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Snorkelling and Diving with Whale Sharks in Vilamendhoo

The Whale Sharks of the Maldives

“…Second excursion was the full day to see the whale sharks. Obviously no guarantee but were able to swim with them in three different locations. ” – Ant_Woodley, Plymouth, United Kingdom, Oct 2023 – TripAdvisor

“I also did a vila snorkeling tour, swam with whale sharks and manta rays again.”
Xiaodong, United States of America – Sep2023 – Booking.com

Whale sharks used to visit the Maldives during the Southwest Monsoon season. But now, they seem to hang around the warm waters of the Indian Ocean all year round, specifically in the South Ari Atoll.

Spotting a slow-moving whale shark beneath the Maldives’ clear waters and even snorkelling above or diving alongside one is truly an incredible experience.

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a gentle filter-feeding giant that belongs to the shark family and is the world’s largest fish. They swim by moving their 12-ton bodies from side to side, unlike their agile relatives, the sharks, that use their tails for swimming. 

“We also did the Whale Shark, Manta and Turtle excursion and were lucky enough to swim with all 3 which was a dream come true.” – Flavia, Australia July 2023 – Booking.com

Whale sharks can be seen in the plankton-rich waters near Vilamendhoo, and the Resort arranges snorkelling excursions. Diving with these magnificent creatures is also possible via our dive operator, Euro-Divers, based on the Resort. Whale sharks tend to favour the Western side of the Indian Ocean archipelago from May to December and then move to the Eastern waters from January to April. They can be spotted around the South Ari Atoll’s Maamigili Marine Protected Area (MPA). Vilamendhoo is situated in the South Ari Atoll and provides a strategic vantage point for megafauna enthusiasts as the Resort Island lies just in the path of whale shark feeding grounds.

[Related: Vilamendhoo’s Scuba Diving and Snorkelers Calendar For South Ari Atoll Maldives »]

Contact Vilamendhoo’s SEA department for further information about these gentle giants, the best time to spot them and to ask for whale shark excursion reservations.

Follow us on Facebook and see the latest whale shark spotting and amazing images by other divers and snorkelers.

“I was lucky enough to see three Whale Sharks whilst snorkelling between dives and a vast array of marine life. Eurodivers were great. Reasonable value.”
– SpaldingUKTraveller, Spalding, United Kingdom, Jan 2021 – TripAdvisor

“We swam with one of the largest whale sharks in the region. We saw mantas, turtles, dolphins, octopus, and beside that, we had a lot of fun on the boat that day! Great crew, thank you guys.”
– AnaP1718, Dec 2020 – TripAdvisor


Are you planning to explore the underwater world in the Maldives? Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is one of the best resorts in the Maldives for diving and snorkelling. Book direct and enjoy an array of special deals with flexible cancellation.

Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa Celebrates World Environment Day & World Oceans Day 2021 in the Maldives

World Environment Day and World Oceans Day Celebrations at Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

The adventurer’s paradise of Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa will celebrate World Environment Day and World Oceans Day on the 5th and 8th of June, respectively.

The theme for World Environment Day 2021 is ‘Ecosystem Restoration,’ focusing on resetting our relationship with nature, whilst it is ‘The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods’ for World Oceans Day 2021, which reminds everyone of the vital role the oceans have in daily life.

To honour the United Nations’ global environmental initiatives, Vilamendhoo presents a programme of eco-inspired activities and events to foster interest and awareness and for guests and team members to participate.

On World Environment Day, the agenda will include a lagoon and house reef clean-up drive around the island to be participated by guests, Vilamendhoo team members, and staff from Euro-Divers Maldives.

An awareness-raising session will also follow the activity at Bonthi Bar, where associates from the Euro-Divers team will provide insight into environmental issues, such as global warming and ocean pollution, along with interesting facts about the marine life species flourishing in the waters of the Maldives.

On World Oceans Day, guests are invited to join one of the resort’s eco-conscious excursions where they can learn more about the Maldives’ diverse ecosystem and for a chance to meet various aquatic life creatures such as rays, fish, turtles, and whale sharks.

The day will be concluded with a special ‘Oceans Trivia Night’ that will allow dive fanatics and marine life enthusiasts to connect and learn some fun facts about the oceans and the diverse range of oceanic species.

World Environment Day and World Oceans Day are all about appreciating and conserving the environment and encouraging people to shift their thinking towards the planet for a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.

Every Day is Environment Day and Oceans Day at Vilamendhoo

Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa Maldives

Located in South Ari Atoll, a world-renowned whale shark and manta ray hotspots, Vilamendho Island Resort & Spa features one of the best house reefs in the Maldives – an exceptionally stunning, shallow, and easily accessible house reef that allows guests to explore and be wowed by the abundance and variety of marine life.

The resort is sustainably conscious, aiming to continuously protect and preserve the marine ecology around the island and beyond through initiatives such as energy-efficient practices, biodiversity protection, waste management, and conservation of natural resources.

Read more: Sustainability Efforts at Vilamendhoo

Related:

Vilamendhoo’s Scuba Diving and Snorkelers Calendar For South Ari Atoll Maldives » 

2021 Things to Do – Events In Vilamendhoo Maldives » 

Guests staying at Vilamendhoo may book these activities at the Reception or by emailing the team at reservations@vilamendhoo.com. 

Ready to Plan Your Maldives Getaway on our Island of Adventure? 

Do not hesitate to get in touch with our team about arranging your Maldives holiday. Guided by our purpose of care, we continue to allow maximum flexibility for the new normal traveller. Book with the freedom of FREE Cancellation on Room Rate for cancellation received three days before arrival.

A Safe Holiday Experience in Paradise at Vilamendhoo 

Quick Links: Health & Safety Guidelines |  Facilitating PCR Testing at the Resort |  Travel Flexibility & Cancellation Policy Update | Guest Reviews – Holidaying in the New Normal at Vilamendhoo

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