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

The best time to observe Whale Shark is June, July, August with up to 90% chance of sighting.

27 Observation Spots Worldwide

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