The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean, reaching lengths of 12 metres or more. Despite their size they are filter feeders, cruising slowly at the surface or in the water column to eat plankton, krill, and small fish. Whale sharks are highly migratory and their movements are tied to seasonal plankton blooms, meaning successful encounters require going to the right place at the right time. Sustainable operators limit group size, prohibit touching, and keep swimmers to the sides rather than the front of the animal.
The year at a glance
Global aggregated reliability — at any given month, how reliably can you find this species somewhere in the world?
Jan 4
Feb 4
Mar 4
Apr 4
May 4
Jun 5
Jul 5
Aug 4
Sep 4
Oct 4
Nov 4
Dec 4
Score 1–5 · global aggregated reliability Rare
Moderate
Reliable
Where to see them in April
Sorted by April reliability and species status.
- 01
5/5 - 02
5/5 - 03
4/5 - 04
3/5 - 05
5/5
Full season breakdown
Peak Present Rare
Destination
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Notes
Large pregnant females at Darwin Arch
Juvenile whale sharks feeding in the bay
South Ari Atoll has year-round residents
World's most reliable whale shark aggregation; snorkel only
Afuera aggregation off Isla Contoy, snorkel only
Peak sightings on the southwest plateau
Present
Rare / occasional
Occasional sightings at Cenderawasih Bay (northern coast), rare in Raja Ampat proper
Rare / occasional