These enigmatic and graceful giants are more often seen close to the surface, making that elusive encounter possible for divers and snorkellers alike. Despite their elusive nature and endangered species status, we're delighted to report that whale shark awareness is on the increase, and we have confirmed sightings from Regaldive divers holidaying in Egypt, Oman, Maldives, Philippines, Galapagos, Azores, Indonesia and other destinations around the world.

We've put together a couple of options for those looking to maximise their chances of an underwater encounter with these gentle giants on a range of whale shark tours. Just don't forget your camera!

Where to dive with whale sharks?

Maldives

In the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives, there are several dive sites where you can reliability swim with whale sharks alongside other large marine life in warm tropical waters. Throughout the year plankton rich waters attract the world’s biggest fish, meaning diving with whale sharks has a very high success rate.

Dhigurah Island, located in the South Ari Atoll is on the edge of a marine protected area, a famous whale shark region where these beautiful creatures can be seen all year round. Visitors to Boutique Beach Hotel can enjoy warm tropical waters and palm trees while going out on dives and whale shark snorkelling tours to encounter these amazing creatures.

Further north in Baa Atoll, seasonal plankton blooms from July to October attract manta rays in their hundreds. The nutrient rich water attracts other pelagics, such as whale sharks, to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hanifaru Bay. Here, only snorkelling trips are allowed in the bay itself, in an effort to help ocean conservation. Those staying at Reethi Beach Resort have an excellent likelihood to dive with whale sharks and manta rays.

Galapagos

For more experienced divers, the Galapagos Islands are recognised as one of the world's best locations to encounter adult whale sharks in large numbers, specifically between May and November. Galapagos liveaboard trips journey around the archipelago and dives at Wolf and Darwin Islands, where seasonal sightings of whale sharks and other pelagic species are common. Declared a marine protected area in 1998, the Galapagos Island Marine Reserve covers almost 200,000 km² and is on many scuba divers bucket list, by travelling during the plankton blooms in the summer months you’ll have a good likelihood of diving with whale sharks.

In this area it’s also possible to see hammerheads sharks, silky sharks, and Galapagos sharks around Darwin Island and on the main archipelago marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, sea lions, and a variety of endemic bird species.

Mexico

Mexico has multiple options for whale shark encounters. With Baja California bordering the Pacific coastline and the Caribbean Sea encircling the Yucatan Peninsula, there's plenty of ocean to uncover.

Starting on the western coast is Baja California, there are two options for whale shark sightings. The Sea of Cortez is a haven for pelagic species and larger sea creatures. The nutrient rich waters fluctuate throughout the year, so if you want to witness whale sharks gather, the best time is from late November through to March. Liveaboard trips to Socorro Islands for more advanced divers, and those with their sea legs, from May-July diver can see oceanic manta ray and bait ball, and it’s also the best time for whale shark encounters.

On the Yucatan Peninsula the best time to spot whale sharks is from June to September, around Isla Mujeres. During the summer months snorkelling tours depart daily with almost guaranteed success rates of spotting the whale shark aggregation. It's not uncommon to have manta rays, turtles, and dolphins show up too! Isla Mujeres is park of a 85km2 marine park, and is arguably one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks.

Indonesia

In Southeast Asia, the tropical waters of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle deliver again. Not only whale sharks are seasonally spotted around the archipelago, but also large marine life such as manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and reef sharks can be seen while scuba diving.

The best chance of spotting whale sharks in Indonesia is by liveaboard. Sailings are able to reach further afield and into the whale sharks natural habitat, Cenderawasih Bay and Triton Bay are reporting regular sightings in summer and winter respectively. For hundreds of year 'jukung' - traditional fishing vessels - have been shark’s main focus, as local believe the majestic creatures to be sacred and split their catch. This ancient relationship has also aided conservation efforts, as scuba divers and snorkellers alike are keen to see this beautiful friendship.

Whale sharks can also been seen close to national park of Komodo. The Mermaid I and Mermaid II vessels are swinging by Saleh Bay on their way back to port to offer snorkelling and diving with whale sharks. The nutrient rich waters of the bay attract whale sharks and have an excellent success rates.

