If you’ve ever dreamed of coming face to face with the largest fish in the ocean, you’re not alone. Whale sharks – the gentle giants of the sea – top the bucket list of many divers around the world. But the big question is: Can you really see whale sharks in Thailand, especially around Phuket? Or is it just another scuba diving myth?

Let’s dive in and separate fact from fiction.

Whale Sharks: Majestic, Massive, and Misunderstood

Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are filter-feeding, slow-moving sharks that can grow up to 12 meters long. Despite their size and intimidating name, they’re completely harmless to humans. They glide gracefully through tropical waters, feeding on plankton and tiny fish.

Thailand is home to a variety of vibrant marine life—but is it really a whale shark hotspot?

Where Can You Spot Whale Sharks in Thailand?

Yes, whale sharks are absolutely real in Thai waters, and they do make appearances in certain locations during specific seasons.

Some of the best places in Thailand to spot whale sharks include:

• Richelieu Rock (near the Surin Islands)
  
• Hin Daeng & Hin Muang (south of Koh Lanta)
  
• Koh Tao
  
• Similan Islands
  
• Phuket and the surrounding Andaman Sea
  

Although whale shark sightings are not guaranteed, they are not uncommon—especially between February and May, when plankton levels rise and attract these ocean wanderers.

Myth or Reality?

So, is diving with whale sharks in Thailand a myth or a reality?

✅ Reality – with a bit of luck and the right timing.
 While it’s never 100% guaranteed (after all, these are wild animals), divers regularly encounter whale sharks in Thailand, especially with experienced dive operators who know the best routes and seasons.

VGA Vacation Can Take You There

At VGA Vacation, our professional diving team specializes in unforgettable dive tours around Phuket and beyond. With years of local knowledge and a passion for marine life, we regularly guide divers to locations known for whale shark sightings—including Richelieu Rock, the Similan Islands, and top dive spots near Phuket.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver, we’ll help you get the most out of your dive trip—and maybe even check “diving with a whale shark” off your bucket list!

Ready to Dive Into the Experience of a Lifetime?

Don’t let the moment pass you by. Book your dive trip with VGA Vacation and increase your chances of meeting the gentle giants of the deep.

• Contact us today to plan your adventure
•  vgavacation.com/contact/
•  Based in Phuket – Guided by passion, powered by the ocean