[Timothy]

Isla Mujeres is one of the best places to swim with whale sharks in Mexico because of the plankton-rich ocean waters surrounding the island. Between June and September is the best time to go. During these months sharks in the hundreds congregate north of the island, where the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico converge, to feed on plankton. Other times of year most sharks are seen swimming solo or with one or two other sharks. Myriad tours are available including diving expeditions and boat tours. Lesser known Isla Holbox, a tiny island oasis a short boat ride from Cancun, is another excellent choice for whale shark diving. The industry is managed by the World Wildlife Fund who teams with local guides to provide a sustainable experience ensuring no ill-effects from the tourist industry. more

[jinnyh345]

Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras is one of the rare places diver’s can see whale sharks throughout the year. There are many tour guides to choose from. Most Honduras resorts and hotels can either arrange tours for guests or add them into a package, or both. Most tours kit out participants in snorkeling gear, not diving equipment; whale sharks filter feed close to the surface (swim along the surface with their mouths wide open eating plankton and other smaller fish). If you want to dive be sure to have your basic diving certification. Guides strategically place snorkelers in front of, or alongside, the feeding shark. Moving to the side and keeping up is a true test of strength for some. The opportunity is available year-round yet the main whale shark season is February through April and again from October through December. more

[jwalck]

Whale shark diving might sound dangerous and, though there are always dangers about when diving, it’s not the whale sharks one should worry about. Under normal circumstance, whale sharks are incredibly docile. These gentle giants are an incredible sight to behold. Thousands of tourists travel to many parts of the world to see the sharks including Mexico, Atlanta, and Honduras for a rewarding and breathtaking experience. For the less intrepid, whale shark diving can also be enjoyed in a more controlled environment at places such as the Georgia Aquarium. more

[virgo20]

Looking for the best places to swim with whale sharks in North America? In Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium has a great program offering a guaranteed chance to scuba dive or snorkel with whale sharks, manta rays, and a diversity of other marine life. With the swimming option, guests 12 years and older can swim daily for 2.5 hours at the surface with a floatation device and air supplied by a snorkel or tank and all other equipment such as wetsuits and masks. To dive, participants need to be certified open water divers.

[molybdenum]

You'll definitely see more than just sharks when you go diving in Costa Rica with Rich Coast Diving. Swim along Playa del Cocos on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, and you'll be among turtles, octopi, and more. [links]

[Slayer]

The largest concentration of whale sharks lives in Cancun, Mexico (specifically Isla Mujeres). The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean, weighing in at more than 27,000 pounds. They're usually found swimming with manta rays, and you'll be able to see both of these animals up close and personal while they're feeding at surface level, with Keen M International Blue Water Encounters. You can choose to either swim with them or be in a cage as you float and observe. more

[huyou]

People are led to believe sharks are the deadliest creatures of the sea, but that's not the case. If you can get past their ginormous size and teeth, you'll feel your heartbeat calming down and end up having one of the best experiences seeing them up close and personal. Are you up for the thrill? Check out these amazing places to go for a swim with sharks.

[chr15m]

At Oslob Whale Shark Watching, you have the option of snorkeling with the whale sharks or just observing them down below from a little boat. Don't worry about not being able to see them — there's a solid chance they'll come right up to you. And in the beautiful Philippines, you'll have amazing surroundings to look at as well. [links]

[ProPuke]

Go down under — literally. At Fish Rock Cave, you’ll see fish, turtles, moray eels, and blue groper. You’ll even see some large, speckled wobbegong sharks on the eastern side of the cave. South West Rocks Dive Center has daily charters to take people out to experience the 410-foot cave.
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[AgentME]

Check it out for yourself by joining our October 2021 La Paz Photo Workshop or our October 2022 Explore Baja trip. here

[diven]

Prime months for this experience are July, August, and September. Local fishermen take you out in their pangas, picking you up from either the shore or directly from the liveaboard boat. The whale sharks are here to feed on plankton, and if you are lucky one will be remaining still feeding vertically in the water column. There is also good scuba diving in this area, with colorful fish, many different nudibranch species and a good variety of macro subjects.

[BlackEye]

Read about our 2020 Socorro Trip by Katie Yonker. here

[jonathanfrank]

When the wind is calm, finding the whale sharks is usually not difficult, but if the water is choppy it can take a while and get a little rough if you are in a small boat.

[pjeromehaydeny]

In this guide, "dive" means you can scuba diving with whale sharks is possible. "Swim" means you can swim with the whale sharks and "Snorkel" means you can leisurely snorkel around the whale shark.

[T_X]

The Papoose was torpedoed by a German submarine in 1942, and its wreckage has remained below water ever since. On a daily basis, five to ten sand tiger sharks can be seen hanging around the sunken ship.

[francc4iss96]

The home of great white shark cage diving, Gansbaai should be on every adrenaline junkie’s bucket list. After all, what can get your blood pumping more than coming face to face with an Apex predator? You’ll need a full wetsuit and hood, as some operators don’t necessarily require scuba equipment. But the risk is worth it: seeing a great white is an experience that will be burned in your memory for a lifetime. here

[hatice23]

A white sandy bottom at 20 feet deep doesn’t sound exciting—until the resident sharks come into view. Tiger Beach offers open water shark dives with tiger sharks, great hammerheads, Caribbean reef sharks, lemon sharks, and spotted dolphins. Photographers will love the crystal clear waters and the toothy subject matter, but bring your big-boy/girl pants—nuzzling a giant lemon shark isn’t for everyone. [links]

[robotmonkey]

Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published by Condé Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

[denger]

As one of the world's most shark-infested stretches of water, Beqa Lagoon has no shortage of toothy creatures to see. But, the stars of Beqa Lagoon are the tiger sharks, who swim alongside seven other species of sharks. The adventure doesn't stop there: the reef is also home to eagle rays and giant grouper, which can grow to be nearly eight feet long. more