Whale Shark, Dolphin & Marine Wildlife Tours with Aerial Spotter Support in Diani Beach, Kenya

The whale shark is the largest known fish species, reaching up to 40 feet long. It has a wide, flattened head, distinctive yellow spots and stripes, and feeds on plankton and small fish. These gentle giants are docile and can be found in warm oceanic waters around the world.

Despite their enormous size, whale sharks are gentle creatures and do not pose a threat to humans. They are docile filter feeders, mainly consuming plankton and small fish. However, it is very important to follow specific guidelines when interacting with them.

When interacting with whale sharks, it is essential to follow guidelines to ensure the well-being of these magnificent creatures and promote responsible wildlife encounters. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Maintain a safe distance from the whale sharks (roughly 4 meters from the tail and 3 meters from the head and body) to avoid disturbing or stressing them. Be sure to respect their space and allow them to swim freely.

2. Do not attempt to touch or ride the whale sharks. This can disrupt their natural behavior and cause harm to both the animals and yourself.

3. Avoid flash photography as it can startle and disorient the whale sharks. Use natural lighting or adjust your camera settings accordingly.

4. Do not feed the whale sharks as this can disrupt their natural feeding patterns and dependency on their natural food sources. Let them feed naturally on plankton and small fish.

5. Use eco-friendly practices by choosing operators and tour providers (such as Whale Shark Adventures and Dive Center, Diani Beach) that prioritize conservation and follow sustainable practices.

6. Limit interaction time to 30 minutes for a single shark and total interaction time to 1 hour.

7. Familiarize yourself with any specific rules or regulations implemented by local authorities or marine protected areas. Adhere to these guidelines to ensure responsible and sustainable interactions.

If these rules are broken, the whale shark is likely to become annoyed and engage in defensive behavior which includes eye rolling, banking, diving and tail-slapping. A whale shark that does not exhibit any of these behaviors and continues to feed while there are divers in the water, is the best sign that it is not bothered. It is also an amazing photo opportunity!

The humpback whale is a large baleen whale known for its distinctive features and captivating behaviors. With a length of around 50 feet and weighing up to 40 tons, it has long pectoral fins, a knobby head, and a pronounced hump on its back. Humpback whales are renowned for their acrobatic displays, beautiful songs, and migration between feeding and breeding grounds worldwide. They are filter feeders, consuming small fish, krill, and plankton.

Whale sharks can be found in several locations around the world, particularly in warm tropical and subtropical waters. Some well-known destinations for encountering whale sharks include the Maldives, Philippines, Mexico (such as the Yucatan Peninsula and Isla Holbox), Australia (such as Ningaloo Reef) and Kenya.

Humpback whales have a wide distribution and can be found in various regions during their migratory patterns. Some popular places for humpback whale sightings include Alaska (United States), the Dominican Republic, Iceland, Norway, the Antarctic Peninsula and the East African Coast (Kenya).