Date: May 22, 2025 (Thursday)

If you're dreaming of swimming with whale sharks in the Maldives, you're not alone — but nothing could have prepared us for this!

It started like any perfect day in the Maldives: Clear skies, turquoise waters, and a boat full of guests buzzing with anticipation. Upon arrival at South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPa), the guides of the boat had briefed everyone thoroughly — safety, how to swim with whale sharks, about SAMPa and the magical moment we were all hoping for: our encounter with the mighty whale sharks and manta rays.

With our drone in the sky and the fish finder scanning the deep blue, we set out across the legendary waters of SAMPa, home to the Maldives’ year-round whale shark population. Spirits were high.

Sunscreen? Check. Fins and masks? Ready. Hearts? Racing.

The First Encounter — and a Tough Call

By around 10:30 AM, we had our first sighting. A whale shark — massive, majestic, unmistakable — was spotted on the drone. Excitement surged, but something wasn’t right.

More than ten boats had clustered around it, and some were getting far too close, speeding and engines roared. Our crew quickly made the call: We wouldn’t jump in. Not like this. Not with so many boats zipping around and the whale shark clearly stressed. Respect for the animal comes first, always.

We peeled away from the crowd, leaving the chaos behind and heading out into the vast blue canvas of the SAMPa— a long stretch of reef ecosystem that always holds promise.

The Best Encounter of the Season

And then, just five minutes later... It happened!

Tiny black specks were seen on the drone and the drone swooped. And there it was— gliding beneath the drone like shadowy submarines — were two enormous whale sharks, side by side, feeding calmly. No boats. No engines. Just us.

Masks on, hearts pounding, we slid silently into the water. And there they were.

Graceful. Inquisitive. Timeless.

They circled us slowly, unbothered and almost curious — as if we were part of their world now. We swam with them for two unforgettable hours, just our small group and the ocean’s most gentle giants.

The Midday Feast — A Nature Show Like No Other

As if two whale sharks weren’t enough, the ocean decided to show off. A third whale shark appeared. And then — as if summoned from the blue — three manta rays joined in.

The area exploded with life. Whale sharks gulped gallons of water in a feeding frenzy, while manta rays danced through plankton clouds, wings like underwater kites. They spun, flipped, dove. One of the whale sharks looped so close towards the boat — and then came the moment we’ll never forget.

The Hit felt ‘Round the Boat

The largest of the whale sharks turned directly toward our boat, almost playfully. It glided closer, closer… engines at neutral, guests and guides at the front of the boat, in awe, captivated by the moment, and then bump — a gentle, slow-motion nudge against our hull, as the whale shark swam under the boat. 

Guests gasped, laughed, and reached for cameras. The guest on the boat felt the gentle giant, as if nudged by an iceberg — a moment right out of the Titanic, only warmer, wilder, and a lot more fun.

The whale shark didn’t seem to mind. It dipped below the boat, and kept on feeding — majestic and unbothered, like the ocean king it is.

A Day to Remember

By the time we got back aboard, the vibes were offthecharts. People danced. Cheered. Some just sat, smiling quietly, soaking it all in. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments — the kind you hope for but can never plan.

We followed all marine wildlife regulations to a T — no chasing, no touching, just respectful swimming and unforgettable moments. And the reward? The ocean gave us everything it had that day.

Final Count?

5 individual whale sharks

3 manta rays

2 hours of uninterrupted magic

1 unforgettable boat “hit” from a curious giant

Infinite memories

If you’ve ever wanted to swim with whale sharks — not just see them, but truly connect with them — this is your sign.

Come join us at Shadow Palm Maldives. Who knows what the ocean has in store next?