Whale watching in Maldives and swimming with whale sharks in Maldives is a popular excursion for visitors to Maldives. A harmless majestic sea creature, living in the depths of the ocean, the whale shark is reputed as one of the largest fish in the sea. In Maldives, you can spot Whale Sharks, elegantly swimming through the currents of the ocean in the South of Ari Atoll. Whale sharks are filtered feeding sharks that feed on mostly plankton which can reach up to an astounding 12 meters in length. Although they are frequently spotted in Maldives not much is known about these creatures. The migratory patterns and how deep they dive and how long they stay in the deep is not known very well, making the mere sight of these creatures even more majestic.
Can you swim with whale sharks in Maldives?
Imagine you are with your friends in the middle of the ocean. All geared up for a full day on the Dhoni (Maldivian Style Boat), keen on Whale Watching in Maldives. You see from a distance a huge faint shadow emerging from the depths, hard to notice at first. The next thing you know it’s moving! Excited you dive into the ocean to see the marvelous site of the Whale Shark swimming calm and carefree. The perfect chance for you to swim in Maldives with whale sharks like a small fish sticking on top of it.
Certainly swimming with whale sharks in Maldives is an experience of a lifetime.
Whale shark season Maldives – Best time to see whale sharks in Maldives
You can see the Whale Sharks in Maldives All year round, at any given day you want in the Maldives. There is no particular time to spot these creatures but luck certainly plays a vital role here. According to experts the best time to spot a whale shark in Maldives is in the month May, November and December, the week building up to a full moon, and 3 to 5 hours before the high tide. Nevertheless, Maldives is a wonderful destination to watch whale sharks.
Although, you are keen on watching whale sharks in the Maldives, where will you have to stay, what accommodation options are available and how do you get there. Do not worry as we got that all covered. There are plenty of options to stay in Maldives swimming with sharks, so we have narrowed down for you the best places to swim with sharks in Maldives.
Best place to swim with whale sharks in Maldives – Resorts
Sun Island Resort & Spa
Sun island resort & Spa is located in the Nalaguraidhoo island of South Ari Atoll. The resort is approximately 107 km away from the Velana International Airport and is accessible by domestic air transfer followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride.
Upon arriving at the resort you will be met with a selection of accommodation options. 462 elegantly furnished rooms offering astounding views from within the villas. You can opt to accommodate Sun Villas at the heart of the Island, hidden in the dense gardens, the beach bungalow offering views of the ocean side, and the water villas, stilted just a few feet above the crystal clear ocean.
Diving & Whale Shark Snorkeling In Maldives
Sun Island Resort’s reef is one of the best spots to see whale sharks in Maldives. The depth of it ranges from 5 meters to 10 meters making it quite easy to spot the gigantic fishes. Adorned with soft vibrant corals, the area is home to Tunas, Barracudas, Snappers, Groupers, Napoleon Wrasse and many more other large aquatic species. You can also see sharks resting on the bottom, eagle rays and stingrays cruising along, and if fortunate Manta rays and Whale Sharks while diving and snorkelling. Whale Shark Excursion is also conducted by the resort so don’t forget to schedule a meeting with these giants.
LUX* South Ari Atoll
Set on the DhidhooFinolhu of South Ari atoll Lux South Ari Atoll can be accessed by either a 25-minute scenic seaplane ride during the daylight hours or 20-minute schedule domestic flight followed by a 10-minute speedboat ride that is available in the evening.
For accommodation the resort features, 36 beach pavilions, 6 family lagoon pavilions, 57 beach villas with a pool included in 12 of them, 38 water villas, 46 romantic water villas with pool, and 3 temptation water villas offering a 14-meter-long private pool. Hence making the resort suitable for a romantic holiday or a family getaway.
Diving & Snorkeling with Whale Sharks
Described as a natural aquarium paradise, the resort offers some of the world’s best dive sites, filled with colorful reefs and boasting with marine life. With the five-star PADI diving center and the dedicated professional team, you can have the opportunity to visit the whale sharks that reside in these waters. The search for whale shark spans a duration 180 minutes and all ages are welcome to join this thrilling adventure.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is nestled in the South Ari Atoll and can be accessed either in the comfort of a seaplane ride or by hopping into a domestic plane which is then followed by a short speedboat ride.
