A guide to swimming with Whale Sharks, a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Like me, if you want to experience the thrill of swimming alongside these majestic and gentle sea giants in the Maldives, this is what you need to know.
These magnificent creatures can grow up to 12 meters in length, but despite their size, they pose no threat to humans. They subsist primarily on plankton, making them harmless to swimmers.
Did you know Whale Sharks can live to over 100 years of age? Although called whale sharks, they are actually not whales but a fish (albeit largest fish in the world!), belonging to a group of cartilaginous fishes like sharks and rays.
Despite their huge mouths, which can be up to 1.5 meters wide, they have no teeth and cannot bite or chew. Instead, they are filter feeders.
It saddens me to know Whale Sharks have been categorised as endangered species, but in the Maldives they are protected by the creation of whale shark sanctuaries and a non for profit conversation programme called Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP)
Snorkel and swim with Whale Sharks
South Ari Atoll, also known as Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, is the premier destination for encountering Whale Sharks in the Maldives. The atoll's waters are rich in plankton, providing a constant food source for the gentle giants. In 2009, the Maldivian government declared South Ari Atoll a protected marine area, ensuring that Whale Sharks are protected and can be observed in their natural environment.
While sightings are common throughout the year, the peak time to see Whale Sharks in South Ari Atoll is from August to November. Not only is this atoll a protected area, but it is also the best place to swim with Whale Sharks, ensuring that you have a safe and unforgettable experience. If you're looking to add a close encounter with the Whale Shark to your bucket list, South Ari Atoll is the place to do it.
One of the best places to stay in South Ari Atoll to see the Whale Sharks is LUX* South Ari Atoll, where you can join their marine biologist and set off on a traditional wooden dhoni boat in search of these gentle giants
Hanifaru Bay UNESECO World Biosphere Reserve
Baa Atoll is another must-see destination for those seeking to spot Whale Sharks in the Maldives. Known for its UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay, the atoll is a hot spot for marine life during the right season. From May to November, hundreds of Manta Rays gather to feed on the plankton-rich waters, drawing in Whale Sharks as well.
The Hanifaru Bay coral reef stretches for 1300 meters and is home to a specific 600-meter section where Whale Shark sightings are common. The South West Monsoon causes a massive buildup of plankton, making Hanifaru Bay the largest known Manta Ray feeding station in the world, and to have one of The Maldives largest concentration of Whale Shark after SAMPA.
To protect the marine life, Hanifaru Bay is now a marine protected area where fishing, boating, and scuba diving are restricted. Visitors are only allowed to snorkel, with a limit of 5 boats and 80 visitors at a time, who are only allowed to spend a maximum of 45 minutes in Hanifaru Bay. Specific rules also include swimming distance and photo restraints. Visitors are required to obtain tokens from the Hanifaru Visitor Center to access the Bay.
One of the best places to stay in Baa Atoll to see the Whale Sharks is Vakkaru, where from the on-site Splash water sports centre speedboats take guests across the waves to snorkel with marina creatures at Hanifaru Bay.
Whale Shark encounter guidelines
Swimming with Whale Sharks in the Maldives is an unforgettable experience, but it's essential to keep in mind a few guidelines to ensure the safety of both yourself and the sharks.
First and foremost, never touch the shark. Sharks are not a tactile species and will likely leave the encounter if you do touch them. Keep a safe distance of 3 meters from the body and 4 meters from the caudal fin. This gives the shark enough room to change direction and leave the encounter if it perceives you as a threat.
Avoid obstructing the shark's path. It may be tempting to get a photo with the shark's big mouth, but swimming in front of it can cause the shark to become evasive and leave the encounter. It's best to stay around 20 meters away from the shark to avoid disturbance.
Lastly, keep noise to a minimum. Enter the water from a seated position to reduce noise and keep your voices low when in the water. Whale Sharks have the biggest eardrum in the animal kingdom and are sensitive to loud commotion, so it's best to keep things calm and peaceful.
Final word
"Keep in mind that swimming with Whale Sharks is a chance encounter with wild creatures, so it's best to plan for some flexibility in your itinerary in case you don't see them on your first try. And don't forget to bring your Go-Pro or underwater camera to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience!"
Jane
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