Swimming with whale sharks • Largest fish in the world

Swimming with whale sharks • Peaceful giants!

Swimming with whale sharks will give you goosebumps. This is one of the few moments in life when you feel infinitely small and yet incredibly happy. These gentle giants hold two records as the largest shark and the largest fish in the world. Their average length is extremely impressive, over 10 meters. Particularly large animals can reach up to 20 meters and weigh 34 tons.

Despite its size, this cartilaginous fish is completely harmless. As a plankton eater, it is one of the few sharks that feed primarily on plants. It filters its food from the water with its open mouth. In addition to plankton and krill, it also eats small fish. Even though these impressive giants are peaceful, it's important to keep a safe distance. Due to its body mass alone, you'd rather not get in its way. Of course, it's forbidden to touch the animal, and it goes without saying that you'd better not swim directly in front of its mouth. If you follow these rules, you have nothing to fear. Experience an unforgettable encounter with one of the ocean's most fascinating creatures.

Snorkeling with whale sharks in Mexico

October to April is whale shark season Baja California. The bay of La Paz is then particularly rich in plankton and attracts young whale sharks. During this time, the animals eat in shallow water near the coast. A fantastic opportunity. Here snorkelers can marvel at the beautiful giant fish up close. Even as young animals, the whale sharks, with a length of around 4 to 8 meters, are more than impressive. Besides La Paz, whale shark tours are also in Cape Pulmo or Cabo San Lucas is possible.

In southeastern Mexico, swimming with whale sharks is in the area between June and September Yucatan Peninsula near Cancun possible. There are tour providers in, for example Playa del Carmen, Cozumel or Holbox IslandYucatan is also known among divers for its unique cenotes.

Mexico is the ideal place to meet whale sharks. However, diving is not permitted, only snorkeling tours are permitted. To protect the animals, a certified guide must be present every time they jump into the water. In Baja California, the maximum group size in the water is 5 people plus a guide. In Yucatan, a maximum of 2 people plus guide are allowed into the water at the same time. Note possible changes.

Diving with whale sharks in the Galapagos

Im Galapagos National Park Divers have a good chance of meeting the rare giants, especially between July and November. However, this is only to be expected in very remote areas.

On Cruise in Galapagos For example, whale sharks can occasionally be spotted in the area between the back of Isabela and Fernandina Island. Intense encounters with whale sharks while diving are on diving Safari around the remote Wolf + Darwin Islands possible. Galapagos is known for diving with sharks. In addition to whale sharks, you can also see reef sharks, Galapagos sharks, and hammerhead sharks.