Marine Life
Whale Shark Thailand: Top Places and Best Times
By Sorrasek Phiboonthammasak Date 26 Jul 2024
What is the best time and place to dive with whale sharks in Thailand ? The short answer is the best whale shark sightings will be around December to March at Richelieu Rock in Surin Island.
However, whale sharks can be spotted any month of the year and this gentle giant appears across Thai’s water both in the Thai Gulf and Andaman Sea. In order to see them, divers need to pick the right month for each location. This guide will rank the best place to meet with this giant and show which month has the best chance.
Top diving spot to dive with Whale Shark in Thailand (Ranked)
As mentioned above, Whale Sharks can be seen all over Thailand. However, some areas have a higher chance of spotting them. The dive site, that has less boat traffic, has abundance of marine life and is a rock pinnacle, will have a higher chance of spotting. Whale sharks use the rock pinnacle as a navigator mile stone and feeding zone during their migration.
Rank #1 Surin Islands & Richelieu Rock
Surin Islands is an Island Archipelago in the north Andaman Sea. This area is a national marine park and well protected by the government. Due to its remote location and thriving marine biodiversity, Surin Island is the hot spot for sighting of incredible tropical marine animals like Whale Shark and Manta Rays. Its also home of 300+ diverse marine life species. Underwater scene in this area is filled with rock boulders and rock pinnacle, making a perfect spot for navigation and cleaning stations for whale sharks.
Divers can find whale sharks in many unbelievable dive sites including Richelieu Rock, Tachai Pinnacle and Koh Bon. Each spot offers a unique diving experience from pinnacle and wall diving to observing large animals coming to the cleaning station.
Ranked# 2 Koh Lipe
Scuba diving in Koh Lipe is a true hidden gem in Thailand. This dive area is my favorite dive area across Thailand. And, Koh Lipe is where many divers found 2 - 3 whale sharks at the same time!. Just imagine the scene of these giants swimming together.
Koh Lipe is in South Andaman. The island is in the southern part of Thailand. This island is accessible from Satun, Thailand or from Malaysia by boat.
The island features an 8 mile rock dive site, the rock pinnacle covered with anemone reef and abundance of small fishes. This dive site is often spotted with whale sharks and sometimes more than one.
Ranked 3 - Chumphon
Chumphon is located in the Thai Gulf in the southern part of Thailand. The diving location is very close to the popular Koh Tao. The dive location is very popular among Thai scuba divers, due to its frequent whale shark sightings and WWII shipwreck. Sometimes divers can find whale sharks swimming over WWII shipwreck, how cool would that be!
The down sides of Chumphon are the water condition and lack of diving facilities. As it is very close to the mainland, Chumphon water visibility is poorer when compared to remote islands like Similan, Koh Tao or Surin Island. There are only a few dive shops and hotels in Chumphon, making it difficult for divers to find the satisfactory service. However, the dive in Chumphon is much cheaper and more accessible than any other places.
There are many dive sites that feature whale sharks in Chumphon. The notable ones are Raan Ped Raan Gai, Hin Pae, Koh Ngam and HTMS Prab (WWII shipwreck)
Ranked 4 - Similan Island
Similan Island is the most famous island archipelago in Thailand. With its beautiful white sand beaches and diverse marine life species underwater. The dive sites attract both snorkel and scuba divers to the area.
At Similan Islands, divers can expect great water conditions of crystal clear water, warm weather and mild to moderate current. It is the perfect condition for scuba divers to explore the underwater world.
Whale sharks are usually spotted in Similan Islands, as the dive site in Similand features rock boulders and rock pinnacle. Elephant Head Rock, Christmas Point and Boulder City are among the top dive sites where scuba divers can spot whale sharks.
Ranked 5 - Koh Tao
Koh Tao is the most popular diving destination in Thailand. It provides an easy diving condition alongside amazing underwater experience. With these factors, Koh Tao is famous for getting scuba diving certification and beginner divers.
And, when divers gained more experience, Koh Tao offered a more advanced level dive sites. Whale sharks are often spotted in those sites. From Koh Tao, scuba divers can explore dive sites like Sail Rock, Chumphon Pinnacle, HTMS Sattakut, Shark Island and Southwest Pinnacle. These great dive site provide amazing coral and reef experience. Whale shark, if you are lucky enough, could be an additional excitement during the dive.
Ranked 6 - Hin Muang Hin Daeng
Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are translated in English as red and purple rock. The dive site got its name for the purple and red soft corals that covered the underwater rock pinnacle, created a colourful coral reefs dive sites. This double crown rock pinnacle is commonly visited by large animals like whale shark and manta ray. Sometimes, they have been spotted together.
The dive sites are located in the South Andaman and is reachable by speed boat from Phi Phi Island or liveaboard trip to the South Andaman. As part of the Andaman sea, the diving season is mirroring the Similan and Surin Islands, where the best season is from December to February, the monsoon season is from June to September.
Another worth mentioning dive location for whale shark
Scuba divers have spotted whale sharks in this area, however the chance to see them is very limited. In some years, they might not show up in this area at all.
Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island, the island in South Andaman is the hot spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Due to high boat traffic and proximity to the mainland. Whale sharks are not well spotted in this area. However, diving in this area still provides a great diving experience with a chance of sighting leopard sharks or exploring reef biodiversity.
Racha Island
Racha Island is 1 hour boat ride away from Phuket. The island has amazing underwater visibility, which could reach as far as 30 meters. It is perfect for beginner scuba divers to practice their skill and enjoy the time underwater. Even though occasional whale shark sightings happen in this area. Most divers do not expect to see them when they embark on the journey to Racha Island.
