South Ari whale sharks (Maamigili & Dhigurah)

South Ari Marine Protected Area, Alif Dhaal Atoll (Maamigili – Dhigurah)

Whale sharks year-round, swimming a few metres away

⚠ No sighting, no refund

Hours

From Maafushi 07:00–14:00 (Arena Beach, 2026)

Tickets

Maafushi 'Whale Shark Expedition' $130 (Arena Beach site, 2026). Resort tours cost far more, e.g. $275 per person incl. tax at Conrad (Sept 2026)

Address

Outer reef between Maamigili and Dhigurah, Alif Dhaal Atoll

The outer reef of South Ari Atoll is one of the few places where whale sharks stay all year, and it's protected as the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). Boats cruise slowly along the reef until someone spots one, then everyone jumps in on the signal. A spotted shark several metres long glides past with its mouth open; it moves faster than it looks, and keeping up leaves you out of breath. Since 2025 the rules include propeller guards, one guide per five swimmers, no more than 60 people in the water and six boats in the contact zone.