Major offshore aggregation in Qatar linked to fish spawning. Exceptionally important biologically, but access is highly restricted and not a normal tourism site.

Best Months

Discover where and when to observe Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) in the wild. 27 observation spots worldwide: Al Shaheen offshore field, Isla Mujeres–Holbox-Contoy, Teluk Cenderawasih (Cenderawasih Bay) , Donsol Bay (Sorsogon), Mafia Island (Kilindoni Bay). Interactive migration map and travel tips.

June: 90%
July: 90%
August: 90%
October: 85%
January: 80%
February: 80%

27 Observation Spots Worldwide

Al Shaheen offshore field - 90% (Jun, Jul, Aug)
Isla Mujeres–Holbox-Contoy - 90% (Jul, Aug, Jun)
Teluk Cenderawasih (Cenderawasih Bay) - 85% (Oct, Sep, Nov)
Donsol Bay (Sorsogon) - 80% (Feb, Mar, Apr)
Mafia Island (Kilindoni Bay) - 80% (Jan, Dec, Feb)
Oslob (Cebu) – provisioning (feeding) site - 80% (Jun, Jul, Aug)
Kaimana – Bird’s Head Seascape - 80% (Mar, Apr, Dec)
Saint Helena Island – seasonal aggregation - 80% (Jan, Feb, Mar)
Saleh Bay / Bima (Sumbawa) - 80% (Aug, Sep, Oct)
Ningaloo Reef (Ningaloo Marine Park, WA) - 80% (Apr, May, Jun)
Darwin & Wolf (Darwin Island), Galápagos - 80% (Aug, Sep, Jul)
Bahía de los Ángeles (Golfo de California) – El Rincón - 80% (Aug, Sep, Oct)
Seychelles Plateau (Mahé and surrounding areas) - 80% (Sep, Oct, Aug)
Nosy Be - 80% (Oct, Nov, Sep)
Bahía de La Paz (Baja California Sur) - 75% (Dec, Jan, Feb)
Gulf of Tadjoura & Ghoubet al-Kharab - 75% (Dec, Jan, Nov)
South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) - 75% (Feb, Mar, Jan)
Gladden Spit Marine Reserve (Mesoamerican Barrier Reef) - 75% (Apr, Mar)
Tofo / Inhambane coast - 70% (Jan, Feb, Dec)
Coiba National Park – Wahoo Rock - 60% (Feb, Jan, Apr)
Koh Tao - 60% (Apr, May, Mar)
Southern Egyptian Red Sea offshore reefs - 60% (Jun, Jul, Aug)
São Pedro e São Paulo (ASPSP) – zone océanique - 60% (May, Jun)
Utila (Bay Islands) – Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System - 50% (Jan, Feb)
Azores - 50% (Jul, Aug, Jun)
Ewing Bank - 40% (Oct)
Northwest Cuba shelf edge / Straits of Florida - 40% (Nov, Dec)