Maldives is one of the best spots to encounter Whale sharks. When you are visiting Maldives looking for comfort, why not take an adventurous tour for future tales? Here’s everything you need to know about the best Whale Shark season in Maldives including the best places to spot these magnificent creatures during your visit.
Read my Maldives Travel Guide if you wish to make a trip to the Maldives
Best Places to See Whale Shark In Maldives
The Maldives is one of the few places in the world where you can see whale sharks year-round. However, there are certain times and locations where your chances of encountering them are higher.
South Ari Atoll (Ari Atoll)
South Ari Atoll is a hotspot for whale sharks. It’s a marine protected area since 2009, declared by the Maldivian government. There are some restrictions for visiting this place to protect Whale Shark. You should book a tour package to visit this place. The warm water with rich plankton attracts these gentle giants for feeding opportunities.
Popular sites within the atoll for spotting whale sharks include Maamigili, Dhidhdhoo Beyru, Dhigurah, and Sun Island.
Baa Atoll
Another fantastic spot to encounter whale sharks in the Maldives is Baa Atoll. This is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve site. Hanifaru Bay is the world’s largest Manta Ray feeding station. The wet season is the best time to encounter whale sharks and manta Rays in this area. During this period plankton grows rapidly, that’s why they come here to feed themselves.
You should know about some restrictions on visiting this place. There are 5 boats with 80 people can be permitted to visit for 45 minutes.
Best Whale Shark Season in Maldives
Whale sharks can be seen all year round in the Maldives. It depends on you to choose the best time. Wet Season is considered the peak whale shark season in the Maldives. During this season plankton grows rapidly in the eastern side of Maldives Atolls which attracts Whale sharks and Manta Rays. But you might not get clear water and weather conditions might cancel your trip.
November to April is the best time to encounter whale sharks in Maldives’ Western side. During this time you will get clear water and the sea keeps calm. But as it is the peak tourist season in the Maldives your budget might exceed and who knows if tourists make their interest at this time too?
I recommend you to contact your tour provider or resort owner to get a better idea. Things are changing due to rapid weather changes.
- The peak time is from August to November
- The best time is from November to April
- It will be better if you visit from January – March for clear water
Tips before booking a Whale Shark Tour Package Maldives
There is mainly one tour operator that arranges Whale Shark watching tour packages. The name of the company is “Tuktukdude“. The problem you might face is they will accept your booking and then cancel if anyone pays them more and suggest you another package.
Other things are sometimes they take more visitors with a small boat and are not conscious about the environment. Hope the government will notice and take the right action for these kinds of behaviours.
Before booking a tour package contact them and clear everything and don’t book a package with accommodations.
There is a diver group in the Maldives who dive in this area you can find them here. Contact them to get the best recommendation. Photos in this article are sponsored by them.
Tips for Swimming with Whale Sharks in Maldives
To enhance your experience and ensure the safety and well-being of both you and the whale sharks, keep the following tips in mind:
- Book a Tour: Join a reputable snorkeling or diving tour if you find other than “Tuktukdude” with experienced guides who know the best spots to encounter whale sharks.
- Maintain Space: Maintain a safe distance of at least 3 meters (10 feet) from the whale sharks to avoid disturbing them.
- Avoid Touching: Never touch them which is completely forbidden. If you touch them, your fine will be around $60.
- Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: You should Protect the marine environment by using eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen.
- Follow the Guide’s Instructions: Listen to your guide and follow their instructions carefully to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Be Patient: No one guarantees you that you will encounter Whale sharks. So be patient and enjoy the overall experience of snorkeling or diving in the Maldives’ turquoise waters.
- Avoid Flash: While taking photos be sure to turn off mobile and camera flash as this action disturbs Whale sharks.
- Avoid risky places: Don’t swim in front of a Whale Shark or near the tale area. They are slow-moving species.
Join Whale Shark Conservation Efforts
The Maldives is committed to the conservation of whale sharks. Various organizations and marine biologists are actively involved in research and conservation programs to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
There is a volunteer opportunity provided by The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP). You can join them to help their conservation and research efforts by measuring and collecting data. You will find all the information and their trip date with the duration on their website.
However, It’s not free you will have to pay to join their program. But you will have the chance to explore this marine creature more closely and get a longer time to spend with them with a little money. Don’t miss the opportunity, check the date and apply form here.
Best Resorts to Swim with Whale Sharks & Manta Rays in Maldives
There are many resorts where you can book a Whale Sharks tour package. Book them from Booking.com and contact them about the package.
- LUX* South Ari Atoll
- Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa
- Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort
- Villa Park at Sun Island
- Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences
- Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll
- Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
- Dhigurah, South Ari Atoll
Before making a trip to the Maldives, please look at the Maldives Packing Lists to make the trip more enjoyable and stress-free.
Conclusion
Swimming with whale sharks in the Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, don’t rush, do some research, contact the tour owner that I provided, book a package from the link, and embark on your journey to the Maldives. There is no whale shark season in Maldives, you will find them throughout the year. Inbox me on Instagram if you find any mistakes and I will correct them.
