How to be a good whale shark tourist

Whale shark tourism

As the biggest fish in the sea, whale sharks have been at the top of divers 'must see' list for many years. In recent times more tour operators are also running snorkelling tours making whale shark encounters more accessible to the general public than ever before. 

Many people contact the MWSRP because they are concerned that their swim with the whale shark may have a harmful effect on the species. They are right to be concerned. Unregulated, large-scale whale shark tourism will certainly have a negative impact on whale sharks though collisions with vessels and disturbance of behaviour and habitat. 

All is not lost however. Regulated whale shark tourism conducted in a sustainable manner can actually help whale sharks and the fragile habitat they depend upon. The best part is that making this happen is within the control of the tourists themselves.

In many developing countries whale shark tourism is a relatively new industry and growing very quickly. The governments of these countries lack the necessary resources and struggle to impose laws fast enough to either make new rules or to enforce existing ones. In these cases the whale shark encounter experience is largely dictated by the demands of the tourists. This is certainly true in the Maldives.

Before you book!

In order to drive the industry in the right direction all visitors have to do is to start asking tour operators about their whale shark encounter policy. Do they have a copy of the code of conduct? Do they provide a guest briefing? What is the maximum number of people on a whale shark excursion? Do they record information about their encounters for research groups? Will a percentage of the excursion price be donated to marine conservation charities? If it is important to you it is important to them!

So you can help the whale shark by choosing tour operators that:

• Minimise the impact of their excursions on the whale sharks behaviour and habitat by following standardised codes of conduct
• Maximise the amount of information they provide their guests prior and after the encounter
• Contribute to whale shark conservation by providing encounter information and funds to research and conservation groups

On the boat

Ask for a briefing:

A good briefing provides guests with vital information and can create healthy attitude onboard. A briefing should be given idealy before the vessel leaves the dock and should include information on the following:

• Timings and destination
• An introduction to the whale shark: key points about biology, research and conservation.
• Encounter procedure and code of conduct
• Invitation for questions

Observe the encounter code of conduct:

Encounter rules differ around the world, both in content and in how they are enforced. Be sure to find out what the rules exist in the country you are planning on visiting. The following general rules are found in most countries and are based on research and common sense:

Vessels must keep their distance, reduce their speed and keep to one vessel per shark

Snorkelers should not touch, crowd or obstruct a shark and should not use camera flash or scuba scooters

MWSRP top tips for longer whale shark encounters

In addition to observing the code of conduct above the tips and guidelines listed here can help reduce impact and lengthen a whale shark encounter:

Enter the water as quietly as possible

Look for directions from the boat crew or your guide before you swim away from the boat (the shark may have changed direction).  

Look ahead as you approach the shark by keeping your mask just below the surface

Swim alongside the whale shark staying level with the pectoral fins (side fins)

Avoid duck-diving particularly near to the head and do not swim underneath the whale shark

Avoid making loud noises, sharp movements and keep splashing to a minimum 

Remain calm and swim to the side using your fins if the shark approaches you

Be conscious of the needs and safety of your fellow guests especially when taking photos

Wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid when available or mandatory

Remember whale sharks are wild animals and no one can guarantee an encounter. Keep your expectations realistic.

Only use biodegradable sunscreen.

After the encounter:

Remember to make a note of where and when you had your encounter and email the details along with any photos to local or international whale shark researchers. For more information on contributing your encounter information to whale shark research click here.