whale sharks - Marine Megafauna Foundation

REDUCE SPEED BOAT
KEEP NOISE TO A MINIMUM
Enter the water by sliding in slowly from the boat – do not jump in.
Keep your fins under the surface of the water while you are kicking to reduce splash.
ONE BOAT PER SHARK
Share the shark. If there is more than one boat present,
the next group can enter the water once the first rotates out.
This will ensure a stress free experience for the shark and will
lengthen the time the shark stays on the surface.
Slow to 2 knots or less within 50 m of a shark.
Do not approach closer than 20 m from the shark in a boat,
and do not stop in the shark's path.
LOOK, BUT DON’T TOUCH
If whale sharks are touched, they'll normally dive instantly.
That spoils the encounter for everyone else, and stresses the shark.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Stay at least 3 m away from the head and 4 m away from the tail.
If the whale shark comes directly towards you, simply remain calm
and split into two groups so that the shark can swim between you.
SNORKEL CALMLY & SLOWLY
Do not chase or harass whale sharks or block their path. If a shark banks
(rolls over and presents it's side), stop freediving or duck-diving. It is important
not to restrict their natural behavior and movements. Let the shark control the
encounter.
WHALE SHARKS
PHOTOGRAPHS
Avoid excessive flash photography when photographing whale sharks. Do not point your flash directly
into their eyes. If you photograph the spot pattern above the whale shark's pectoral fin (left side preferred),
we can identify the shark. Please submit your photo to www.whaleshark.org to help us learn more
about the world's largest fish.
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
Shark
Foundation
www.shark.ch