharks in this area are July, August, and September. The whale sharks congregate here to feed on the abundant plankton, and if conditions are favourable, one might be spotted vertically feeding in the water column. Beyond whale shark encounters, the region offers excellent scuba diving opportunities, with vibrant fish and diverse nudibranch species. While locating the whale sharks is generally straightforward when the waters are calm, choppy conditions can make the search more challenging and the experience rougher. Nonetheless, observing and swimming with whale sharks in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. To Wrap it Up Swimming with whale sharks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that scuba divers love to explore. Our carefully curated list of the top destinations for swimming with whale sharks in 2024 is all about biodiversity and the high likelihood of encounters with these magnificent creatures. Whether you choose the Galapagos Islands or Socorro Islands in Mexico, each destination provides an unparalleled opportunity to swim with whale sharks. The Galapagos Islands, specifically the Wolf and Darwin Islands, offer a unique chance to swim with whale sharks in their warmer waters. Socorro Islands in Mexico also attract, giant mantas, humpback whales, and Dolphins. So, make your dream of swimming with whale sharks a reality in 2024 by choosing one of these remarkable destinations—Scuba dive or snorkel surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of these gentle giants. So pack your gear, prepare for an unforgettable adventure, and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of swimming with whale sharks. Written By: Mojo Rising An avid diver, marine conservationist and plant-based athlete. I roam the globe looking for the best places to scuba, documenting my journey as I go. See author's posts
