Swimming with whale sharks is something my wife keeps bugging me to do. I have swam with manatees, sting rays and turtles. I prefer things that are less than 5 times my size. Manatees are probably my favorite because they like to hug you. I still have this false fear of being swallowed by something that size. I know they don’t have teeth, but still.
The last time we were in Mexico it was turtles or whale sharks. I opted for the turtles. I’m probably running out of excuses. People who have done it say it is absolutely amazing.
Swim alongside 30 foot long whale sharks
These gentle giants put on a show for snorkelers and divers as they move gracefully through our watery world. There are tours to swim with whale sharks in Mexico, Honduras and Belize. Roatan or Utila Honduras are among the better places to see them. There are trips for experienced divers or those of us who aren’t PADI certified yet.
Tips for swimming alongside whale sharks
Whale sharks are gentle giants, but they still demand respect. Luckily, whale sharks are often found swimming alongside humans, making it possible to swim with them without harming them.
Photographing whale sharks
The whale shark is not a fish; it’s a mammal. Swimming alongside these 30 foot giants can be exciting. Despite its size, swimming with a whale shark is not unlike swimming with a dolphin. I would recommend starting with a dolphin swim before you graduate to whale sharks. Dolphin swims are generally in controlled tanks where whale sharks are in the open water. The larger whale sharks swim slower than smaller ones, and baby whale sharks are known to be playful as well.
How you can do this too!
You’ll need a snorkel, mask and fins, as well as a wetsuit if you are going to be out for an extended period of time. If you do not have these things already at home, you can purchase them from many dive shops near where whale sharks congregate. Many tour companies and agencies will even offer packages that include your equipment as well. This is important because getting there by boat or on foot could take several hours if done alone.
The best time of year and where to go.
The best time to swim with whale sharks is between May and October. Many organizations take trips to Isla Mujeres, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras during these months.