Tanzania

On the Indian Ocean side of Africa, off the coast of Tanzania, lays Mafia Island. The waters around this island are a marine protected area, with seasonal plankton blooms occurring from late December through to March, attracting whale sharks as they feed. Successful snorkelling tours throughout this time, providing opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks. More common in this area are juvenile whale sharks, but for the largest fish in the ocean, they still measure 3–10 metres in length.

The scuba diving is also wonderful in this area, with strong tidal currents Mafia Islands waters are rich with marine life. Off the beaten track, this destination offers culture, peace and quiet, and whale shark sightings.

To organise your whale shark diving holiday, or for more information, please contact our friendly, specialist team on 01353 659999.

One of Regaldive's most popular holiday destinations, the Maldives is a picture-postcard paradise. Above water, stunningly beautiful white sand beaches which epitomise relaxation contrast with the exhilirating underwater realm that offers some of the finest diving to be found anywhere in the world. Adrenaline-charged drifts, amazing quantities of colourful fish and chance encounters with pelagics - mantas, whale sharks and shark species - are the order of the day here; and with the island nation of the Maldives covering some 35,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean, what better way to explore than by liveaboard.

Joining a liveaboard safari really does give you the flexibility to experience Maldives diving at its best if you can abandon the island castaway dream. Maldives diving is completely defined by currents and liveaboard itineraries are designed to take advantage of seasonal fluctuations to take in the sites that offer the best diving at that moment in time. Add to this the fact that you can visit a number of different atolls on a single itinerary, some with little or no tourism development, and you can see why a liveaboard option is a great choice for divers who are mostly interested in diving... and diving only.

Regaldive offer a choice of liveaboard vessels in the Maldives catering to a diverse range of budgets and diving needs. If you're thinking of a luxury boat with plenty of space and all mod-cons, take a look at MV Carpe Diem. This beautiful 35m boat has its own fully equipped diving dhoni and caters to just 20 guests on each trip. Carpe Diem offers a choice of seven or 10 night itineraries throughout the year that are uniquely designed around the prevailing currents, seasons and pelagic migration patterns.

During the winter season (November - May) most of the trips start and end in Male and concentrate on Ari Atoll with either an extension to the South or to the North. The Southern extensions to Felidhu and Meemu atolls or further are mostly known for their channel dives to see lots of sharks and are best chosen by experienced divers. The Northern extension to Baa, Lhaviyani and Noonu atolls concentrate more on a large variety of fish and good coral life.

During the summer season (July - October) Carpe Diem continues with its usual trips to Ari Atoll and also follows special 7 and 10 night dive trips to Baa and Raa atoll. The main focus on visiting Baa atoll during this period is to observe the famous manta rays while feeding in the marine protected Hanifaru Bay. This unihabited island has become one of the hottest places on the planet to witness manta rays in their hundreds, who are attracted to feed by the mass plankton blooming between the months of May and November. It is due to this phenomenon that Hanifaru Bay has become known as the world’s largest manta ray feeding destination.

Want to find out more? Watch this incredible video of Carpe Diem in action in the Maldives and call Regaldive on 01353 659999 to book your place!

We still remember the month of March when we went from the peak of the high season to stopping the entire diving operation within two weeks! It’s amazing how fast the world shut down due to the pandemic. Our team were so busy underwater, and the Maldives was one of the last destinations to close their borders to tourists, that we hardly realised what was happening. Until of course, our last guests left. 

Like so many, we were confident that the closure would only be short-lived. Turns out, that was seven long months and we opened our doors to divers again, with big open arms, on the 1st of November, with all the new safety protocols in place of course. 

Image by A.Shuau

The majority of the Euro-Divers team were able to return home, but some remained on island during the worldwide lockdown. The island felt like a strange place to live, an empty resort with no guests. We soon fell into a new routine and got used to the new way of island life. We had the chance to complete renovations, improve the gardens and the time to do a few other handyman jobs to keep everything in top shape for the reopening of the resort. 

