Whale Sharks in the Maldives

Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, can reach up to a massive 12 metres in length, and are common in the Maldives.  Historically, they were only to be found in the Maldives during the southwest monsoon season, but now, due to several changes in the environment including higher water temperatures and increased levels of plankton, whale sharks can be found swimming around the Maldives and in particular, the Ari and Baa Atolls throughout the year.

Maldives Whale Shark Encounters

Generally speaking, whale sharks are not spotted while scuba diving.  Instead, the dive boat, or liveaboard, will travel around an area known for whale sharks looking for signs of the sharks lurking underwater.  Meanwhile, the divers are ready in their snorkel – not scuba – equipment and once the whale shark is located, they jump into the water with their snorkel gear on, and swim with the whale shark.  Despite their massive size, whale sharks are very peaceful, curious creatures that present no real threat to humans.

Best Place to Find a Whale Shark in the Maldives

Whale sharks move around the islands of the Maldives depending on the season. In the drier, northwest monsoon season, which lasts from May to December, Whale Sharks are generally seen around the islands on the western side of the Maldives, whereas in the southeast monsoon season – the rainier of the two seasons – which lasts from December to April, the best whale shark spotting opportunities are found around the eastern side of the Maldives.

You don’t have to be a Scuba Diver to Swim with a Whale Shark!

The great thing about whale sharks is you don’t have to be a certified scuba diver to enjoy a whale shark encounter.  Anyone of any age can jump in and snorkel around with these amazing creatures.  The only requirement, of course, is that you can swim.  This is great news for non-divers enjoying a liveaboard holiday in the Maldives.

Black Pearl Liveaboard searches for a Whale Shark around the Maldivian Atolls…

After three and a half hours, the Black Pearl live aboard crossed Alihurash Kandu (name given to the channel between Male’ Atoll and Ari Atoll) and reached the Southern Ari Atoll. The weather in the Maldives has been great since day one, and has remained extremely pleasant ever since.

Dive to Omadhoo Thila

On the morning of the 19th, we performed a dive at Omadhoo Thila. The current was relatively strong, and divers had the opportunity to see eagle rays, napoleon wrasse, and dogtooth tuna.

The search for a whale shark began at about 10:00 a.m. and continued till 3:00 p.m.  Unfortunately, we did not spot the massive filter-feeder.

Bluestripe snapper and diver

Dive to Kuda Rah Thila

The Black Pearl live aboard’s second dive was to Kuda Rah Thila (a protected marine area). With almost no current and visibility around 12 meters, divers got to explorer Kuda Rah Thila at length. With or without current, Kuda Rah Thila has an abundance of fish life and excellent coral growth. Lutjanus kasmira, commonly called bluestripe snapper, is one of the main attractions at Kuda Rah Thila.

Dive to Kudhimaa Wreck, aka Machafushi Wreck

The divers started the 20th with a morning diving at Kudhimaa Wreck, also known as Machafushi Wreck. The Kudhimaa Wreck was purposely scuttled in 1998 to provide a wreck dive for scuba divers (If you enjoy wrecks, check out Maldives Victory Wreck and the Kuda Giri Wreck). The highlights from the Kudhimaa Wreck were sting rays, eagle rays and many more.

Dive to Dhigaa Thila

The second dive of the day was to Dhigaa Thila, where the divers saw a few grey reef sharks and colorful soft coral.

BBQ on Raidhigaa Island

The excellent weather gave Black Pearl Live aboard divers a chance of enjoying a great night of BBQ dinner on Raidhigaa Island.

Hanifaru Bay

Hanifaru Bay is a marine protected uninhabited island located in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives Islands.  Its size is no greater than that of a football field and yet it has become one of the hottest spots on the planet for underwater photographers.  The reason for this modern day phenomenon of underwater diversity is because plankton blooms between the months of May and November – a very unusual phenomenon – attracting manta rays by the hundreds.  At any one time at Hanifaru Bay, there can be up to 200 manta rays feeding off the coral reefs as well as plenty of whale sharks which do the same.  Hanifaru Bay has become the world’s largest Manta Ray feeding destination.

