SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS,

A TRULY MAGICAL EXPERIENCE

...

IF MANAGED PROPERLY.

With its distinctive spots and stripes and enormous size the whale shark is a majestic and unmistakeable creature. It is also the worlds largest fish, growing up to 18 meters in length and weighing over 20 tonnes. 

One of only three species of filter feeding shark, the whale shark is harmless to humans, preying on plankton, fish eggs and small fish. 

Whale sharks can be found throughout the tropics with around 18 recognised hotspots worldwide.  The largest specimens remain elusive in all but two of these sites as predominantly it is juvenile males that come within reach of humans at certain times of the year. 

Many people visit the areas of the world that are know to be Whale Shark hotspots to swim with them. This generates lots of vital money for those economies, and when managed properly is great way for local communities to make a living by celebrating the beauty of the shark, instead of turning to other ways to make money from their local wildlife - such as shark finning - of which the whale shark with its huge size is a valuable prize.

Tourists travel all over the world to swim with these magnificent creatures, but this practice now needs more attention. 

We have created a code of conduct for people to watch, that highlights the proper way people should be interacting with these animals, so as not to impact negatively on their natural behaviour which can affect their health and ultimately survival.

In turn, the science states that tourists will enjoy longer, safer and more exhilarating whale shark encounters as a result for proper guidance.

We have produced a series of videos specifically to show people how to swim with a whale shark in a respectful manner so that both humans and shark benefit from their encounter.