Best Places to Swim or Dive with Whale Sharks: Our Top 6
Quick Overview
Swimming or scuba diving with whale sharks is a bucket-list marine experience. This article highlights the top 6 destinations worldwide—such as the Galápagos (Wolf & Darwin Islands), Socorro (Mexico), Isla Mujeres, La Paz, Oslob (Philippines), and Bahia de los Angeles—where conditions, seasons, and regulations make these encounters possible. For each location, you’ll find the ideal time to visit, whether swimming or diving is allowed, and what to expect underwater.
You’ll also get a quick decision guide: if you want a more natural, less crowded experience, you might opt for Galápagos or Socorro; for the easiest access and high encounter rates (with some trade-offs), Oslob or La Paz may work best.
Introduction
Swimming with whale sharks is an extremely humbling experience that ranks high on most scuba divers' bucket lists. We've traveled the world to find the best places to swim & dive with whale sharks in 2025. If you're new to marine megafauna or looking for tips on your first encounter, our Beginner’s Guide is a great place to start. Here is our list of the top six destinations where you can get in the water up close with these majestic and graceful giants of the ocean, in their natural habitats:
- Wolf & Darwin Islands, Galapagos - Dive
- Socorro Islands, Mexico - Dive
- Isla Mujeres, Mexico - Swim or Snorkel
- La Paz, Mexico - Swim or Snorkel
- Oslob, Philippines - Dive, Swim, or Snorkel
- Bahia de Los Angeles, Mexico - Snorkel
Note: In this guide, "dive" means that scuba diving with whale sharks is possible, "swim" means you can swim with the whale sharks, and "snorkel" means you can leisurely snorkel around the whale sharks.
1. Wolf And Darwin Islands, Galapagos - Dive
From June to November, the weather and water temperatures in the Galapagos get colder. Plankton starts to bloom thanks to natural upwelling currents,and whale sharks come to the area to feed. This explosion of nutrients also attracts a huge diversity of fish activity, which makes scuba diving with whale sharks in the Galapagos even more awesome! The Galapagos Whale Shark project is trying to learn more about why these adult whale sharks come to Wolf and Darwin.
Wolf and Darwin are the northernmost islands in the Galapagos, and the water there is warmer than the other islands. Whale sharks can appear suddenly out of the blue, and a strenuous swim often occurs if you want to keep up with them. The marine life in these islands is unlike anywhere else in the world, earning them a spot in the top 5 of our best shark diving article and our scuba diving bucket list article.
"Everything is bigger in the Galapagos, and the whale sharks are no exception! Swimming with these gentle giants is always an incredible experience, but the 40 - 50-foot long whale sharks we saw in the Galapagos were nearly double the size of those I've encountered elsewhere." - Katie Yonker, Travel Agent & Trip Leader
Check it out for yourself and join us in May 2026 on our Galapagos Spectacular Hammerhead, Manta, Mola, and Marine Iguana Trip.
Read about our 2022 trip to the Galapagos by Mark Strickland.
Interested in diving in the Galapagos? View our range of liveaboards in the Galapagos.
2. Socorro Islands, Mexico - Dive
Located 240 miles southwest of Cabo San Lucas and often called "Mexico's Little Galapagos", the Socorro Islands offer a wonderful chance to see a plethora of large pelagic animals. In November and December, whale sharks can often be seen along with giant mantas, humpback whales, and large gamefish.
Photo taken by @vibesandhorizons
"My favorite whale shark destination is the Socorro Islands, Mexico. Also known as the Revillagigedo Islands, this remote archipelago consists of 2 volcanic islands, San Benedicto Island and Socorro Island, and a seamount known as Roca Partida, arguably my favorite dive site anywhere on the planet. Whale sharks are known to visit Socorro starting in May and stay until December. Socorro is my top destination for whale shark diving because they are often accompanied by large schools of jack, dolphins and manta rays." - Tim Yeo, Travel Agent and Trip Leader
Check it out for yourself by joining our November 2024 Socorro Islands trip.
