Cabo Adventures logo

Tours

PrivateGroupsDolphinsWhales & WildlifeSpecial Offers
ENG US
All ToursBoat ToursCamelsDolphinsBeach & AdventureCity ToursWhales & WildlifeScuba DivingScuba LessonsPrivate Tours
blog/Animal Life/Are Whale Sharks Dangerous?

Are Whale Sharks Dangerous?

3 min read
A snorkeler swims alongside a massive whale shark in deep blue waters, showcasing the grandeur of the ocean.
Written by Cabo Adventures

Established in 1994

Published on June 19, 2024

Article Summary

Whale sharks, despite their size, are not dangerous to humans. They are filter feeders, primarily consuming plankton and krill. While their mouths are large, they pose no threat to humans as long as a safe distance is maintained.

Is it safe to swim with whale sharks?

A close-up underwater photo of a whale shark's head and part of its body. The shark's wide mouth is slightly open, revealing its gills. The shark's distinctive white spots are visible against its dark gray skin.

Lots of people want to know if whale sharks are dangerous and considering they can reach up to 10 meters long, we don’t blame you. However, these lengthy sea creatures truly are the giants of the sea. Unlike their Stephen Spielberg counterpart, they are docile, passive and, most importantly, don’t even use their teeth to eat.
Learn more about these amazing swimmers who you can snorkel alongside during your next Cabo getaway with our experience. 

Whale sharks definitely do not eat humans

A young woman swims alongside a majestic whale shark in the clear waters of Cabo San Lucas.

Whale sharks are what the scientific world refers to as filter feeders. That means, they like to snack on krill and plankton, which are some of the smallest organisms that populate the sea. We’re not going to lie, their mouths are actually wide enough to swallow a human (whole), but considering they think we smell bad and they prefer to slurp, rather than bite, you are totally safe – as long as you don’t stick your hand in their gigantic vacuum.
Consider them the BIG friendly giants of the sea, emphasis on biG
When we say big, we mean somewhere between a coach and school bus big. Whale sharks can reach up to 10 meters long, and they certainly aren’t what you would call slender either. While their size is extremely intimidating for us mere mortals, they will likely be far more afraid of you than you are of them.
When swimming with whale sharks, remember it’s best to stay near their heads, as their massive tails can give you a pretty powerful whip. Don’t worry, they aren’t very fast swimmers, so it won’t be a challenge to keep up.

A whale shark opens its massive mouth to filter feed, surrounded by a school of fish in the crystal clear waters of Cabo.

Fun Fact: Unlike other sharks who use their large tail fins to swim, whale sharks use their whole huge bodies to propel themselves through the water.

The only thing you should worry about when you go swimming with Whale Sharks is choosing the best tour so that you guarantee an extraordinary experience.

If you want the unforgettable experience of swimming with one of nature’s largest creatures, you should make sure that the touring agency you choose to book your trip with knows what they’re doing and how to keep you safe.
Not only will the right company provide the proper protective gear and appropriate snorkeling equipment, but they will also help make your whale shark mission as enjoyable as possible. Cabo Adventures is full of highly knowledgeable and professional staff who know where to find whale sharks and how best to approach them to create a safe and respectful environment for all parties involved. Best of all, during your excursion, they will tell you all about these amazing creatures, so you can take your fun facts home with you as a getaway gift.
Learn more about our Whale Sharks Encounter now and book an unforgettable adventure with nature’s gentlest giants.

Related Tours

A snorkeler swimming alongside a whale shark in Cabo's clear blue waters.

$202 USD$289 USD

-30%

La Paz Whale Shark Tour

Whale watching tour in Cabo, with a breaching whale close to the boat.

$76 USD$109 USD

-30%

Cabo Whale Watching

Humpback whale breaching near a boat with tourists, with rocky cliffs and blue sky in the background.

$97 USD$139 USD

-30%

Luxury Whale Watching In Cabo

A boat with tourists in life jackets near the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, with clear blue waters and rocky cliffs.

$69 USD$99 USD

-30%

Cabo Arch Tour & Snorkeling

Related Tours

A snorkeler swimming alongside a whale shark in Cabo's clear blue waters.

La Paz Whale Shark Tour

$202 USD$289 USD

-30%

More than 6 hours tours in Cabo10 Hours

Activities in Puerto VallartaMin 8 years old

Whale watching tour in Cabo, with a breaching whale close to the boat.

Cabo Whale Watching

$76 USD$109 USD

-30%

Less than 3 hours tours in Cabo2 Hours

Activities in Puerto VallartaMin 5 years old

Humpback whale breaching near a boat with tourists, with rocky cliffs and blue sky in the background.

Luxury Whale Watching In Cabo

$97 USD$139 USD

-30%

Less than 3 hours tours in Cabo2.5 Hours

Activities in Puerto VallartaMin 5 years old

A boat with tourists in life jackets near the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, with clear blue waters and rocky cliffs.

Cabo Arch Tour & Snorkeling

$69 USD$99 USD

-30%

Less than 3 hours tours in Cabo3 Hours

Activities in Puerto VallartaMin 5 years old

Related Articles

Snorkeler Swimming With A Massive Whale Shark In The Clear Blue Waters Of Cabo

What Is A Whale Shark? The Ocean's Friendly Giant

Traveler swimming with a whale shark in Cabo.

Whats is it like to Swim with a Whale Shark?

A snorkeler swims alongside a massive whale shark in deep blue waters, showcasing the grandeur of the ocean.

Are Whale Sharks Dangerous?

What To Do In And On The Water In Cabo

What To Do In And On The Water In Cabo