Scuba Diving with Manta Rays in the Maldives

Hanifaru Bay gets International Recognition

This phenomenon has made Hanifaru Bay one of the greatest attractions for snorkelers and divers in the world today as no marine life enthusiast would want to miss the opportunity of watching hundreds of manta rays and whale sharks feed in their natural environment.  National Geographic recently made some video and photo documentaries about Hanifaru Bay that have caught the attention of underwater enthusiasts around the world by showing the incredible sights that can be discovered at Hanifaru Bay.

Hanifaru Bay Phenomenon is the Result of a Whirlwind of Plankton

From May to November, the lunar tide pushes against the Indian Oceans south western monsoon current, which creates a suction effect that pulls plankton from deep water up to the surface at Hanifaru Bay.  Meanwhile, close to the surface, the plankton dives away from daylight and gets trapped amid the current.  In just a few short hours, a massive concentration of plankton builds up and as the water turns cloudy with plankton, the huge manta rays and the gigantic whale sharks take advantage of this sensational feeding opportunity.  And divers and snorkelers from around the world take advantage of this unique natural phenomenon.

Hanifaru Bay Hosts Unique Manta Ray Feeding Frenzy

Manta rays are known, on occasion, to chain feed.  This is when the manta rays gather together in a long line, with the tail of each manta ray touching the head of the manta behind him.  It is said that when 50 or more fish chain fee, something truly remarkable happens:  The manta ray at the head of the line catches the tail of the last manta ray in the chain, and the chain spins into a vortex; this is called usually cyclone feeding; one of the most dramatic manta may feeding behaviours.  However, at Hanifaru Bay, there can be more than 100 hundred manta rays in the chain so they start to spiral out.  When the chain breaks down you get chaotic feeding, described by National Geographic as a “Feeding Frenzy”, and hundreds of manta rays start bumping into each other from left, right and centre.  As well as this manta ray madness, whale sharks also get in on the action, sometimes up to 12, each as large as a 40-foot shipping container.  Needless to say, the supply of plankton runs out within hours.

Hanifaru Bay to be protected by Maldivian Government

The Maldivian government believes that the excess of divers and snorkelers observing the spectacular scenario at Hanifaru Bay could cause the feeding behaviour of these manta rays to change.  So, it has made a pledge to protect the underwater creatures by enforcing guidelines for both divers and snorkelers.  The goal is to make it possible for both the manta rays to feed as they usually do at Hanifaru Bay and for people to enjoy this natural activity at the same time.  The Hanifaru Bay has become a unique and critically important place for the long-term sustainable development of the Baa Atoll, the Maldives and the whole global underwater ecosystem.

Visiting Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives

Maldives Dive Travel has a number of cruises that visit Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives. To find out more about Hanifaru Diving Safaris on MV Orion, check out this trip report.

MV Orion Offers Scuba Diving Trips to Hanifaru

A whale shark was spotted around the Southern Ari Atoll by divers aboard the Black Pearl liveaboard…

Divers aboard the Black Pearl liveaboard (book a holiday on the Black Pearl now!) spotted a whale shark around the Southern Ari Atoll.

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest of all fish species alive today.  A filter-feeder, the whale shark feeds mainly on plankton and can grow to lengths of 40 feet, and can weigh up to 47,000 pounds.

Black Pearl Diving Safari – Day Four

Black Pearl Diving Safari – First Dive

The day began with a fantastic dive at 5 Rocks, located 25 minutes away from the final anchorage Dhangethi (also know as the Alif Dhaal Atoll).

The incredibly unique formation of the 5 Rocks, in addition to the canyon, made gliding through the caves and observing the soft, colorful coral a true delight!