Read about our 2023 Socorro Trip by Mark Hatter.
3. Isla Mujeres, Mexico - Swim Or Snorkel
Whale sharks gather during the summer in two areas around Isla Mujeres. Most operators will snorkel off Isla Holbox, where the whale sharks gather to feed on plankton and krill. Other operators will take snorkelers way off Isla Mujeres to clear blue water, where whale sharks and mantas feed on bonito eggs after spawning events.
"Although this is a snorkel-only destination, the opportunity to snorkel and swim with whale sharks, particularly in July/August, is about as near of a guarantee as you'll find for marine life. Plankton-rich waters & breading tuna eggs draw in hundreds of whale sharks (and manta rays) to this location every year, resulting in a consistent (and fully natural) event. Over the years, the knowledge of this event has grown, so you can expect to see a massive amount of boats and other snorkelers, but thankfully, there are a number of regulations now set with how close you can get to the animal, only 2 snorkelers at a time allowed to be in the water, etc. to help regulate the tourists and protect the animals. Also, with the abundance of whale sharks, you still commonly have your own shark to swim by & admire." - Adam Gibson
Contact us today to book a trip to Isla Mujeres4. La Paz, Mexico - Swim Or Snorkel
A reliable place to swim with whale sharks, especially in the fall and winter months. We are fans of visiting La Paz in October and November when the water is warmer, and the whale sharks are busy feeding on plankton. A visit in the winter means cooler water temps and less visibility, but also the possibility to see grey and humpback whales. You will be swimming with them in the La Paz is a short, easy flight from either Los Angeles or Mexico City - although most people will fly into Los Cabos Airport and take a van or taxi for two hours to La Paz. One thing to keep in mind is that the bay is closed for swimming with Whale Sharks from May until early October due to new government regulations.
"Whale sharks in La Paz have the wonderful distinction of being predictable but wild. No one is feeding these sharks! Because of this, they have very little interest in people, and it can be a hectic affair trying to keep up with their breakneck speeds. Don't get me wrong, when you're in the water with them, they look slow and majestic. But when something the size of a bus is being majestic, they're really traveling at speeds much faster than you can swim. So it can be better to be smart than physical - position yourself where you think the whale shark might go next and be careful not to get in its way. With any luck, you'll find yourself in a surreal world where the celestial patterns across the whale's back cruise under you as the hot sun and desert mountains shine above." - Nirupam Nigam, Editor-in-Chief Underwater Photography Guide
Check it out for yourself by joining our upcoming trips: Explore Baja 2025, and Explore Baja 2026.
5.Oslob, Philippines - Swim, Snorkel, Or Dive
Oslob, located at the tip of Cebu, is a mere two hours from Moalboal and Dauin, which are both breathtaking diving destinations. Resorts in these two areas offer swimming with whale sharks in Oslob as an optional day activity, where snorkeling tours are common and locally regulated.
Local fishermen have been authorized to feed the whale sharks daily in Oslob, which is why the sharks are spotted here so regularly. As one of the most reliable places to see whale sharks year-round, Oslob often attracts large crowds, which might dampen the enjoyment for some.
Nonetheless, whale shark swimming in Oslob remains a great experience for all ages. If you do choose to take the side trip there you won't be disappointed!
"In Oslob, Philippines, a day trip from Dumaguete, there is a whale shark experience different from the most others in the world. Dozens of full-grown 40ft whale sharks arrive in (usually) clear blue water to be fed by fisherman. A multitude of boats brings guests, most without fins, in a circle to visit and swim with the whale sharks" Scott Gietler, Bluewater Travel Owner and Trip Leader
Read about our 2023 Dumaguete Photo Workshop.
Learn more about diving in the surrounding areas with our trip report, Malapascua & The Visayas Trip Report.
6. Bahia De Los Angeles, Mexico - Snorkel
Bahia de Los Angeles, also known as the Bay of Los Angeles, is in the northern Sea of Cortez, Mexico. It is accessible via a long drive from Southern California or via a liveaboard such as the Rocio del Mar. Liveaboard trips often involve flying into Phoenix, Arizona and taking a van ride down to the northern tip of the Sea of Cortez.
