Whale Shark

Photo: Bert Klangpremchitt · © all rights reserved

Whale sharks visit South Reef annually between June and August, drawn by plankton blooms associated with the South China Sea's inter-monsoon upwellings. Redang's whale sharks are typically juveniles measuring three to seven metres, smaller and more manoeuvrable than the large adults seen at oceanic aggregation sites. Each encounter is treated as a snorkel-only event by responsible operators to minimise disturbance, as these IUCN-endangered animals are highly sensitive to boat noise and physical contact.