Black Pearl Divers Search for Whale Shark

The whale shark search began after the aforementioned dive, and shortly after our efforts began, we came across a 9 meter whale shark. All divers aboard the Black Pearl liveaboard had the opportunity to snorkel with the giant creative for over half an hour!

Black Pearl Diving Safari – Second Dive

The day’s second dive was to the outer reef of Holiday Island, where the current was gentle and visibility was around 10 meters visibility, making for an easy-going, relaxed dive.

Divers Snorkeling with Whale Shark

Black Pearl Diving Safari – Third Dive

The third dive was to Thinfushi Ehthere Thila, one of my all time favorite dive sites. The timing couldn’t have been better in terms of current. The strong current brought an abundance of fish life. A massive cloud of fusiliers swam above the divers’ heads feeding on plankton, while a couple of white tip reef sharks patrolled back and forth. We also spotted napoleon wrasse and tons of other fish.

Black Pearl Diving Safari – Day Five

Kuda Rah Thila

Protected marine area Kuda Rah Thila, everybody’s favorite dive site around the South Ari Atoll, was the day’s first dive. The current was very mild, allowing divers to closely observe the intricate reef formations, caves and overhangs.

Angaga Thila

The Black Pearl liveaboard sailed towards the  atoll’s western side and performed the second dive at Angaga Thila. This tiny pinnacle is famous for its residential pack of giant dogtooth tuna that chase the fusiliers while gray reef and white tip sharks swim back and forth in the blue water. Today, we saw stingrays and white tip reef sharks.

Raidhigaa Thila

The third and dive of the day was to Raidhigaa Thila.  In order to see big fish, like grey reef sharks, at Raidhigaa Thila, divers should swim a little ways away from the reef and spend some time in the blue water.  The reef was full of fish life, starting at the 25 meter sand slop where divers could observe the giant sea fan corals to the caves and finally to the top reef, where the healthy acropra table coral flourishes.

After a fantastic dive to 5 Rocks this morning, Black Pearl began to search for whale shark.

The dive to 5 Rock was nice and easy, while the current remained mild throughout the dive and all the divers got to enjoy and observe the beauty of this unique formation of reef.

Although the visibility remained poor (7 meters), the fish life was more than acceptable. Few white tips reef sharks and napoleon were the high light.

The search began after the breakfast on the dive dhoni , starting from Dhigurah Beyru till Maamingili and past Sun Island.

The one we spotted didn’t last very long but at least all the divers could snorkel for about 5 minutes.

The 2nd dive was to Sun Island Outer Reef and on this dive were few turtles and white tip reef sharks.

Third and last dive for the day was to Dhigurah Thila: This spectacular old time favorite is located at the southern Ari atoll a kilometer north of Dhigurah Island. The eastern side of the Thila is exposed to ocean currents and drops quickly down from 8 meters to the ocean plateau at 45 meters. The reef wall is about 400 meters long, the whole length interspersed with caves and overhangs. Midway along the Thila on the eastern side is a fracture in the reef, starting at 15 meters and descending to 40 meters.

Depth range: 8 – 30 meters.

Marine life: The fracture is crowded with marine life of all types and sizes. Check out the coral outcrops along the wall of the Thila. In the southwest monsoon make it a point of watching out for the whale sharks that are commonly seen here.

Reserve your “Guaranteed Whale Shark and Manta Safari” on the Black Pearl Liveaboard now!

The capital of Maldives, Male, and the airport at the Hulhulule Island, we meet and greet you at and do the Air Taxi (hydro plans) check-in which will fly over the pearls of Maldives to Black Pearl at BAA atoll.

Join us to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity to snorkel and dive with these gentle giants of the sea.

South of BAA atoll is known as the only breeding ground for these giants in the Maldives and home to to this mysterious wonder of nature.

Reserve your “Guaranteed Whale Shark and Manta Safari” on the Black Pearl Liveaboard now!

Known as fehurihi to the local fisherman these giant sharks can exceed 40 feet in length.They migrate to this area of Maldives to feed on the abundant plankton.