Prime months for this experience are July, August, and September. Local fishermen take you out in their pangas, picking you up from either the shore or directly from the liveaboard boat. The whale sharks are here to feed on plankton, and if you are lucky one will be remaining still feeding vertically in the water column. There is also goodscuba diving in this area, with colorful fish, many different nudibranch species and a good variety of macro subjects.
When the wind is calm, finding the whale sharks is usually not difficult, but if the water is choppy it can take a while and get a little rough if you are in a small boat.
New to liveaboards? Check out our article on the World of Liveaboard Diving.
OR
Check out our article on the Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginners.
More Places To Swim Or Scuba 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, Mozambique, and Mafia Island in Tanzania. They can offer amazing encounters but can be more difficult and more expensive to travel to. Whale sharks are also found divingCosta Rica's Pacific coast, in certain areas of Belize, and around the Indonesian island of Bali. You could even get lucky while scuba diving in Maui.Where is your favorite place to see whale sharks? Share your experiences with us!
For another thrilling marine life encounter, try swimming with orcas in Norway! Read more about Norway's orca expeditions.
Interact with massive Pacific gray whales and their calves with our unforgettable family-friendly trips to San Ignacio Lagoon, Mexico.
Already booked your trip? Pack your bags efficiently, and don't forget a thing with Bluewater's packing lists!
Scuba & Snorkel Gear
You can now buy dive gear and snorkeling equipment with Bluewater! Check out our wide selection of the top rated gear, including Tusa dive masks, the best scuba fins, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions — Swim with Whale Sharks
1. Which are the best places to swim or dive with whale sharks?
Top spots include Wolf & Darwin (Galápagos) and Socorro (Mexico) for scuba diving, and Isla Mujeres, La Paz, Bahía de los Ángeles (Mexico) and Oslob (Philippines) for swimming or snorkelling.
2. When is the best time of year to swim with whale sharks?
Season depends on the location: for example, Ningaloo (Australia) is busiest March–July, the Caribbean / Isla Mujeres region is strongest June–September, and other areas have different windows — always check the local season before booking.
3. Do I need scuba certification or can I snorkel?
Most tourist encounters are snorkel-based and do not require scuba certification; some dive hotspots (Wolf & Darwin, Socorro) allow scuba dives with whale sharks and require appropriate certification and experience.
4. Are whale sharks dangerous?
Whale sharks are gentle filter-feeders and are not predators of people, but their huge size means accidental collisions can cause injury. Always follow the guide’s instructions and the code of conduct.
5. What are the interaction rules — how close can I get and can I touch them?
Do not touch or chase whale sharks. Recommended distances vary by region, but common rules are to keep roughly 3 metres from the body and several metres from the tail, approach from the side, and obey boat speed and time limits set by local regulations and operators.
6. I've heard about Oslob — is that ethical?
Oslob uses provisioning (feeding) to guarantee close encounters; conservationists have raised concerns that this changes shark behaviour and poses risks. If ethics matter to you, ask operators whether they feed sharks and prefer locations that follow non-provisioned, science-based practices.
7. How do I choose a responsible operator?
Choose operators that follow published codes of conduct, limit group sizes, brief guests, avoid feeding, use trained guides, contribute to research/conservation, and have local permits and good reviews.
8. What should I bring and wear?
Bring your mask/snorkel and fins (if not provided), a reef-safe (biodegradable) sunscreen or a rash guard, a towel, water, seasickness remedies if needed, and a waterproof camera if you want photos.
9. Can children or pregnant people join whale shark tours?
Policies vary by operator and location. Many operators restrict swimmers under roughly 5–12 years old (or require parental discretion) and commonly advise against participation by pregnant guests — check the operator’s rules before booking.
10. Are sightings guaranteed?
Sightings are never 100% guaranteed — success depends on season and ocean conditions. Some reputable operators report high success rates and may offer replacement trips or guarantees during peak season.
