Updated
Whale sharks live in South Ari Atoll all year round, which makes it one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel with them in any month. Dhangethi is on the atoll's eastern side, a short boat ride from the South Ari Marine Protected Area, where most sightings happen.
Why South Ari
The South Ari Marine Protected Area was declared in 2009 to protect the whale sharks that gather along the atoll's southern outer reef. In most places whale sharks are seasonal visitors. Here they stay.
Researchers who study them have found the South Ari sharks are almost all young males, and think the area works as a place for them to grow up. They're often seen near the surface along the edge of the reef, which is why you can see them with just a mask and snorkel.
What the trip is like
It's a snorkel trip by boat. The boat runs along the outer reef while everyone keeps watch, and when a shark is spotted you slip into the water and swim alongside it.
Whale sharks look slow, but even a cruising shark outpaces most swimmers, so an encounter can last a few seconds or several minutes. Some days you'll see more than one; some days none at all.
You'll be in open water where you can't stand, so you need to be comfortable swimming. If anyone in your group isn't a confident swimmer, say so in the note when you book.
How to swim with them responsibly
Whale sharks are an endangered species, and the way people behave in the water matters. The common guidelines are simple:
- Keep your distance: at least 3 metres from the body and 4 metres from the tail
- Never touch or ride a whale shark, and don't swim in front of it or block its path
- No flash photography
- Get in quietly without splashing, and don't chase a shark that swims off or dives
- Boats should slow right down along the reef and never crowd a shark
A shark that isn't disturbed often stays near the surface for longer, so the gentlest swimmers usually get the best encounters.
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen, or better, a rash guard or long-sleeved swim top
- Your own mask and fins if you have a pair that fits well. If you'd like to borrow gear, ask us when we confirm your booking on WhatsApp
- A towel, a hat and water for the boat
- A camera or phone in a waterproof case, with the flash off
- Seasickness tablets if boats make you queasy
Make more of it
Many guests pair whale sharks with a manta ray snorkel or the turtle reef on another day. You can add several activities to one booking and pay for each on the day. For the other trips, see snorkel trips from Dhangethi.
Common questions
Can you see whale sharks in South Ari all year?
Yes. South Ari is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks are found year-round. Sightings are likely, but they're wild animals, so they can never be promised.
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks?
Yes. Whale sharks are filter feeders that eat plankton and small fish, and they aren't a danger to people. The things to take seriously are the open-water swim and keeping your distance, so the shark isn't disturbed.
Do I need to scuba dive to see whale sharks?
No. In South Ari they're often near the surface, so our whale shark trip is a snorkel trip. You need a mask, snorkel and fins, and to be comfortable swimming in open water.
How close can you get to a whale shark?
The usual guideline is no closer than 3 metres to its body and 4 metres to its tail. Never touch it, and don't block its path.
How do I book a whale shark trip from Dhangethi?
Choose a day on the whale shark trip page and book online with your name and WhatsApp number. There's nothing to pay until the day, and we confirm your booking on WhatsApp.