It is the biggest shark in the world, but marine biologists warn that humans getting too close could pose a greater danger to them than us.
After ninemsn ran a story on two Queensland fishermen riding whale sharks on Sunday, more readers have come forward with shark-riding stories of their own.
In a series of photos, a group of youths from Tweed Heads are seen clinging to the backs of one of the giant fish, even straddling one like a surfboard.
Perth-based whale shark expert Brad Norman has strongly warned against the practice.
"Basically there are some specific restrictions that really need to be adhered to, to minimise the impact humans have on the sharks," he told ninemsn.
"Probably the most blatant is definitely no touching, and no riding."
Mr Norman, who works as a director of whale shark protection group Ecocean, said human interaction could change the natural behaviour of the big fish.
"There is a lot of concern about whale sharks because they are a threatened species and their numbers have been in decline globally," he said.
"They are quite vulnerable when they are at the surface from boat strikes, and they might migrate to areas where they are hunted, so if they are near the surface they are easy prey."
While the whale shark is typically a very placid animal, people are putting themselves at risk by swimming with them.
"They don't utilise their teeth, so there's no fear of being bitten, but they are huge animals," Mr Norman said.
"They aren't a vicious creature or one that seeks out confrontation, but they can defend themselves.
"It only takes a flick of the tail, and if you're in the way you could potentially be knocked out."
But while getting close to whale sharks is not recommended, it is not actually illegal in most states.
The Federal Government's Department of Environment has warned against interfering with whale sharks.
"While whale sharks are protected under national environmental law it is not an offence to interact in Commonwealth waters," a spokeswoman said.
"Members of the public are discouraged from this kind of behaviour as it may result in stress or injury."
Growing up to 12m long and reaching weights of more than 21 tonnes, whale sharks are the largest fish in the world.
The animals feed largely on plankton and microscopic plants.
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