Best Places to See Whale Sharks

The best place in Australia is Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. It is one of the world’s most reliable, best-regulated whale shark swim destinations, with whale sharks most reliably seen from March to July, sometimes continuing into August, September or October. Tours run from Exmouth and Coral Bay.

Best Places to See Whale Sharks

Destination Best Time Why Go

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia March to July/August Best choice from Australia; strong regulation, reliable seasonal sightings, snorkelling tours from Exmouth or Coral Bay.
South Ari Atoll, Maldives Year-round, often best Jan–Mar for calm seas Good resort-style option; PADI says whale shark sightings occur year-round around South Ari Atoll.
Isla Mujeres / Isla Holbox, Mexico June to September, peak July–August One of the world’s famous seasonal aggregations; tours run from Isla Mujeres, Holbox and Cancun area.
Donsol, Philippines November to May/June, peak Feb–Apr Better ethical choice than Oslob because it is wild, seasonal and non-feeding; sightings are not guaranteed.
Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte, Philippines November to May Quieter and less commercial than Cebu/Oslob; good for travellers who want a more natural experience.
Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia Often listed as year-round Remote Papua option, usually for serious divers/snorkellers and liveaboard-style trips.
Mafia Island, Tanzania October to March, often best Oct–Dec/Nov–Feb Good East Africa choice; works well with safari or Zanzibar-style trips.
Galápagos, Ecuador — Darwin & Wolf Islands June to November, peak Aug–Sep Best for advanced divers, not casual snorkellers; often involves liveaboard diving.

My Top 3 Picks

1. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Best overall if you are travelling from Australia. It is seasonal, well managed and one of the more responsible places to swim with whale sharks. Base yourself in Exmouth or Coral Bay.

2. Donsol, Philippines
Best if you want a more natural, non-feeding encounter in Southeast Asia. Avoid Oslob if animal welfare is important to you, because Oslob’s year-round encounters are associated with feeding and heavy tourism pressure, while Donsol is seasonal and wild.

3. South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Best if you want a resort holiday with a chance of whale sharks. It is not a guarantee, but South Ari is one of the rare places where whale sharks are seen throughout the year.

What About Fiji?

Fiji is not one of the world’s reliable whale shark destinations. You may hear of rare sightings, but it is not a place I would choose if whale sharks are the main goal. Fiji is much better for manta rays, reef sharks, bull shark dives, soft coral diving and occasional humpback whale sightings in season. Fiji’s official tourism site lists manta ray season as May to October, humpback whales as July to October, and shark diving conditions as especially good around June to September.

Quick Recommendation

For the best chance and easiest logistics from Australia: Ningaloo Reef, WA — March to July.

For a Southeast Asia trip: Donsol or Southern Leyte, Philippines — February to April.

For a luxury tropical holiday: South Ari Atoll, Maldives — year-round, with Jan–Mar often a good weather window.