The gentle giants
In the South of Ari Atoll, known as SAMPA Marine Protected Area, the conditions are perfect to attract one of the gentle giants of the ocean: the whale shark. Here, whale sharks can be found all year round as they come up close to the surface after feeding in deeper water.
Swimming with whale sharks can be a magical experience, given that this is the largest fish in the ocean! But despite their impressive size, they are truly gentle giants as their preferred food is plankton and small fishes. To make this unique encounter save for both snorkellers and whale sharks, we strictly follow the latest regulations of South Ari Marine Protected Area and all our snorkelling guides are trained and certified.
Before you join us on this adventure, our marine biologists will be happy to share some interesting facts about the ecology and biology of the whale sharks. You can also assist them in the collection of photo identification data, which is shared with Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) through ‘The BIG FISH Network’ app. This online citizen-science platform was established as a regional monitoring network of wildlife tour guides to increase awareness and stewardship of whale sharks in the Maldives. The MWSRP is a registered charity that carries out whale shark research and fosters community focused conservation initiatives in the Maldives.
The Maldives also hosts the largest known population of Reef Mantas Mobula alfredi in the world. They can be observed close to Athuruga, as they have preferred spots for feeding and cleaning. Just like whale sharks, their preferred food is tiny plankton that is suspended in the water and filtered using their specially adapted feeding apparatus. Despite their size, they can reach more than 4m in wingspan, they are harmless and actually very smart marine creatures. The spots on their belly are unique for every manta, and works like a fingerprint that we can use to identify the individual. Our marine biologists share the information we collect during our manta encounters with the Manta Trust, that has been working on manta research and conservation for many years in the Maldives. Ask us how you can be involved, and bring your underwater camera!
