Can you legally swim with whale sharks?

They are also afforded lesser protection internationally than whales which means laws don't stop you swimming with them, and because they are filter feeds, whale sharks are found closer to the surface and shores for longer periods of time as compared to whales.
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Is it illegal to swim with a whale shark?

Whale shark watching

It is not a whale but actually a shark, belonging to the group of cartilaginous fishes. It is call a 'whale shark' simply because of its enormous size. Interactions with these gentle giants have increased significantly, and anyone can swim with them simply by snorkelling or scuba diving.
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Is it possible to swim with whale sharks?

The Sea of Cortez, sandwiched between the Baja peninsula and Mexico's mainland, is one of the best locations in the world for swimming with whale sharks. Oceanic Society leads whale shark snorkeling expeditions in La Paz.
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Where can you swim with whale sharks in the US?

Journey with Gentle Giants is the only opportunity in the world where you are guaranteed to swim with whale sharks, manta rays and more. You'll get to swim with a snorkel in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, built by The Home Depot, with thousands of amazing animals for the experience of a lifetime.
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Is it ethical to swim with whale sharks?

To answer the question: swimming with whale sharks can be an ethical experience, if the activity is properly managed and regulations are followed. Some countries with locations which sport well-regulated zones for swimming with whale sharks include Mexico, Western Australia, Tanzania and Mozambique.
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Swimming in the Ocean with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays!

Can I swim with whale sharks on my period?

It's perfectly fine to swim in the ocean while menstruating. A shark can detect blood in the water but if the shark is one mile away and there are no currents in the water carrying the blood scent to the shark, you will be perfectly safe.
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Is the whale shark the friendliest shark?

Whale sharks are one of the most amazing animals in the world — and while they may be sharks, they're also one of the most gentle fish in the sea. In fact, whale sharks are so gentle, they're completely safe to swim around.
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Why can't you scuba dive with whale sharks?

As a protected species, you're not allowed to scuba dive with the whale sharks, but can snorkel with them from the surface.
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Can you swim with orcas in the US?

In many countries and states, it is illegal to approach too closely to orca, either by boat and other watercraft or when swimming. If you do come across orca, many laws stipulate that you must keep outside of an exclusion zone (for example, in US waters you are not allowed to approach closer than 200 metres).
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How many whale sharks have died at the Georgia Aquarium?

Two of the whale sharks, Ralph and Norton, passed away in 2007, two years after the aquarium's opening. Many have speculated that they died because of the lack of knowledge surrounding keeping these enormous animals in captivity. The other two whale sharks of the initial four also died years later.
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Has a whale shark ever attacked a human?

While they are meat-loving carnivores, whale sharks do not attack humans.
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Can we touch a whale shark?

Touching whale sharks can interfere with their skin. Their skin has a layer of mucus, which is there to protect them, and if we touch the skin of a whale shark, we may leave them vulnerable to ailments.
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Can a human ride a whale shark?

While they don't have the same stigma as great white sharks, their mouths are still about 4 feet wide, and their enormous weight could certainly injure a human. This is why you shouldn't be riding them.
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Is it safe to swim next to a whale shark?

Yes, it is safe to swim with whale sharks. You most certainly are not on the menu, yet for some that isn't enough to allay fears.
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Has anyone ever caught a whale shark?

The largest recorded whale shark was caught in Taiwan in 1987; she weighed 34 tonnes.
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Is there an age limit for swimming with whale sharks?

If you can swim, you can snorkel and swim with whale sharks – they are gentle giants. No age restrictions!
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What to do if an orca approaches you while swimming?

Try to get out of the water, because you could risk other dangers such as hypothermia. Orcas can be dangerous because they are large, but they're generally not interested in humans as prey. If orcas approach, “they might just be curious as to what you are,” Strager said.
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Is it OK to swim with wild orcas?

While there is no defined distance that one must maintain from an orca, we do recommend swimming side by side and not coming in their path. It is also best not to touch or feed them as doing so may cause stress to the mammal.
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Can orcas be friendly to humans?

As with any animal, their behavior can vary greatly based on their environment and experiences. However, there is evidence to suggest that killer whales can exhibit friendly behavior towards humans and other animals, which has intrigued researchers and whale enthusiasts alike.
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Are whale sharks friendly?

Despite their size, whale sharks do not pose significant danger to humans. They are gentle, docile creatures that are at times playful and curious. Snorkellers swim with these giant fish without real risk, apart from the chance of an unintentional blow from the shark's large tail fin.
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Do whale sharks bite?

Whale sharks are filter feeders and can neither bite nor chew. They can process more than 1585 gallons of water an hour through their gills.
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Why don t sharks eat scuba divers?

Humans, particularly neoprene clad humans are simply not on their list of favored foods. By and large sharks will tend to avoid contact with people.
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Has a whale shark ever attacked a person?

Whale sharks are the largest fish species in the world, with a gentle nature, never attacking humans unprovoked. Unique white spots cover their backs, akin to human fingerprints, making each one distinct. As a result, whale sharks are often referred to as. the fish from the stars.
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Why is it illegal to touch a whale shark?

Whale sharks are not a tactile species; if you touch a whale shark this is likely to end the encounter prematurely and disrupt the shark's natural cruising behaviours which are necessary for their overall health and recuperation.
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What is the lifespan of a whale shark?

Whale sharks inhabit the open waters of all tropical oceans. They are rarely found in water below 21 °C (70 °F). Whale sharks' lifespans are estimated to be between 80 and 130 years, based on studies of their vertebral growth bands and the growth rates of free-swimming sharks.
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