Where are the whalesharks in Thailand?

[scott11]

Decide not to bring your camera on a dive and the odds go way up that the WS, Manta or other big fish will swim right up to you and look you in the eye.

 

[neilstewart]

If you want whalesharks in May go to South Ari Atoll, Maldives. 57 Sightings last May off White Sands resort. I saw 12 in 6 dives. 8 in May 02 and 6 in May 01. Almost gaurenteed. Why don't you just stop off there for the first two weeks of your holiday. PM me if you want more info.

Neil

 

[Mick H]

May to June is a little late for the Similan and it may be closed as you already know.
Beside the Similan/Richeliue, there are some possibility of seeing whale sharks in south andaman sea (Phi Phi, Hin Maung, Hin Daeng) or Koh Tao.
However, I think whaleshark sighting in Thailand is a bit more sporadic nowaday.
For Koh Tao, the best time to see whaleshark is April and August and occasional sighting in between. Last year, there were 3 whalesharks around Koh Tao in April and there were daily sighting for almost 2 weeks straight during the 2nd half of April.

Some friends also saw whale sharks around Phi Phi at about the same time.

I am not sure what is your chance of seeing whale shark in May/June. I think either Koh Tao or south Andaman sea is worth a shot. I would recommend South Andaman as you will get better diving there even if you don't see a whale shark.

You have made my day as I am going to Koh Toa on Saturday week.
Hope there are some whale sharks as I have never yet seen a live one.If I am lucky enough I will try to get a photo for the site.

cheers,
Mick H.