Where and when is best for encountering whale sharks??

[Lars_N]

For a year or more I have had the big wish to encounter whale sharks and have now decided to give this a shot. So I hope there are somebody out there who will advise where and when the chances are the best

Thank you in advance,
Lars

 

[DandyDon]

Around Cancun during the summer. We drove to Holbox west of Cancun in 2008 and took boats out of there for two days, video below, but in 2009 they were more plentiful closer to Cancun. By the time you're packing, we'll know where the thickest gatherings are. You can also include some Cozumel reef diving and mainland Cenote diving in the trip. See Mexico forum and Cozumel sub forum for much more on all three ideas as we do tend to discuss mainland ideas on the Coz sub forum and Coz diving on the mainland forum.

You may find them closer, I don't know, but if you do go to Mexico, I think you'd want to stay at least a week, since it takes 14-15 hours travel time each way, and costs around $1300 USD/7600 DKK just for air in June - which might be a little early for the Dominoes, but the fares start dropping off in August to around $947/5550 traveling around Aug 17-19, returning Aug 23-26. It was pretty easy to check week by week dates + 3 days for the entire summer. I use Sidestep.com

I was just shooting with a point & shoot digital camera, but it was fun. The year on the title is off; duh, we went in 2008...

[vimeo]3783470[/vimeo]
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[Doc]

Lars- being from Northern Europe, quite likely you enjoy a more expansive view of the world for diving.

Beyond our narrow vision from the US of the Caribbean, consider Thailand or Ningaloo (Western Australia).

That's the real deal.

 

[DandyDon]

I have no experience with the Indo-Pacific but I'm sure you could get help on those geographic forums.

Or if Mexico appeals to you, then fellow is traveling from Denmark for a similar adventure: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/mexico/333229-advice-what-dive-playa-area.html When we visited the Coba ruins last summer, almost everyone else there was from Europe it seemed - all over.

 

[Conan3]

Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta Ga has four whale sharks, Hammer Head shark, Sand Tiger Sharks, Wollon Gong Manta's and Rays.

Over sixty species of fish, 3.5 Million gallon tank and crystal clear water 150+ visablity.

They also have an International Airport

 

[DandyDon]

Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta Ga has four whale sharks, Hammer Head shark, Sand Tiger Sharks, Wollon Gong Manta's and Rays.

Over sixty species of fish, 3.5 Million gallon tank and crystal clear water 150+ visablity.

They also have an International Airport

The survivors anyway. Can you swim with the Dominoes there?

 

[mjh]

The main areas that come to mind are:

Maldives
Roatan & Utila
Mexico
Galapagos
Belize
Philippines
Australia, Ningaloo (sp?)

Season is important and sure there are other areas but if you search these areas with whaleshark should get plenty of options

 

[Fishpie]

Gladden Spit

 

[OnTheSpot]

Hi Lars,

The biggest fish in the sea must be one of the most sort after encounters by divers. If you have dived with one, or more , you will move into ledgendary status amongst those who have not had the pleasure.

There are many places that give you an excellent chance to see this awesome giant but its all in the timing....

Try Maldives February to April - click here for more sites for The Biggest Fish.

Good luck and make sure you get photographic evidence and longer arms.

 

[AquaSafaris]

Did you see Whale Sharks? If not and you're still looking . . . we have a space on the Aggressor II in the Galapagos at PEAK WHALE SHARK SEASON - August 25 - Sept 2. let me know if you want details. D