Endangered

Whale Shark

Rhincodon typus

About the Whale Shark

The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean, reaching lengths of up to 12 metres. Despite their enormous size, these gentle filter-feeders subsist entirely on plankton and small fish. Swimming alongside a whale shark is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters available.

HabitatTropical and warm temperate oceans

Found InAsia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania

Best SeasonVaries by location (see destinations)

ConservationEndangered

Biology & Stats

DietPlankton, fish eggs, small fish, squid, krill

Daily Intake~20-30 kg, filters 6,000 litres of water per hour

Weight (Male)11,000-20,000 kg

Weight (Female)Similar, largest may reach 34,000 kg

Lifespan (Wild)80-130 years

Lifespan (Captivity)Rarely kept, max ~8 years

Wild Population~100,000-240,000 (rough estimate) (decreasing)

Social BehaviourGenerally solitary, aggregate at feeding sites (up to 400).

Migration: Highly migratory, cross ocean basins. Tracked over 12,000 km.

Best time of day: Morning hours when feeding at surface.

Typical viewing distance: 3-10 metres while snorkelling

Camera settings: 1/250s-1/500s underwater, f/5.6-f/8, ISO 400-1600, 10-17mm fisheye

Fun Facts

Whale sharks can live for over 100 years.
Their mouths can be up to 1.5 metres wide, but their throat is only the size of a coin.
Each whale shark has a unique pattern of spots, used by researchers for identification.

In the Wild

Where to See Whale Shark in the Wild

Ningaloo Reef

Australia

The world's most reliable whale shark aggregation (March-July).

Best time: Mar-Jul

Isla Holbox / Cancun

Mexico

Large gatherings of whale sharks from June to September.

Best time: Jun-Sep

Oslob, Cebu

Philippines

Year-round whale shark encounters (note: controversial feeding station).

Best time: Year-round

Plan a Visit

Featured Destinations to See Whale Shark

Compare practical destination guides with seasonal timing, travel logistics, other wildlife, tours, and places to stay.

Australia

Ningaloo Reef

The Ningaloo Coast World Heritage property combines a near-shore coral reef, open ocean, beaches, Cape Range, and an arid coastline in remote Wes...

Best time: Activity-specific: compare manta, whale-shark, humpback, shore-snorkelling, weather, marine-stinger, and cyclone considerations for the exact base and dates

Plan your visit →

Country Guides

Explore Whale Shark by Country

Country guides connect the species with other wildlife, featured places, planning context, and responsible-viewing advice.

Australia wildlife →Mexico wildlife →

Habitat Guides

Habitats Used by Whale Shark

Species may rely on several ecosystems across their range. Explore how conditions and conservation pressures differ.

Oceans & Reefs →

How to See This Species

Responsible Whale Shark Experiences

Compare activity formats, physical conditions, operator questions, animal-welfare risks, and relevant destinations before choosing a tour.

Marine

Whale Shark Snorkeling

A whale shark swim is usually a boat-based snorkelling encounter in a place where seasonal feeding or movement makes sightings possible. The animal…

Plan the experience →

At the Zoo

Where to See Whale Shark at Zoos

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta, USA

Open Verified Visitor Guide →

Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa, Japan

Protect Whale Shark

Support Independent Conservation Work

These third-party programmes offer relevant ways to adopt symbolically, foster, donate, or learn. We do not process contributions or receive commission.

Adopt

Shark Trust Digital Adoption

A set of worldwide digital shark adoption packs connected to the Shark Trust's conservation campaigns, science, fisheries work, and public education.

Review programme →Due Diligence

Check Before You Contribute

Understand symbolic adoption, verify the organisation, and review current terms and use of funds.

Open the programme directory →

Relevant Tour Listings

Browse Whale Shark Tours & Experiences

Current Viator listings matched to this species. Confirm where the activity operates, its wildlife policy, recent reviews, availability, and cancellation terms before booking.

Free cancellation

Book Your Trip

Plan a Whale Shark Wildlife Trip

Only species-relevant partner routes are shown. Confirm the exact location, wildlife policy, availability, current price, and cancellation terms before booking.

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Guided Tours & Experiences

These links open third-party searches. Verify the exact operator, route, guide team, wildlife policy, field time, and no-sighting terms.

Ningaloo Whale Shark SwimGetYourGuide Mexico Whale Shark SnorkelViator Maldives Whale Shark DiveGetYourGuide

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Hotels & Accommodation

Search stays only after the gateway and field route are confirmed.

Exmouth HotelsExpedia Cancun HotelsExpedia Maldives ResortsExpedia

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Flights

Compare current routes, baggage rules, buffers, and total booking terms.

Flights to PerthExpedia Flights to CancunExpedia

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Travel Insurance

Check medical, cancellation, activity, altitude, equipment, and evacuation terms for the exact itinerary.

Dive Travel InsuranceWorld Nomads

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Camera & Gear

Match equipment to guide advice, distance, weather, baggage limits, and safe handling.

Underwater Camera HousingAmazon GoPro HeroAmazon Reef-Safe SunscreenAmazon

Safari.com

Safari Packages to See Whale Shark

Safari.com itinerary examples that may include whale shark habitat. Request a current quote and confirm the operator, exact route, wildlife policy, recent reviews, and cancellation terms before booking.

3 Day Unrivaled Views of the Kruger & Sabie River Safari

Experience the Kruger National Park, suspended over the Sabie River.

2 nights aboard Kruger Shalati, a luxury train stationed on a bridge over the Sabie River
Twice-daily game drives in southern Kruger in search of the Big Five
Swim in the overhanging pool above crocodiles, hippos and elephants

Request a current quoteConfirm live availability, price, inclusions, and terms with Safari.com.

View on Safari.com →