Those of us that remained on island led a simple and tranquil life over the seven months. We watched the news from around the world and somehow felt safe and protected from the pandemic, living on our island bubble. With more free time on our hands we encouraged staff members to explore the island our way, by getting them out on the house reef! Highlights from that time include watching turtles nesting on the beach next to the restaurant and larger sharks patrolling the reef. We certainly witnessed some positive changes in the marine way of life. .

Here at the dive centre, we were super excited to welcome our first guests back when the resort reopened at the beginning of November. Happy for the guests to get back underwater to see the incredible, magical underwater world we all love to be in. New safety measures have been put in place, such as a maximum of eight divers on a boat to respect social distancing. Every diver now keeps the same equipment for their entire stay and it is regularly cleaned by our well-trained crew. Vilamendhoo has also introduced safety measures beginning with the guest arrival in Malé, through to seating in the restaurant, room cleaning and other services and activities around the island. 

Since reopening there have been some magical moments for our divers. The diving around the island has been fantastic. Our guests have had encounters with bottlenose dolphins, as well as seeing more fish life than before. Top of the wish list, our divers have encountered over 10 manta rays at the cleaning station and we’ve seen whale sharks in the national park. Long may it continue! 

Image by Leila Wirz

The Euro-Divers team look forward to welcoming you back to the island, to introducing new divers to the breathtaking underwater world of the South Ari Atoll and to create more diving memories together!

We are ready. Come and visit us!

Manuel Schierl, Manager of Euro-Divers Vilamendhoo

Vilamendhoo Island Resort is fully open and is offering 20% on bookings made before 5 January 2021. For more information, contact our friendly team.

New WHALE SHARKS and dive sites

We are in the famous whale shark area of South Ari Atoll and we have encounters all year round, one of very few places worldwide that can say that! It has been really special though during this time because we have had whale sharks come to us, maybe missing all the attention they usually receive when guests are here! In the 5 years since we opened over 350 different whale sharks have been encountered with only 8 being female but during the last 4 months we have seen 2 new FEMALE whale sharks and one stayed with us for over 40 minutes. She came right up to us and kept coming back towards us until the final moments when she zoomed right over our heads.

During this time Mette our dive base leader and I have been diving new reefs and new areas and have discovered an amazing soft coral place which is even better than 7th Heaven which is very well known here! Pastel shades of green, pink, peach, blue and lilac can been seen and are particularly beautiful when the current makes them all open to filter plankton from the water as it passes by!

On Kudimar wreck we have regularly seen up to 5 nurse sharks as well as the giant moray and giant mantis shrimp! 

Even Kudarah which is our most famous site, only 10 minutes from our harbour, has been EVEN more crammed with fish schools than before! We have seen grey reef sharks hunting right inside the thila (pinnacle) blocks and now we see rainbow runner schools nearly everyday to add to batfish, blue stripe snappers and humpback snappers! Huge tunas are hunting and we have seen them suddenly become striped and flying past like rockets as they hunt! Simply spectacular! 

BB TEAM and growing organic food

All our team have remained here since flights have not been available for them to return home yet. We all look after each other, eat together and watch our island volleyball tournament together! We have been doing maintenance work to the hotel and also to our dive boat so we are well and truly ready to welcome our guests back when the time comes. 

Together we decided to grow our own fruit and vegetables because it was getting more and more difficult to get fresh food from Male. We have had great success and can proudly show you our produce... cucumbers, eggplant, pumpkin, bitter gourd, chillies, papaya and passionfruit! Our chefs have made us tasty and healthy salads and curries and it tastes extra special when you can say you have grown it yourself! 

We plan to continue growing our own produce when our guests return and they can come and see our garden for themselves! 

NEW Health Standards

We have announced that we will be open from the 1st November and we are making sure that all the recommendations from our Government Heath Authority and WHO and DAN are being implemented before our guests arrive. Our staff will be doing training on best practise to ensure total compliance. Being a small boutique hotel we specialise in giving a personal service to our guests and that includes doing everything in our power to protect them whilst they are in our care. We have just 6 rooms in the hotel and keep our dive groups small with an instructor for both safety and to ensure guests are shown the best marine life this area has. 

