Protecting the Giants of the Sea — One Drop at a Time

You’ve probably heard us say it already: no sunscreen allowed on our whale shark tours.
And yes — we really mean no sunscreen. Not even the “reef-safe” stuff.

Here’s why this rule matters more than you might think.

🦈 Whale Sharks Feed at the Surface — Right Where You Swim

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, but they feed on some of the tiniest things in the sea: fish eggs, plankton, and microscopic organisms floating right at the surface. They swim with their enormous mouths open, filtering thousands of gallons of water through their mouths and gills every hour.

If you’re wearing sunscreen while you swim, that sunscreen washes off your body and into the exact water the whale sharks are feeding on.

Now imagine that:
A 30-foot gentle giant filtering water — and accidentally taking in sunscreen chemicals, oils, and residues instead of nutrients.

Even in tiny doses, these ingredients can harm marine life. That’s why we have a zero-tolerance policy for sunscreen during the tour — even the ones labeled “reef-safe.”

🌞 How to Protect Yourself From the Sun — Without Hurting the Sharks

We know the sun is strong out here, and we want you to be comfortable and protected. So here’s what we do recommend:

• 🧢 A wide-brimmed hat or cap

• 👕 Long-sleeve shirts, lightweight coverups, or rash guards

• 🏖️ Towels or sarongs to wrap up when you’re not swimming

• ☂️ Sit in the shade when you can — but remember, UV rays bounce off the water, even in shaded parts of the boat!

By using physical protection instead of chemical ones, you’re helping keep the ocean — and the whale sharks — clean and healthy for everyone.

💙 Respect Comes First

We’ve been doing these tours for nearly 20 years, and we’ve built our company around respect — for our guests, our crew, and the animals we’re lucky enough to encounter.

Saying no to sunscreen isn’t just a rule — it’s a commitment to protecting the very species we’ve come to see.

So please plan ahead. Pack your sun-protective clothing. And help us keep the experience safe, sustainable, and unforgettable.

📍 Learn more or book your tour at:
👉 https://islawhalesharks.com