Whalesharks inhabits the warm oceans and seas, near the tropics. They are believed as pelagic fish, but in certain seasons migrate long distances to coastal areas like Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, Utila in Honduras, Donsol and Batangas in the Philippines, the island of Holbox in the state of Quintana Roo, Yucatan peninsulas and Baja California, Mexico, the islands of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania, Coiba and the Pearl Islands in Panamá. Is also possible to see them near the coast, entering lagoons or coral atolls, and near the mouths or rivers. Usually remain within ± 30 ° latitude, and at a depth of 700 meters. They may usually solitary act, but occasionally form groups to feed in areas with large concentrations of food. The males can be found in most different places, while females prefer to stay in more specific places.
This species, despite its huge size, is not danger for humans. It is a widely cited example to fame with sharks devouring people. Actually, they are quite affectionate, and often playful with divers. There are even reports, though unconfirmed, whale sharks that come to the surface face up to the diver you scratch his belly and removes parasites.
This shark is often observed by divers and tourists in boats off the Yucatan Peninsula on the island of Holbox, in the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Maldives, the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador; Philippines, Thailand, the Red Ningaloo Reef and Christmas Island in Western Australia, Tofo Beach in Mozambique and Sodwana Bay in South Africa Sea. Some of these places, such as in Western Australia, have become central points of the ecotourism industry.
The highest concentration of whale sharks in the world is in the Philippines. Between January and May, they are grouped in the shallow shores of Donsol in Sorsogon province. Some very fortunate divers found whale sharks in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the Seychelles. Between December and September, very often it is running into some unit in the Bay of La Paz, in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and from May to September on the northeast coast of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Sometimes they are accompanied by small fish, like remora. Recently, they have been spotted in the vicinity of the Tenggol island, located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, where there are several coral reefs frequented by these sharks, as Redang Island, or Island Kapas.
Come and explore the amazing world of whale sharks in what we are sure will be the best experience of your life and you can book your tour with Discovery Mundo.
