The whale shark - Rhincodon typus.

Madagascar vacation offers you the opportunity to see the largest fish in the ocean, the Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) to discover, observe and swim with him.

In the region Nosy Be there are many marine creatures, including the whale shark, which is often encountered when traveling at sea. Every year more and more tourists from all over the world come to the region to meet these "gentle giants".

The best time of the year to see them is from October to December, but the rest of the year you can see them while diving or on a cruise.

This majestic fish of impressive size features a unique pattern of ridges and dots on its thick dorsal skin. These markings are as unique as human fingerprints.

Due to their immense and massive size can Whale sharks impress, but these "gentle giants" of the oceans are harmless and free of aggression. They feed mainly on plankton, which they filter, krill, small fish and squid.

Their average size is about 8 meters, but some can measure up to 14 meters and weigh up to 12 tons.

They move at a slow speed (about 5 km/h), but can cover thousands of kilometers during their migrations. They are generally rather solitary, but sometimes in certain lagoons can be observed aggregations during the reproductive seasons of the animal or coral, as they also feed on the milk soup that they disperse.

Although it is not yet known how gestation occurs, we know that the young are born formed and are about 45 to 50 cm long, and that the fish reach sexual maturity at the age of 20 to 30 years.

Their average life expectancy is estimated at 70 years, although their life expectancy can be 100 years or more. These fish have no known predators other than killer whales and especially humans.

Although they pose no threat to divers or humans in general, these harmless creatures are unfortunately increasingly threatened by human activities and overfishing. Whale sharks are currently listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Whale sharks are docile and very easy to approach, so touching them is strongly discouraged to avoid transmitting diseases and bacteria to them. A few meters distance is necessary to observe them respectfully and especially to facilitate their movements.

Vacations in Madagascar is committed to discovering this wonderful creature with respect and gentleness, to disturb it as little as possible and leave everyone the memory of an unforgettable being.