Responsible Encounters
Code of Conduct for Swimming & Diving with Whale Sharks
Responsible encounters offer an opportunity for individuals to engage with these magnificent creatures while focusing on their conservation and well-being. These experiences prioritize the safety of the whale sharks ensuring that participants can appreciate the beauty and grace of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Whale sharks are gentle giants, but they are vulnerable to disturbance. To ensure their safety and yours, follow these essential guidelines when swimming or diving with them!
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General Guidelines
Respect Their Space – Maintain a minimum distance of 3m from the side, 5m from the head, and 4m from the tail.
Approach laterally- Never block the whale sharks’ path.
No Touching, Chasing, or Riding – Avoid any action that may stress or harm the shark.
No Flash Photography – Bright flashes can disturb the sharks.
No Motorized Propulsion – Do not use dive scooters or motorized aids near the sharks.
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Vessel Guidelines
Approach with caution – Keep a minimum 30m distance and operate at low speeds (10 knots max).
Only one vessel may be in the contact zone at a time. Other vessels must wait at least 300m away or seek another shark.
Drive parallel to the whale sharks transit direction, never block the path of the shark or chase from behind.
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Diver Guidelines
Observe the shark’s movement before entering the water.
Avoid blocking its path, and never touch or restrict its movement.
A maximum of 10 divers may be in the water with a shark at one time.
Enter the water with minimal disturbance and respect the shark’s natural behaviour.
If feeding, give the shark a wider distance- 8-10 meters minimum.
PROTOCOL FOR WATER ENCOUNTERS (SNORKELING, DIVING & FREEDIVING)
PROTOCOL FOR VESSEL ENCOUNTER
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