During this time we have celebrated our 5th anniversary since we opened and we have received many good wishes from our regular guests!

We look forward to welcoming guests back from the 1st November and look forward to happy days spent diving together. We SO miss their smiling faces and laughter! 

Our reefs and especially our whale sharks are ready and waiting! We hope all of you stay safe and healthy ready to join us in this extra special place in Maldives.

Plan ahead and book your diving holiday to Boutique Beach in the Maldives and enjoy a great saving in 2020! SAVE 30% - discount per room, per night on all inclusive basis, PLUS a free return airport speedboat transfer for two.

Contact our team to book this offer, or find out more about diving in Dhigurah Island.

One of our most popular diving destinations, the Maldives is a picture-postcard paradise. Stunningly beautiful white sand beaches complement the exhilarating underwater environment that offers some of the finest diving in the world.

Adrenaline-charged drift dives, an abundance of colourful coral critters and encounters with pelagics - mantas, whalesharks and other shark species - are the reason divers return to the Maldives time and time again.

The variety and diverse nature of dive sites makes the Maldives suitable for divers of all levels of experience. Within each atoll, there are sheltered reefs suitable for beginners, whilst experienced divers will enjoy some of the best drift diving in the world.

Joining a Maldives liveaboard gives you the opportunity to experience Maldives diving at its best. MY Amba was one of the first liveaboards to operate around the most northerly atolls, and offers some truly exploratory diving. Over the past thirty years, an incredible range of world class dive sites in the Maldives have been charted and explored in the atolls surrounding Male. We also offer liveaboards that cover exciting atolls in the far north and south of the Maldives. The diving would suit those looking to visit untouched sites in search of the unknown.

If you prefer to plant your feet on the sand after a day’s diving, then a Maldives resort would provide you with a true diving getaway in your own corner of paradise, giving you all the charm of an authentic Maldivian experience.

Regaldive offer a number of resorts to suit every preference, ranging from budget-friendly resorts where the focus is all about the diving, to exclusive resorts with plenty of island amenities to pamper you as well as provide a sublime diving experience.

Eriyadu is a relaxed and friendly island is surrounded by dazzling white beaches. It features a calm lagoon which is ideal for learning to dive, as well as offering plenty of more challenging dive sites for experienced divers. Vilamendhoo lies in the heart of some of the most thrilling dive sites in the Maldives. The island boasts an exceptional house reef that attracts both divers and snorkelers back year after year. The reef is beautifully formed with several shallow caves and overhangs. The island attracts many pelagic species as well as an abundance of marine life.

If you are thinking about a trip to the Maldives, but not sure if you would prefer a liveaboard or a resort, then please call us for a chat: we have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with your prefect trip to picture-postcard paradise.

Adrenaline-charged drifts, amazing quantities of colourful fish and chance encounters with pelagics - mantas, whale sharks and many shark species - are the order of the day here. With the island nation of the Maldives covering some 35,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean, it’s the ideal place for divers to explore.

Atolls, Reefs, Kandus and Thilas

The Maldives boasts an incredible number of dive sites. With the development of previously inaccessible areas, new dive sites are being established in atolls ranging from Huvadhoo in the south, to Haa Alifu in the North.

The diverse nature of dive sites in the Maldives makes it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Within each atoll, there are sheltered reefs that are suitable for less experienced divers. By contrast, experienced divers will enjoy some of the best drift dives in the world. Channels into the atolls generate fast tidal flows, which in turn attract many of the pelagics for which the Maldives are renowned.

Maldives Liveaboards to Suit All Budgets

Joining a liveaboard really does give you the flexibility to experience Maldives diving at its best. Here, the diving is completely defined by currents. Liveaboard itineraries are designed to take advantage of seasonal fluctuations to take in the sites that offer the best diving at that moment in time. Add to this the fact that you can visit a number of different atolls on a single itinerary, some with little or no tourism development, and you can see why a liveaboard option is a great choice for divers who are mostly interested in diving... and diving only.

