Photo: Jerome Paillet (IFREMER) (CC BY 4.0)
Nature · The Maldives
Whale Sharks of South Ari
The largest fish in the sea, gentle and feeding only on plankton. In the protected area of South Ari it lives all year, and you swim alongside it with a guide.
Ari Atoll · The Maldives
The experience
In 2009 the Maldives declared a marine protected area along the reef edge of South Ari Atoll, from Rangali to Dhigurah, covering 42 square kilometres. The reason is a single animal: the whale shark, which lives in these waters all year, something found in only a few places in the world.
The whale shark is the largest fish in the sea, yet it eats only plankton and swims slowly near the surface, so a mask and fins are all you need. You go out in a small boat with a guide who knows the area, slip into the water when one is spotted, and swim alongside at a respectful distance, without touching.
Hawksbill turtles and whitetip reef sharks share the same waters, so the trip is rich even before the guest of honour arrives. It suits families whose children swim confidently, since no diving is needed.
We place you at LUX* South Ari Atoll, on the edge of the protected area, or at a resort nearby, and book a private boat early in the morning, before the boats multiply. The day can end with lunch at Ithaa, beneath the sea at nearby Rangali.
The Maldives
More to do
Sea and islands
Overwater Villa Stays
A villa set over the ocean, with steps from your own deck straight into turquoise water. The questions we answer with you: which lagoon, which side, which resort.
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Nature
Swimming with the Mantas of Hanifaru Bay
In a small bay inside the Baa Atoll reserve, manta rays gather to feed between June and November. You snorkel among them with a guide, watched over by the reserve's rangers.
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Sea and islands
Private Boat Trips and Dinner on the Sand
A private boat to an uninhabited island or a sandbank in the lagoon, then dinner on white sand under the stars, served for you alone.
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