Essential Information on the Whale Shark
The Whale Shark, the largest fish in the ocean, can reach up to an impressive 50 feet (16 meters) in length. These creatures inhabit tropical and temperate waters worldwide. As one of only three filter-feeding sharks, their diet mainly consists of plankton, crustaceans, krill, and occasionally small fish. In the Galápagos Islands, Whale Sharks are commonly seen around Darwin Island in the northern part and occasionally near the main islands further south.
These majestic giants arrive around June and July, migrating to coincide with the Humboldt Current’s arrival in Galápagos waters. This cold, nutrient-rich current flows north from the south, enhancing the local marine environment. Scientists believe Whale Sharks may use the Earth's magnetic fields for navigation.
While their exact reason for visiting Galápagos at this time of year remains unclear, it is hypothesized to be linked to their breeding cycles. Despite this, little is known about their reproductive behavior. It is known that female Whale Sharks can carry over 300 eggs!
The Whale Shark is classified as "vulnerable and endangered" due to threats such as illegal fishing, bycatch, and ship strikes. Consequently, the trade of Whale Shark meat and products is banned, as outlined in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
In Galápagos, diving at Darwin Island provides an exceptional experience. A dive cruise here offers a rare opportunity to see these magnificent, gentle giants up close, making it a highlight of any Galápagos diving adventure.