Here you get to discover three distinct villa locations which are scattered around the island. From Suites to Deluxe villas with private gardens set in the beachside, to the family water villas to sunset water villas perched above the water, to the exclusive underwater residence named “The Muraka”, the options for you to accommodate in this resort is certainly not limited.
“Whale Shark Talk and Tour” for watching Whale Sharks in Maldives
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to Ocean Dive Center. The dive center hosts an excursion known as “Whale Shark Talk and Tour” where the trusty team of the Ocean Dive Center invites you to see these graceful giants. The tour is scheduled every Friday, Sunday, and Wednesday for 3 hours so don’t forget to book in advance. Apart from this the tropical water which surrounds the resort boasts an abundance of colorful fish, vibrant corals, rays and even sharks swimming freely. Hence, offering a diverse atmosphere for you to explore.
Vakarufalhi Maldives
Located in Vakarufalhi Island set in the south Ari Atoll the resort can be accessible by a picturesque seaplane ride above the turquoise lagoons of the Maldives.
Once arriving at the resort, feel free to explore the beach villas offering the views of the sunset and providing direct access to the beach, the spacious water villa equipped with amenities for the ultimate indulgence, or the pool villas offering a two-bedroom unit which is perfect for a family vacation.
Diving, Snorkeling & Whale Sharks
The resort features about 35 dive sites which are accessible within a maximum duration of 1 hour from the Vakarufalhi island. Hence, leaving you with plenty of options to explore. Vakarufalhi Maldives is home to a gorgeous house reef filled mystical caves, overhangs and marine life which is located a mere 15 meters from the beach. In the months of September to the end of December, there is a high possibility that you will be able to see the whale sharks in the area.
Vilamednhoo Island Rsort & Spa
At Vilamendhoo, you are welcomed into the tropical island filled with lush tropical vegetation and surrounded by the white sandy beach alongside the blue turquoise lagoon, situated in the South Ari Atoll. About 900 meters long and 250 meters wide you can access the island through a 25-minute short seaplane ride from the Velana International Airport of Maldives.
In the resort, you can accommodate at the garden rooms surrounded by the stunning greenery, the beach villas with direct access to the beach side or the water villas standing just a few feet above the crystal clear water
Whale Shark excursion trips of Vilamendhoo
Seeing the whale sharks in swimming around the water and even diving alongside them is a possibility with help of the dedicated staff and professionals of the dive operators of Vilamendhoo Resort, Euro-Divers. The “All day Safari” trip is recommended for you as you can all day cruise with sumptuous food and drinks and then go swimming with the Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. There is even a dedicated Whale Shark excursion four days a week, leaving you with plenty of options to see these magnificent creatures.
Best local islands to swim with whale sharks in Maldives
For those of you who are keen on exploring locally inhabited islands and discovering the Maldivian way of life while also snorkeling with whale sharks in Maldives, staying in one of the best guest houses in Dhigurah Island is the perfect option.
Dhiguveli Guesthouse in Dhigurah Island
Dhiguveli guesthouse is located in Dhigurah island which means “long island” in the Maldivian language. This lush tropical island fringed with palm trees is about 3 km long and has built up its reputation over the past years due to the frequent visits of; Turtles, Mantas, and of course, the whale shark. It is located in the South Ari Atoll and can be accessed by a 20-minute domestic flight followed by a short speedboat ride.
Upon arriving at the island, you can get to experience the local life of Maldives up close and see how the friendly people in Maldives go on about their lives. Dhiguveli Guest House in Dhigurah provides you with 19 stylishly designed and well-furnished rooms for you to accommodate in from the Standard Room to the Deluxe Room along with a family room. In addition to this, you can even visit a nearby resort to experience a luxurious night at the finest accommodations in Maldives.
These are the best places that you can visit in Maldives that also allows you to experience the joy of seeing the majestic giants of the sea and without a doubt the best resorts for whale shark watching in Maldives.
