Swimming

Explore five of the best places to swim with sharks and whales, including the Maldives, Australia, Tonga, The Bahamas and South Africa.

Seeing marine life from a boat is memorable. Entering the water with a trained guide feels completely different. These five destinations offer some of the world’s best regulated whale and shark encounters.

1.South Ari Atoll, Maldives: Whale Sharks South Ari Marine Protected Area offers whale shark sightings throughout the year. Choose a resort or local island with responsible, guided snorkeling trips. This option suits a shorter holiday from the UAE.

2.Ningaloo Reef, Australia: Whale Sharks and Humpback Whales Ningaloo Reef offers guided swims with whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays during different seasons. Add a private coastal stay for a premium nature trip.

3.Vavaʻu, Tonga: Humpback Whales Between July and October, licensed guides take small groups into the water with humpback whales. Vavaʻu suits confident swimmers planning a dedicated wildlife holiday.

4.Bimini, The Bahamas: Great Hammerhead Sharks Bimini is known for winter diving with great hammerhead sharks. Most encounters require scuba certification and an experienced guide. Combine Bimini with Miami or another island in The Bahamas.

5.Gansbaai, South Africa: Shark Cage Diving Gansbaai offers cage diving with permitted operators near Cape Town. Possible sightings include white sharks, bronze whaler sharks, seven-gill sharks and rays. Scuba certification is usually not required for surface cages.