Can you scuba dive with whale sharks?

Diving or snorkelling with whale sharks Encounters are often in very shallow waters, while snorkellers are generally able to move faster than divers. Snorkelling with whale sharks is possible in Mafia Island in Tanzania and Ningaloo Reef in Australia as well as in the Maldives, Mexico, St Helena and the Philippines.

What time of year are whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef?

The Ningaloo Reef’s Whale Shark season starts in March and runs through to August where they are spotted almost on a daily basis. Although rare, these gentle giants of the sea can sometimes be spotted later in the year during our Ningaloo Eco Experience tours.

What is the best month to swim with whale sharks?

Best Time to Swim with a Whale Shark. The good news is that the likelihood of swimming with a whale shark on your first tour is around 95% success rate from very late March to late July each year.

Is Coral Bay or Exmouth better for whale sharks?

You are more likely to swim with whale sharks at Exmouth (but only just – sightings at Coral Bay still happen at least 80 per cent of the time). Coral Bay is better known for its manta ray swims.

Where can I dive with whale sharks?

There are other great places to swim with whale sharks in the world, like Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, the Similan Islands, Thailand, Donsol Philippines, Triton Bay or Cenderawasih Bay near Raja Ampat in Indonesia, and Mafia Island in Tanzania.

Where do you dive with whale sharks?

Mexico. Easily accessible from both the United States and Europe, Mexico is one of the lucky locations to be graced by whale sharks.

What is the best time to visit Ningaloo Reef?

When is the best time to visit Ningaloo reef? Ningaloo Reef has something to offer all year round, but the absolute best weather months (in our opinion) are mid March, May, June, September and October. In these months the water is warm, weather patterns are consistent and it’s not too busy.

Are whale sharks friendly?

Yes – whale sharks are friendly creatures! Although they can reach up to 20 meters in length, this shark is totally harmless to humans. Unfortunately, these contacts with humans may be bad for whale sharks, and for this reason we have created rules of conduct that aim to protect these beautiful animals.

Is it safe to swim at Ningaloo Reef?

Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef is generally a safe place to swim. It is far enough south that stingers are rarely if ever seen in stinger season between October and May. There are sharks on Ningaloo Reef – but they’re generally not the type you need to worry about.

Can you touch whale sharks?

It’s easy to get focused on the sharks that are in front of you but don’t forget to notice the ones behind you. It is illegal to touch a whale shark, so make sure to swim out of the way if one swims toward you. There’s no mistaking their large size and tremendous power, especially of their tail!

How much is it to swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo?

Price. Observer AUD $280.00 includes (Morning & Afternoon Ningaloo Reef Snorkel and lunch with Whale shark observation only from vessel.)

When should I go to Ningaloo Reef?

Is Coral Bay or Exmouth better?

For those looking for a total beach experience, Coral Bay wins hands down. For those wanting more to do, bushwalks, exploring the national park, nice accommodation and restaurants with a few beach activites tossed in for good measure, Exmouth is the better option.

Are there Stingers at Ningaloo Reef?

Jellyfish Concerns Many seasons there are no serious jellyfish stings off the Ningaloo Reef whatsoever. However stings by jellyfish do pose an ongoing risk to swimmers in the water in most of Northern Australia.

Has a whale shark ever eaten a human?

A whale shark has never eaten a person Whale sharks rarely even notice humans, let alone eat us. They don’t eat anything larger than small fish. While they do have 300 rows of teeth in their giant mouths, whale sharks don’t use them for eating.

What happens if you touch a whale shark?

Touching whale sharks can disturb the protective mucous layer on their skin – and it can also have unpleasant consequences for you or me. The tiny, tooth-like scales (known as dermal denticles) that cover the skin of most shark species can cause a painful graze known as “shark burn”.

Are there crocodiles in Ningaloo Reef?

Crocodiles. Crocodiles are not normally found on the Ningaloo Coast, but there have been rare and isolated occurences of estuarine or saltwater (saltie) crocodiles in the area.

Has a whale shark ever swallowed a human?

Will whale sharks hurt you?

These huge animals are not dangerous. Whale sharks have never attacked humans. On the contrary, we are a potential danger to them.

Is it worth swimming with whale sharks?

Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef is the experience of a lifetime, and a must-do when you’re visiting the region. Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing reef. Being in the water with the world’s biggest fish is exhilarating and serene all at the same time. It’s simultaneously awesome and humbling.

How much does it cost to dive with whale sharks?

about $60 to $100
While there are seasons of optimal viewing, like Utila, Mafia sees sharks all year long, making it an important destination for marine biological research. Booking a swim with the whale sharks costs about $60 to $100 and is possible online or in person.

Are there great white sharks in Ningaloo Reef?

In Australia, it is found from Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia around the southern coast to Moreton Bay in Queensland, but is more frequently seen in the south, particularly near seal and sea lion colonies.

Are there crocodiles at Ningaloo Reef?

Has a whale shark ever eaten a person?