What is a whale shark?

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a slow-moving, filter-feeding shark and holds the title of the world’s largest fish.

With a mouth that can reach over a metre wide, it swims with its jaws open to filter plankton, krill, and tiny fish from the water.

Despite its immense size, the whale shark is gentle and completely harmless to humans. Its distinctive white spots and checkerboard pattern make it instantly recognisable and a favourite subject for underwater photographers.

Where do whale sharks live?

Whale sharks inhabit warm tropical and subtropical waters across the globe.

Whale sharks are found in regions such as the Maldives, Mexico, the Philippines, the Galpagos Islands, Mexico, Australia and the Seychelles.

These giants often migrate thousands of kilometres each year, following plankton blooms and seasonal feeding grounds. Popular destinations to encounter them include Ningaloo Reef in Australia, Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres in Mexico, and the Maldives, where sightings are common year-round.

How big can whale sharks grow?

Whale sharks can reach extraordinary sizes, commonly growing to around 10–12 metres in length, though some individuals may exceed 18 metres.

Weighing up to 20 tonnes, they move slowly through the water at around three miles per hour. Despite their scale, they are graceful swimmers, using their massive tails to glide smoothly along coastlines and deep ocean channels. Their size alone makes any encounter a truly humbling experience for divers.

What do whale sharks eat?

Unlike most sharks, whale sharks are filter-feeders. They feed mainly on plankton, small fish, and fish eggs.

Whale sharks swim with their mouths open, filtering vast volumes of seawater through specialised gill rakers. This diet makes them crucial to marine ecosystems as they help maintain plankton balance.

During feeding, divers often see them surrounded by schools of fish that take advantage of the smaller prey stirred up in their path.

Are whale sharks dangerous to humans?

Whale sharks are completely harmless and known for their calm nature. They are curious around divers and often allow close observation.

Responsible dive operators ensure encounters remain safe and respectful, encouraging divers to keep a gentle distance and avoid touching. Swimming alongside a whale shark is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in the ocean, a rare chance to share the water with a true giant.

Why are whale sharks important to the ocean?

Whale sharks play a vital role in maintaining ocean health by consuming plankton and helping to regulate its population.

Their migration patterns also provide valuable insights into ocean temperatures and global marine ecosystems. Sadly, the whale shark is listed as Endangered by the IUCN due to overfishing and vessel strikes.

Conservation programmes now track individuals using photo-identification and satellite tagging, helping scientists protect these gentle giants.

Where can you swim or dive with whale sharks?

Some of the best places to swim or dive with whale sharks include the Maldives, Mexico, the Philippines, and Australia.

At Ningaloo Reef, encounters often occur between March and July when plankton blooms attract large numbers of whale sharks.

In the Maldives, sightings are possible year-round in South Ari Atoll. These responsible encounters help promote conservation, educate visitors, and support sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.