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Whale Shark Encounter in Ari Atoll Maldives with Maafushivaru Resort

April 8, 2014 by Jean Holy Smithereens 5 Comments

One of the things we planned for the Maldives was to do a whale shark encounter.  Mainly because our previous (and first) experience was quite ghastly. It was in Mexico, and you can read all about it HERE.

So we were thrilled to find out that Maafushivaru is located in Ari Atoll, one of the best locations to spot whale sharks in the Maldives.

Maafushivaru offers several day trips and excursions, and it is extremely easy and no-fuss. They have a board where all scheduled activities for the week are posted, and you just simply write your name and room number to join.

Apart from a dive centre, Maafushivaru also has their own Marine Biology Centre that is dedicated to studying the behaviour of whale sharks (among other creatures) in the atoll.

Things to Know Before a Whale Shark Encounter:

-This is the ocean, and we are entering the whale sharks’ natural habitat. Therefore it is not a staged encounter. The whale sharks will not come to you, rather you need to keep up with the whale sharks.

– Due to this, you need to at least swim moderately fast. And it would help if you can swim without any life jackets. Those who cannot are assisted by guides.

– We ate light during breakfast because there were a lot of swimming involved.

– Water , towels and fruit (lots and lots of fruit!) were provided on-board.

– The boat was huge so less chance of being seasick.

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30-40 minute boat ride. Whale Shark Encounter in Ari Atoll, Maldives. swimwear by JETS

We were briefed even prior to getting on the boat, and another session while on the boat. And I knew immediately we were in capable hands.

There was also a limit of number in the group (10) so it wasn’t too chaotic.

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our group being briefed by our guide prior to jumping in. Whale shark encounter, Ari Atoll Maldives

And to our utmost relief, the method in which they did the shark encounter was much more relaxed, organised, and best of all, more humane towards the whale sharks.

In Mexico, there were about 20 or so boats all hounding the whale sharks at the same time, and the boats would get way TOO close to the whale sharks so all the tourists had to do was jump.

Here, I liked that after spotting a whale shark, they would still keep a good distance from it, stop the boat, jump, and swim towards the whale shark. Yes it’s more effort but I’d rather do it this way.

And here we go:

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whale shark encounter in Ari Atoll, Maldives with Maafushivaru
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whale shark encounter in Ari Atoll, Maldives with Maafushivaru
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whale shark encounter in Ari Atoll, Maldives with Maafushivaru

It’s quite exhilarating to swim with them. They were so graceful, calm and just happily minding their own thing while we swam around (and behind) them. 

Here’s a video of the encounter:

Whale sharks are not exclusive to the Maldives and though we’ve only ever experienced the one in Mexico, I have also seen footages of other countries with whale shark encounters, and their operations make me seethe. Their priorities are to entertain the tourists and not the well-being of the whale sharks.

We are overall very happy with this encounter in the Maldives! I’m so glad that Maafushivaru is operating this tour with the whale sharks in priority first and foremost.

trying to keep up with the whale shark
trying to keep up with the whale shark. swimwear by JETS

Here’s a full review of Maafushivaru Maldives!

And a review of Lonubo Private Island ! (Maafushivaru’s sister island)

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Have you done a whale shark encounter before? How was the experience? If not, is this activity on your bucket list?

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Filed Under: Adventure, Adventure Travel, Maldives

About Jean Holy Smithereens

Jean is a lover of luxury travel and adventure, always looking for that "Holy Smithereens"-inducing moment on her travels. Follow the blog and other social media pages of Holy Smithereens to get the ultimate travel ideas for the luxurious adventurer!

Comments

  1. Sam @ Travellingking.com says

    April 10, 2014 at 10:15 am

    what a beautiful encounter! So jealous!! Would love to opportunity to do this one day.. maybe.. i am pretty terrified of swimming in the ocean (sharks!)

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      April 10, 2014 at 12:41 pm

      Thanks Sam, I’m actually quite jealous you are in Adelaide as it’s one of the best places in the world to do cage shark diving 🙂 one day for me too!

      Reply
      • Sam @ Travellingking.com says

        April 15, 2014 at 12:10 pm

        You are crazy!!!
        The thought has crossed my mind but i thin i would have a heart attack! I would however like to go swimming with the seals near by (with 2 shark shields on – hahaha!)

        Reply
  2. Candice - Desert to Jungle says

    April 21, 2014 at 7:36 am

    This is one of my ambitions, great to read about it. I would be horrified if I went on a whale shark spotting tour and they behaved the way you describe for Mexico. I will make sure if I ever get the chance to do this that I do my research and ensure it’s being done as humanely as possible before I decide if I’ll do it or not.

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      April 21, 2014 at 1:16 pm

      Hi Candice, yes exactly why we were shaken on our first whale shark experience (but not as traumatised as the whale sharks definitely!) Hope you have an amazing encounter when you do it!

      Reply

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