Regaldive offer a choice of liveaboard vessels in the Maldives, catering to a diverse range of budgets and diving needs. Whether you are thinking of a luxury boat with plenty of space and all of the mod-cons, or if you would prefer a 'basic' standard, budget friendly liveaboard, or perhaps something in-between, Regaldive have an option to suit you. 

Regaldive’s most popular liveaboards include: Emperor Serenity, Emperor Voyager, Emperor Atoll, Carpe Diem, Amba and Ari Queen.

Land-based Maldives Options

If you are looking for a land-based Maldives dive trip, Regaldive have a wide selection for you. Divers can enjoy a true diving getaway, combined with the charm of an authentic Maldivian experience. So, if you are looking for elegant accommodation in a beautiful setting, or a small, low-key resort offering good value, or perhaps something between the two, Regaldive have plenty of suitable choices in their programme.

Some of Regaldive’s Maldives resorts have been likened to a 'liveaboard on dry land'. Every island in the Regaldive programme provides an excellent and varied range of boat dives. 

If you care to picture world class diving, combined with fine house reefs, beautiful lagoons, lovely beaches, shady palm trees and a laid back atmosphere, you will be well on the way to designing your ideal land-based Maldives holiday.

Regaldive offer a wide range of land-based and liveaboard trips to the Maldives. Resorts in their programme include the Islands of: Vilamendhoo, Eriyadu, Reethi Beach, Ellaidhoo, Medhufushi and Dhigurah.

To find out more, call our friendly team on 01353 659999, or visit: Diving in the Maldives

SAVe up to £290 on 7 night trips 

Great savings are currently available for 7 night stays in the Maldives resorts of Bathala and Filitheyo:

• Bathala – Save up to £250 based on a 7 night stay
• Filitheyo – Save up to £290 based on a 7 night stay

Offers are valid for travel between 1 May 2017 and 31 October 2017

Dive pack Savings 

Massive savings are currently available on Dive Packs with Werner Lau:

• Book one dive pack and your buddy gets the same dive pack at 50% off

Offer is valid for all arrivals from 15 May 2017 to 31 June 2017

Boutique Beach is a small hotel built by divers for divers. British designed and managed, this 'boutique style' hotel has only six rooms ensuring personal service for every guest that aims to deliver the best diving experience possible. 

Save over £300pp on 7 Night All Inclusive Stays + Diving

Book by 15 December 2016. 

All Inclusive refers to room, all meals, unlimited soft drinks & water, local juices, mocktails and up to 3 dives, along with boat charges, or excursion and snorkeling.

ALL INCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION AND DIVING PACKAGES 

• 22 October 2016 to 29  December 2016 - from £1,013pp 
• 11 January 2017 to 30 April 2017 - from £1,198pp

Includes: Boat transfer, 7 nights twin share in a Double Deluxe room, 3 meals per day, Unlimited soft drinks & water, 2 dives per person per day, Tanks & weights

ALL INCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION AND DIVING PACKAGES WITH FLIGHTS

• 22 October 2016 to 29  December 2016 - from £1,865pp
• 11 January 2017 to 30 April 2017 - from £2,049pp

Includes: International flights from UK, boat transfer, 7 nights twin share in a Double Deluxe room, 3 meals per day, Unlimited soft drinks & water, 2 dives per person per day, Tanks & weights

To find out more, call our friendly team on 01353 659999 or see: Boutique Beach

Eriyadu Resort, Maldives has recently completed the Beach Club rooms and Regaldive are able to offer exclusive access to these rooms for UK divers. Eriyadu is now great value for money with the superb house reef and boat diving available that has made it a firm favourite with Regaldive guests over the years.

Eriyadu, which is located in North Male atoll, offers a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere and superb diving. An excellent beach surrounds the island, which is covered by a canopy of vegetation providing welcome shade. The excellent house reef wraps around the entire island and is suitable for both divers and snorkellers.

