Best Time to Visit to See Whale Sharks in the Maldives
The best time to see whale sharks in Maldives is May, November and December when the sea is calm and the visibility is good. It is advisable to dive in some 3 to 5 hours before high tide.
Best Places to Spot Whale Sharks in Maldives
1. South Ari Atoll
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2. Baa Atoll
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Hanifaru Bay, an uninhabited island in Baa Atoll is a great option for those travelling to the Maldives during the wet season, i.e. May to September / October as during these months; the South-West monsoon ensures massive plankton build-up that draws hundreds of Whale Sharks and Manta Rays. Whale Sharks are more common in the narrow part of the Hanifaru Bay and it is known as the world's largest known feeding station.
This region was declared Marine Protected Area in 2009 with a few regulations put in place, i.e. diving is not permitted, restricted fishing and boating, and for snorkelling, only five boats and 80 visitors are allowed at any given time with a time limit of 45 minutes.
Resorts & Whale Shark Tour Operators in the Maldives
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Some resorts and hotels in the Maldives offer diving programs and other excursions on the water. For those keen on spotting whale sharks in the Maldives, the best option is to secure a base hotel/resort in the South Ari Atoll as the region is renowned as a whale shark hotspot and will give you easy access to the local whale shark tour packages or the opportunity to organise your sighting tour from the hotel itself. Some hotels and resorts offer whale shark sightseeing tours as a part of their area excursion packages.
Resorts like LUX* South Ari Atoll, Sun Island Resort and Spa, and Conrad Maldives; and hotels like Whale Sharks Inn Maldives, TME Retreats, and The Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma are some of the best options for a hassle-free, mind-blowing experience with the gentle giants.
Private tour operators are another option if your hotel does not offer whale shark excursions. You can either ask your hotel to get you in touch with one or book online after reading user reviews and comparing prices.
Here are some of the most popular operators for your convenience:
1. Island Divers, Dhigurah
Island Divers is a PADI affiliated diving centre based in one of the largest protected areas of Maldives - Dhigurah, South Ari Atoll. Apart from a wide range of daily dive trips, it also arranges full day/half day excursions which include whale shark safaris and snorkelling with the Manta Rays with well-qualified diving experts. A transfer is free from recommended hotels.Price: Pricing and availability on request
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2. iCom Tours, Maafushi
Awarded as the best tour operator on many occasions, iCom Tours are known for providing quality service and comfortable transport. Maafushi to South Ari Atoll is a two-hour journey post which you will get to spend three hours snorkelling with the whale sharks in the ocean. The online reviews talk about the fantastic photography/videography of the surreal experience, and the excellent quality equipment they provide.
Approx. Price: MVR 1540 per pax.
3. Elite Diving Agency
Elite Diving Agency provides an opportunity to fully enjoy the diverse sea life while cruising in the heart of Maldives. Their Liveaboard is the best option for a thalassophile, which will not only let you swim with the whale sharks among other water activities but will also pamper you with massage and spa therapy. Elite Diving Agency promises to turn your one-week vacation into a dream holiday!
Price: MVR 54,000 to MVR 37,400 (depending upon the suite/cabin) which includes 1-week accommodation, full board, 12 dives -or- 12 Spa treatments -or- 6 dives and 6 Spa treatments, Pickup to and from the airport.
Tips
- Swim at least 3 meters away from the body of the whale shark and 4 meters away from the tail.
- Refrain from touching the whale sharks and avoid flash photography; such actions could irritate the creature and put your safety in jeopardy, so be safe.
- Do not use underwater scooters.
- Although scuba diving skills are not required for whale shark tours, basic swimming skills are necessary. Avid divers are sure to have an advantage over non-experienced divers.
- Do not swim right in front of the whale sharks or obstruct their path.
- You can track whale shark sightings by downloading the local Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme's (maldiveswhalesharkresearch.org) Whale Shark Network Maldives app.
- Do not forget to carry the excursion essentials like a camera, hat, sunglasses, a pair of comfortable footwear, biodegradable suntan lotion, and a wetsuit (if you have one).