Great White Shark Distribution: Encountering one in the Pacific?

Question

I'm planning on going to the Philippines sometime soon to swim with Whale Sharks and quite possibly Manta Rays if there are any. The only problem is that while I was looking at the distribution of the Whale Sharks, the Great White Sharks' was just on the right side, and apparently it thrives almost around the same areas where Whale Sharks are, including the Philippines.

I'm not sure if this data is 100% accurate, but for those who are experienced in their distribution and/or quite possibly have had gone to the Philippines to swim with Whale Sharks, what are the chances of encountering a Great White Shark there? I know that Great White Sharks thrive around the California coast, and most in South Africa, but I never heard of them being Philippine waters.

Tentofield, I realize that the Jaws shark is fiction. I like sharks actually, but Great Whites are curious, and to relieve they're curiosity about something, they'll bite it, wether it be a human or a tire. I know it's nothing personal, but I'd rather not have a body part ripped off me. Haha. I was just wondering so I can be more prepared just incase. Swimming alongside Great Whites is usually not recommended.

Thanks Andrej, but I'm more worried about the other leviathans that would be swimming around me other than Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. I took the liberty of researching about them a long time ago, even as far back as a kid, and I'm completely aware of the protocols and proper etiquette when swimming with whale sharks. Thank you though.

Answer 1

Diving with Whale Sharks in their natural environment is a breathtaking and rewarding experience. The worlds biggest fish gliding slowly but gracefully past, resplendent in its dappled skin, within touching distance and impassive to the presence of the oImage copyright rachel grahamnlooker. Many thousands of divers seek out this opportunity annually, and Whale Shark diving tours can be commercially beneficial to an area. Whale Shark ecotourism is worth an estimated $47.5 million dollars annually and many small communities benefit financially.

Whale Sharks are passive creatures and can be agitated by aggressive behaviour such as being touched, or chased. It is as much a diveImage copyright simon rogersonr’s responsibility as anyone’s to ensure the survival of Whale Sharks for future generations. This means causing minimal disturbance to the sharks when approaching by boat or when diving. Although Whale Sharks are harmless, their sheer size makes it necessary to exercise caution around them, especially at the tail end.

Divers need to be aware of any local regulations or protocols set by the dive organisation regarding behaviour around Whale Sharks before entering the water. Regardless of whether there are any regulations are in place, please follow these general guidelines developed and promoted by The Shark Trust, the Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management and PADI International and the Project AWARE Foundation, both for your own safety and for the safety of the Sharks.

IMPORTANT !!!
• Do not attempt to touch, ride, or chase a Whale Shark.
• Do not restrict normal movement or behaviour of the Shark.
• Maintain a minimum distance of 3 metres from the Whale Shark.
• Do not undertake flash photography.
• Do not use underwater motorised diver propulsions.

Answer 2

I live in Australia. We all live with the constant threat of being attacked and eaten by a shark - of any species! This has not stopped us swimming in the ocean. Nor should it stop you from what sounds like a pretty awesome experience!

If you drive a car, you should be more worried about getting wiped out through that medium! Cars kill thousands of times more people than sharks!!! Plus, cars are a whole lot less environmentally friendly than sharks.

Go have a mad holiday. If you do see a Great White, count yourself lucky as I believe they're on their way to being an endangered species. If you do have a close encounter, just smack the blighter on the nose with a closed fist. Apparently they have a lot of sensory apparatus on the tip of their noses and hate being punched there.

Love and Light,


Jarrah

Answer 3

Great whites are found in all seas and all oceans. Attacks on humans are very rare. Usually if humans are attacked it is because the shark thought they were something else such as as a seal. Don't worry about them, "Jaws" was fiction.