Whale Shark Safaris

Whale Shark Safaris in Diani

Whale shark safaris in Diani offer you the chance to get in the water with the largest fish in the Ocean, the Whale Shark. Whale shark season in Diani generally runs from October through to March with the peak stage being January and February. However, that is not to say that there are no chances of seeing them at other times of the year.

Whale Shark safaris in Diani are run during January, February, and March. The tours typically consist of meeting up at the dive base at Baobab Beach Resort & Spa or Alliance Safari Beach Hotel. The boat tours will then go up and down the Diani coast searching for whale sharks. When they locate whale sharks, the boat captains will then take you to hopefully snorkel close to these magnificent creatures.

Papa Shillingi

In the local language in Kenya, Kiswahili, the whale shark is referred to as the Papa Shillingi. This literally translates as a “shark covered in shillings.” The local currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling. The legend says that God was so pleased when he created this magnificent fish, he gave his angels gold and silver coins to rain down from heaven onto its back. As such the whale sharks have magical markings and must swim close to the surface, catching the sun on their backs to give thanks to their creator.

Can I swim with the whale sharks?

If you can swim then the answer to this question is yes. Of course, you can swim with the whale sharks on the whale shark safaris in Diani.

The chance to be in the water with the world’s biggest fish can be both exhilarating and serene all in one feeling. You will feel tiny compared to these giants who can grow up to several metres in length. Size isn’t something to worry about.

Whale sharks are curious around people but this has absolutely nothing to do with lunch. Their diet typically consists of plankton, copepods, krill, and fish eggs.

When it is time to jump into the water, an Ocean Tribe PADI Divemaster will be in the water with you as your guide, ensuring you swim a safe distance with the fish. You’ll be dropped in the water close to the whale shark, and your guide will tell you when to put your head in the water and start swimming. Check out the marvel of the large white spots on the whale sharks’ backs and the distinctive ridges which one might even mistake for stripes. Be awed by the Papa Shillingi.

What Will I see on the Whale Shark Safari in Diani?

Obviously on the whale shark safaris in Diani, we are out to find the main event. The world’s largest fish, the whale shark. However other common sightings seen by our guests include the local dolphins, turtles, other common coral reef life as well as big game fish.

Reasons to go on a Whale Shark Safari in Diani

Do something unique. Only 1 in 3 million people globally will swim with a whale shark in their life!
You can swim with the largest fish on the planet. Not just seeing them you can actually get in the water with them.
Whale Sharks are harmless. Don’t let the name fool you. Whale sharks are filter feeders and it is 100% safe to be in the water with them.
Whale Sharks are an endangered species. Getting in the water with this magnificent animal will help you want to contribute more to ensure the continued existence of this species.

Are whale shark sightings guaranteed?

While we have experienced and knowledgeable crews and tour leaders on our whale shark safaris in Diani with solid success rates in tracking the local sharks, whale shark sightings can never be guaranteed 100%. After all, these are wild-elusive animals who are not running to a theme park schedule or your particular timings.

That being said, when we do find whale sharks on marine safaris, there are often likely to be many other species of marine life in the same area. This can include dolphins, porpoises, turtles, seabirds, larger big game fish, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Whale Shark Safaris in Diani

What should I bring on a Whale Shark safari?

Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle (You can fill this up free at our water sports base before we leave)
Swimsuit
Camera/Phone with waterproof protection(These are taken on board at your own risk and Ocean Tribe will not be responsible for their misplacement or water damage)
Sun protection such as t-shirts/ kikoi (sarongs) and towels. The sun can get mighty strong at sea.

On board, we will provide fruit and snacks during the adventure and another water bottle-filling facility.

How long does a Whale Shark Safari in Diani last?

The duration of a whale shark safari in Diani depends entirely on the regularity of sightings, environmental conditions, and the Captain and crew. Trips typically have been lasting 2-3 hours but can be shorter than that if you get lucky quickly.