9Ningaloo Reef, Australia
Ningaloo Reef, located off the western coast of Australia, is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks. These gentle giants, which can grow up to 12 meters (40 feet) long, migrate to Ningaloo between March and July each year to feed on plankton. Unlike many other shark encounters, swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef is a completely immersive experience—no cage is required. Snorkelers can glide alongside these massive creatures in the clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean, making for an awe-inspiring encounter.
