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Whale Shark

Whale Shark

Gentle giant of the oceans

What you need to know about the Whale Shark

The Whale Shark is the largest living fish in the ocean and can grow up to an astounding 50ft (16m) long! The species can be found in tropical and temperate waters all around the globe. As the Whale Shark is only one of three filter-feeding sharks in the ocean, its diet consists mainly of plankton, crustaceans, krill, and sometimes tiny fish. In Galápagos, Whale Sharks can be found consistently in the far north around Darwin Island and occasionally further south around the main islands.

This majestic giant arrives around June and July. They migrate during this time to coincide with the arrival and uplift of the Humboldt Current in the waters around Galápagos. This current travels from the south and moves northwards. It brings cold nutritious waters which flow along the South American shores. Scientists believe the Whale Shark navigates by following magnetic fields on the ocean floor.

One aspect of their behaviour that is still not fully understood is why they choose Galápagos at this time of year. Scientists currently think it may be associated with their breeding cycles, but very little is still understood about how these massive creatures reproduce. One thing that is known is that female Whale Sharks can host more than 300 eggs!

The Whale Shark has a “vulnerable and endangered” conservation status, mainly due to illegal fishing, bycatch and ship collisions. As a result, the trade of Whale Shark meat or products is prohibited. This is declared in a section of the list in Appendix II of The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora - known as CITES.

In Galápagos, Darwin Island’s dive sites offer a truly unique experience. A diving cruise to Galápagos gives you a unique chance to encounter these beautiful, gentle giants close up. Swimming in the Galápagos among these wonderful creatures is the highlight of a Galápagos diving cruise adventure.

Whale Shark: Interesting facts

The white spots on their back are unique to each individual, like a fingerprint

98% of Whale Shark sightings are of pregnant females

Whale Sharks find their way to Galápagos by following geo-magnetic "pathways" in the ocean

Whale Shark: Pictures from our travelers

Whale Shark
Whale Shark
Whale Shark

Spots where the Whale Shark can be observed

Our trips to spot the Whale Shark


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