Since plankton thrives near the surface of the sea, whale sharks glide along with their dorsal and tail fin out of the water as they take in as much plankton food as they can possibly can. An incredible sight to behold in the pristine waters around Maldives, divers and snorkelers are treated to a thrilling experience.

BLACK PEARL will take you to the right place at the right time to begin searching for the world biggest fish. Black Pearl guarantees you whale shark or manta ray. Black Pearl offer 15 divers for a week, 2 or 3 snorkeling with the whale shark, also Black Pearl will take you to the best dive spots around BAA atoll.

On a 7 days cruise if you don’t see a whale shark or manta ray Black Pearl assures a refund of US$ 300.00 per client onboard.

Reserve your “Guaranteed Whale Shark and Manta Safari” on the Black Pearl Liveaboard now!

MV Sting Ray this week embarked with 17 divers, a multinational group of divers from Austria, Germany, Spain and Singapore all arriving to Maldives with one thing in common.

Despite the poor monsoon weather condition during the past 3 days, diving remained at a top level Mantas sighting at Lankan Manta Point and Whale Sharks at south Ari atoll.

Sting Ray started this week on the 18th ending on the 26th. Due to late arrivals and bad weather condition check dived and sailing out of Hulhumale’ lagoon had to be postponed to the next day.

The weather remained bad bring scattered rain shower and gusty wind, check dive was at Lankan Manta Point under calm conditions and no current were present. No mantas were seen on the first dive but second dive brining more luck with 6 to 8 mantas at the cleaning station during the 60 minute dive.

After having an great big fish dive (Gary Reef Sharks, Eagle Ray and more pelagic) at Kandooma Thila, sting ray sailed to southern Ari atoll and included Omadhu Thila and Vilamendhoo Thila for the day’s remaining 2 dives. Nothing big on both dives but seeing frog fish and leaf fish was rewarding.

Whale Shark search began the next day morning after a dive to Kuda Rah Thila. The weather didn’t allow to cover much of the outer rim of southern Ari atoll and the search had to be limited to the island Dhidhoo. After searching for an hour the dive guides decided to go for the second dive at Dhidhoo Outer Reef and while everyone was back on the dive dhoni the crew spotted one whale sharks right next to the dive dhoni allowing everyone to snorkel.

MV Sting Ray’s is performing 4 dives today and at presently is located diving at Makaru Thila. Dhigaa Thila near Raidhigaa Island being the first, second Fish Head (Mushimasmigili Thila) and night dive at Maaya Thila this evening.

After a night over at southern Ari atoll, Dhangithi lagoon, diving resumed the next day morning from Kuda Rah Thila (protected marine area) that ranks as number one dive site around Dhangethi region.

In general a top dive and a great start, visibility remained poor but the fish life amazed every diver.

Whale Shark search day one

The search took off from Dhigurah Beyru and extended to White Sands Beyru (outer reef) and after spending 2 hours search the decision was made to go for the second dive at White Sands Beyru. 10 to 15 minutes into the dive came the mighty whale shark. Seeing whale shark underwater is the most unforgettable dive experience one can have.
Search continued and the day’s remaining dive was made at the outer reef.

Whale Sharks search day two

Day two turns out to be another great day. Morning dive was at 5 Rocks, where diver got to see one of the uniquely formed reefs at this region.
Search began from the outer reef of Dhangethi where one was spotted and spent 10 to 15 minutes of snorkeling.
Sting Ray headed to the western side of the atoll and day’s second dive was made at Raidhigaa Thila and over night at Raidhigaa lagoon.

Gray reef sharks points

Gray reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) is one of the most common reef sharks in the Maldives. In Ari atoll there are several dive sites where gray reef sharks can be seen. In order to see sharks an ideal current should be present at the dive site.
This week MV Sting Ray included some of the best site such as: Lahmiyaru Gaa Thila, Fish Head, Maaya Thila, Makaru Thila, Rashdoo Madivaru and Voshimas Thila from north Male’ atoll.

