* The open ocean: They often roam vast stretches of the open ocean, following ocean currents and seeking out areas with abundant plankton, their primary food source.
* Coastal areas: They are also found in coastal waters, especially around coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
* Tropical and subtropical latitudes: They prefer waters with temperatures between 21°C and 30°C (70°F and 86°F).
Specific regions where whale sharks are frequently observed include:
* The Gulf of Mexico: Known for a large aggregation of whale sharks in the summer.
* The Caribbean Sea: Popular areas include Belize, Honduras, and Mexico.
* The Indian Ocean: Areas like the Maldives, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka offer good chances of spotting them.
* The Pacific Ocean: Popular destinations include the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia.
* The Red Sea: A good location for spotting whale sharks, especially around the Saudi Arabian coastline.
It is important to note that whale sharks are migratory, meaning they move around a lot. Their exact location can vary throughout the year.