Koh Chang
Koh Chang is located in the most eastern sea in the Thai Gulf. The island offers diving experience in National Park, Reef Diving and WWII shipwreck diving. Spotting majestic whale shark in this area is a bonus, as whale sharks are spotted once or twice a year.
The best diving month to meet with Whale Shark
Thailand's southern peninsula splits the sea into Andaman (Indian Ocean) on the west coast side and the Thai gulf on the east coast. Each has a different seasonal wind, which creates different weather and water conditions. During the same month, Andaman could be raining and the Thai Gulf would provide a perfect sunshine day.
In order to see these gentle giants, divers need to pick the right weather and water conditions. Our guide will break down which period will be the best to see this amazing creatures in both Andaman Sea and the Thai gulf
Andaman Sea - Similan Island, Surin Island, Phi Phi and Racha Islands
December to March is the best time to dive in Andaman as the weather is calm and the water conditions are favorable. The visibility is crystal blue clear with mild to moderate currents. And this is whale shark season, as these magnificent creatures often spot during this time.
October and November are shoulder season months from the rainy season. This period still provides a great chance of sighting, but the weather would be less predictable. Divers might expect some windy and rainy day
April and May are also shoulder season months. It is very hot during this period. The weather could go up as high as 35-40 degree celsius. This makes water temperature rise, which. might drive whale sharks to dive deeper and have less sightings.
June to September is the monsoon season. The national park is closed for the public for safety and reef recovery.
Andaman Sea - Koh Lipe
All year round - Whale sharks can be spotted here all year round. And Koh Lipe is not closed to the public during the low season, June to September. Divers who want to dive with the gentle giants during this period can visit Koh Lipe for a sighting chance.
Many liveaboards will move from North Andaman to Koh Lipe during this period. Divers can dive in Koh Lipe with full service of liveaboard. However, rain and strong surface current can be expected. Divers need to be skilled and careful when diving in these dive sites.
The Thai Gulf - Chumphon and Koh Tao
May to October is the windy and hot season in the Thai gulf. This season makes it favorable for divers to dive, as it is not too hot and there is no rain. Whale sharks are often spotted at this time of the year. As the water cools down, the largest fish in the ocean will spot swimming in shallow water.
February to April is the dry and hot season in the Thai Gulf. This season gives sunny blue skies almost everyday. However, the weather might be as hot as 35 to 40 degree celsius. The condition might not be the most comfortable to dive. Whale Shark is still spotted during this month.
November to January is the monsoon season in Chumphon. Divers should avoid diving in this period, as there is strong wind and current, making it dangerous to dive. However, it is possible to scuba dive. Divers might need some luck to avoid rain for diving
How to get to Whale Shark hotspot
Sighting of whale sharks in Thailand is guaranteed. Some divers dive in Thailand for the 100th time but never once encounter a whale shark. Some divers dive and experience whale shark during their open water certification.
Hence, the more the dive number the better the chance of seeing whale shark. Liveaboard will provide multiple dives per trip. It will give more chances for divers to swim with whale sharks.
Liveaboard Route to see whale shark
North Andaman
North Andaman Liveaboard trip will dive from Similan Island, Koh Tachai, Koh Bon and to Richelieu Rock. The dive itinerary will dive in locations where whale sharks are found. This route is the best chance by far to see whale sharks.
South Andaman and Koh Lipe
Liveaboard trip in South Andaman will feature the dive site from Phi Phi Island, Koh Lipe and Hin Muang Hin Daeng. This will also give a good chance for scuba divers to see whale sharks. However, in South Andaman the water visibility might be worse than North Andaman.
Koh Tao
Liveaboard trip to Koh Tao. Not famous among foreigners, but this trip is organized every year from many liveaboards. It will provide a relaxing diving experience with the chance of spotting these largest fish during the trip.
Scuba diving day trip to experience whale shark
In some locations, divers can access the whale shark dive site with scuba diving day trip service. With day trips, if the divers have time, they can go to that location as often as possible. However, most of the locations might have less sighting chances than liveaboard trips. Divers can access daytrip in location like
- Koh Lipe
- Chumphon
- Koh Tao
- Phi Phi Island
- Racha Island
- Hin Muang Hin Daeng
Tips for a Safe Whale Shark Encounter
Experiencing a whale shark could be an exhilarating experience, and the diver might not know what to react and what to do during this time. Remember, whale sharks are wild animals in their habitat and we are there to enjoy their presence. For safety and longer encounter time with this endangered species, divers do not irritate the sharks, as they might swim away.
There are a few procedure to follow when encounter whale sharks in thailand
- Do not chase the whale shark.
- Do not follow the shark up and down
- Do not touch the whale shark or hang or ride the whale shark
- Keep a safe distance 2 meters away from the whale shark.
- If you have a camera, do not use flash photography directly to whale shark’s eye
- Do not get directly into whale shark path
- Check your dive computer and air consumption.
- Stay with your buddy during the encounter
With these procedures, it will keep you, your buddy and whale shark safe. And you will have a better encounter with whale sharks.
Final thought
Swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable experience, this gentle giant swims so gracefully yet swiftly, making you in awe of its pattern and size. For the first encounter, you will have the adrenaline rush that you would not expect. But please remember to respect whale shark space and dive safely.
With this guide, I hope it could help you pick the dive location and timing for your whale shark expedition. But if you still struggle and need more information, you can contact us at Giant Stride, we give free booking consultation without obligation. We also give the best price guaranteed, if you decide to book with us. You can check the liveaboard and availability surrounding dive sites at this link.
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