Out of these top sites the most highlighted ones were Fish Head (Mushimasmigili Thila), Makaru Thila Rasdhoo Madivaru and Voshimas Thila.
On all above dive sites visibility remained fair and the current were idea except for Vishimas Thila where the current was extremely strong.

Crossing over to north Male’ atoll

Early morning hammerhead dive was made according to the group’s liking which was not to spend more than 10 minutes in the blue water. After 10 minutes in blue dive was continued at the reef including the channel. No hammerhead was sighted.
Sting Ray entered north Male’ atoll from Madivaru Kandu and did second dive at Voshimas Thila where many white tip sharks were seen.
Third dive was made pretty late at Lankan Manta Point with mild out going current. Unfortunately no mantas were present at the cleaning station.

MV Sting Ray resumed diving after a week’s break with 13 French divers.

All arrivals were completed by midday and Sting Ray headed to southern Ari atoll. After lunch orientation dive was made at Orimas Faru.

Orimas Faru is located at southern part of Ari atoll at the eastern rim of the atoll between Ranveli Resort and Velamendhoo.

MV Sting Ray’s projected route is to cover southern and northern Ari atoll, Rasdhoo atoll and at the last day at north Male’ atoll.

Sting Ray’s highest priority this week is to find whale shark as this was the request from the present dive group. Tomorrow sting ray will head out to search for the whale shark near Dhigurah Outer reef including Ari Beach Beyru.

If the weather conditions allow Sting Ray will include Maamigili Beyru, Holiday Island Beyru and Sun Island Beyru during whale shark search.

New Whale Shark Habitats

In another step towards becoming environment-friendly, the Maldivian government unveiled plans yesterday to designate three whale shark habitats in the Maldives as protected areas.

The allocated protected areas include Baa atoll Hanifaru, Baa atoll An’gafaru and Alif Dhaal atoll Maamigili as protected areas to commemorate World Environment Day and World Ocean Day on the 5 and 8 June respectively.

“We welcome the whale shark sanctuaries,” said Ali Rilwan, executive director of environment NGO Bluepeace today. “We don’t need paper parks, we need monitoring and more research in these areas.”

In March, the ministry of fisheries and agriculture extended the moratorium on reef shark fishing to cover the whole of the Maldives as part of a move towards a total ban on both reef and oceanic shark hunting.

The main objective of the project was to protect the areas mega fauna, namely whale sharks and manta rays.

Divided into various zones, in which different activities will be permitted. While diving and snorkeling would still be allowed, a set of guidelines would be provided to instruct on how to deal with encounters with whale sharks.

Further, boats including Liveaboards and dive boats will be subject to speed limits in certain areas.

Local and Global Reaction

The reaction of local residents was “very positive”. “They actively wanted this to happen and this won’t impact any of their activities so they have nothing to lose from this,” “That’s the findings of the consultation.”

The decision would have a “global significance” and the areas were among the few in the world where whale sharks could be spotted.

Studying the Whale Shark

(whale shark, Maldives)

The polka-dotted whale shark is the largest fish on the planet, but very little is known about their existence, according to the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program’s website.

While it is known they swim potentially vast distances across the ocean, eating only plankton, tiny fish and squid, how long they live or where they reproduce remains a mystery.

It was crucial to establish a set of guidelines to counter the impact that the growth of tourism would have on whale sharks in future years. At present, it is estimated that whale shark excursions generate US$10 million annually.

According to researchers there have been 115 whale sharks spotted around the Maldives, although the real number was probably higher.

“Some of these areas are important feeding grounds,” “And out of all of them, there are only two females, so the animals are only spending part of their lives here.”

The designated areas would also protect other animal species such as manta rays in Hanifaru and Gray reef sharks and White tips reef sharks in Baa Atoll An’gafaru.