Whale Sharks Snorkeling

We do realise the name is sort of confusing and can easily strike fear into visitors with the term whale and shark two ocean creatures known as dangerous to us tiny humans by comparison, but like the strange name, these are strange creatures. The whale shark is a slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet shark and the largest known extant fish species.

These large tropical sharks aren't your typical shark and tend to swims close to the surface, where it feeds chiefly on plankton. The whale shark is one of the largest known fish in the world and can grow to sizes of over 8 metres long, which is mighty impressive once you see them next to your boat.

Mafia Island is a favourite feeding ground for these animals towards the end of the year. Thanks to their eating behaviours and the need to eat large amounts of food to remain healthy and active these sharks move inland to forage on shrimp at the surface during whale shark season. As these whale sharks feed for hours you can sometimes see them congregate into groups of up to 24 at any one-time consisting of both males, females as well as juveniles, all beautifully marked with stripes and spots.

The whale shark is a filter feeder – one of only three known filter feeding shark species (along with the basking shark and the megamouth shark). It feeds on plankton including copepods, krill, fish eggs, Christmas Island red crab larvae and small nektonic life, such as small squid or fish.

Yes, these massive creatures are remarkably docile and pretty happy to swim alongside humans without much of an issue. Despite their enormous mouths and thousands of teeth, whale sharks pose no risk to humans. With a diet limited to tiny micro-organisms, you're definitely not on the menu.

When a whale shark feels unthreatened it will continue feeding, unfazed by respectful snorkelers. However, if your begin irritating them with a constant pursuit they will feel harassed and escape into the depths of the ocean.