NEW Beach Club ROOMS

Eriyadu Resort's 16 Beach Club rooms are in a two storied block and they command panoramic views of the front façade of the entire island. Just minutes away from the main restaurant and dive centre, the Beach Club rooms are in a prime location. Take in the breathtaking views from your private verandah or balcony.

Each air-conditioned room is furnished with double bed, Satellite TV, mini bar, ceiling fan, hairdryer, telephone and a lovely open-air bathroom with tropical outdoor shower / bath, private veranda, sun beds and beach towels. In-room Wi-Fi is available at an additional cost, paid locally.

In addition to the new Beach Club Rooms, Regaldive can also offer Deluxe Beach Rooms. The more spacious Deluxe Beach Rooms have recently been refurbished and are located in beachfront villas, just metres away from the water's edge.  

The Resort has a bar and restaurant. Set by the water’s edge, the restaurant offers a choice of local and international cuisine, including themed nights and BBQs.

House Reef

Eriyadu house reef surrounds the island. The whole reef is accessible via five entry points with the majority of the reef formed into a gentle slope falling to 30 metres. Coral formations on the reef are both interesting and varied with the east edge forming a particularly dramatic wall. The reef’s formation makes the island an excellent choice for snorkellers, as a lot of the colour and marine life is easily visible from the surface. Various shark and ray species are often encountered on the house reef, alongside the resident batfish and turtles. 

BOAT DIVING

The Northern end of North Male atoll is quiet with very few islands resorts competing for space on dive sites. There are over 35 boat dives within one hour of the resort. Finger point is an excellent place to encounter large numbers of Grey reef sharks and Eagle rays. The reef also supports schools of jacks and snapper whilst Napoleon wrasses are often sighted. Eriyadu enjoys its best diving conditions over the South West Monsoon, (June to October) with wonderful visibility on many dives. During the North East season, (December to April), both whale sharks and manta rays are occasionally encountered in the area.

Regaldive is pleased to offer exclusive UK access to the Beach Club Rooms.

The Beach Club Rooms are available at great prices, with 7 night packages starting at only £1,526pp. This includes: flights, transfers and 7 nights accommodation in a twin room on half board basis.

To find out more, please call our friendly team on 01353 659999, or visit: Eriyadu Resort

A 40 metre boat, Emperor Serenity easily accommodates 26 guests in 13 well-appointed ensuite cabins all with air-conditioning. Operating from March 2016, Emperor Serenity has three levels of cabin available on the Upper, Main and Lower decks.

This boat’s itinerary is the "Best of the Maldives" - and it delivers exactly that. It offers divers the best and most famous dive sites of the Maldives in a week of wonderful liveaboard diving across Male and Ari atolls. Divers can take in the iconic sites of North Male, South Male and Ari Atoll. Channels, drifts and pinnacles await where divers have every chance of meeting mantas, whale sharks and mesmerising marine life of so many varieties.

This itinerary provides a marine mix of big fish such as shark and manta dives, as well as reef dives, reef fish, morays and the abundant macro life. Divers can get up close at the cleaning stations without disturbing the locals! One of the best known dive sites is Maaya Thila; this pinnacle is approximately 30m in diameter and falls away to reveal sharks and fish a plenty. The boat will also aim to find whale sharks, so you can get in the water and snorkel with them... as long as they stay around long enough!

All diving is done from Emperor Serenity's large dhoni tender, giving more living space on board and getting guests to the perfect dive spot every time. Four dive guides provide a premium service and she is rebreather-friendly and offers free Nitrox, all diving and safety equipment, as well as a photography charging station.

Non-divers are very welcome and get free snorkelling equipment and a voucher to spend on board.

Emperor Serenity adds to the existing Emperor fleet of Maldives liveaboards - Emperor Voyager and Emperor Atoll. Guests on these liveaboards have enjoyed fabulous sightings throughout the season and Emperor Serenity will be covering similar popular routes going forward.

For more details, contact our specialist team on 01353 659 999, or by email, or visit Emperor Serenity.

NB: Images are artist impressions of Emperor Serenity. Final designs may vary.