Kenya whale shark safari

The gentle whale shark, the world’s largest fish, is seen each year off the southern coast of Kenya. Researchers tag them on expeditions from October through March, but peak season is February-March and visitors may watch.

Visitors stay at beach resorts and can join the almost daily 4-hour trips leaving from Pinewood Village in Diani. Whale sharks stay near the surface, and snorkelers can swim nearby during the tagging process.

A donation of €100 (near $158) per person goes to the research foundation. Contact Nimu Njonjo of East African Whale Shark Trust (Aqualand Watersports Centre, Galu/Kinondo Beach, P.O. Box 933-80400, Ukunda, Kenya; phone +254 72029 3156, e-mail nimu@giantsharks.org or visit www.giantsharks.org).