Your Path to Diving with Whale Sharks.

Imagine opening your inbox to find it brimming with enthusiastic requests like, “I’m not certified, but I want to go diving with whale sharks next week!” While these inquiries are charming, they highlight the thrill and allure of scuba diving—a world where nature dictates the schedule and guarantees are as elusive as a whale shark itself.

For those just beginning their journey into the underwater realm, a gentle reminder: we can’t promise you’ll encounter specific marine creatures on every dive. While we have favorite dive spots where manta rays, dolphins, and the occasional turtle are more likely to appear, these magnificent beings operate on their own schedules.

To increase your chances of a memorable encounter with these incredible creatures, the key is to become a certified diver. This journey begins with the Open Water Course, where you’ll gain the skills needed to explore depths up to 18 meters (59 feet). The course schedule is as follows:

A quick breakdown on everything:

Open Water Course

Course Schedule:

Day 1:

08:45 – 11:30: Theory
11:30 – 12:30: Break
12:30 – 17:00: Pool training

Day 2:

09:00 – 11:00: Theory
11:00 – 12:00: Break
12:00 – 17:30: Two shallow dives (maximum 12m) and exam

Day 3:

06:30 – 12:30: Two deep dives (maximum 18m)

To successfully complete the course, everyone must demonstrate the ability to swim 200 meters without stopping and float for 10 minutes. All good so far? Course Fee: 11,000 baht

Advanced Course

It’s highly recommended to advance your skills immediately by continuing with our Advanced Course right after your Open Water certification. This includes 5 specialty dives, no exams, and no classroom time.

Course Overview:

Duration: 2 days
Number of Dives: 5 advanced specialty dives
Cost: 11,000 baht (10% discount if you did the Open Water Course with us, bringing it to 9,900 baht)

Typical Schedule:

Day 1:

09:45: Meet at the dive shop
10:00 – 11:30: Introduction and dive planning
11:30 – 12:30: Break
12:30 – 17:00: Two dives

Day 2:

06:30 – 11:30: Two dives

Optional: Night dive between 18:00 – 20:00 on one of the days.

Specialty Dives May Include:

Perfect Buoyancy
Navigation
Fish ID
Deep Dive (30m)
Wreck Dive
Night Dive

Even with these certifications, diving a whale shark is akin to spotting a celebrity—they don’t just show up anywhere. Consider Jacques Cousteau, the legendary explorer, who waited 20 years for his first whale shark sighting. On the other hand, our own Big Blue DM Adam encountered one after just 150 dives, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of the underwater world.

Diving with a Whale Shark

If you’re lucky enough to dive with a whale shark, here’s a quick and quirky guide to ensure a smooth and respectful encounter:

Do Not Touch the Sharks

While giving a whale shark a high-five sounds fun, their skin is protected by a delicate layer of mucus. Touching them can make them vulnerable to disease and might even send them fleeing faster than you can say “where’d it go?”

Maintain a Respectful Distance

Just like you wouldn’t want someone in your personal bubble at the beach, whale sharks need their space too. Keep a few meters away to avoid making them feel like they’re the star of an unwanted close-up and to protect yourself from getting a surprise smack from their impressive tails.

Stay to the Side

Channel your inner dance partner and glide alongside the whale shark rather than cutting it off or hovering above. If you’re diving in a group, avoid forming a shark sandwich by surrounding it. Give the big guy some room to decide whether or not it wants to hang out with you.

Do Not Feed the Sharks

These magnificent creatures don’t need you to play chef. Feeding them can mess up their natural rhythm and turn them into entitled diners who expect delivery. Let them hunt like the ocean pros they are!

Lead by Example

Be the dive buddy everyone wants by promoting these friendly guidelines. If you spot anyone trying to ride a whale shark like it’s a surfboard, step up and remind them to respect these marvelous creatures. Report any questionable antics to the local authorities.

If you’re eager to swim alongside the ocean’s gentle giants, getting certified is your best shot at making it happen. Start with your Open Water Course, move up to Advanced, and dive into a world of endless possibilities. Who knows? You might just have the encounter of a lifetime. The ocean is waiting for you to explore its wonders! Want to know more about whalesharks?