Epic Whale Sharks Snorkeling Tour in the Maldives 2025

Introduction

At the end of March 2024, we travelled to the Maldives on a last-minute trip with very little planning. Instead of splurging on a luxury private island, we opted for two public islands—Dhigurah and Maafushi—which allowed us to experience the Maldives more authentically and affordably.

Each island had its own vibe, but one of the absolute highlights of our trip was the Whale Sharks and Manta Ray Snorkelling Tour. We did this tour from Dhigurah, one of the best places in the Maldives to spot whale sharks year-round. However, you can also book similar tours from Maafushi if that’s where you’re based.

In this article, we’re sharing our full experience of the Whale Sharks Snorkelling Tour—what to expect, how it works, what we saw, and whether it’s worth doing. So, if you’re planning a trip to the Maldives and dream of swimming alongside gentle giants, let’s dive into this unforgettable underwater adventure.

Read: The perfect 6-day Maldives Itinerary on a budget

Organising the tour

Organising a Whale shark snorkeling Tour in the Maldives is surprisingly easy. No matter which island you’re staying on, your accommodation can usually arrange the tour for you. Most guesthouses either run their own excursions or work closely with a local agency.

If you’re staying in Maafushi—the most touristic island in the Maldives—you’ll have even more options. Dozens of tour agencies line the streets, and nearly all of them offer Whale Sharks Snorkelling Tours, often combined with manta ray spotting and lunch on a sandbank. Just walk into one, compare prices and packages, and book your spot. It’s that simple!

Here are all your accommodation options in Dhigurah

Cost of the tour

The cost of a Whale Sharks Snorkelling Tour in the Maldives varies depending on the island you’re departing from. For example, from Dhigurah, the tour typically costs around 150 USD per person, while from Maafushi, it’s closer to 100 USD per person.

This price difference mostly comes down to the level of tourism infrastructure. Dhigurah is much closer to the whale sharks hotspot, but since it’s a quieter and less developed island, tours and accommodations tend to be pricier.

Many tour operators will also offer a partial refund or discount if you don’t get to see either manta rays or whale sharks. In our case, we unfortunately didn’t spot any whale sharks and ended up paying 120 USD per person from Dhigurah instead of the full price.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

When to Visit

The Maldives is a year-round destination, with warm, tropical weather and consistent temperatures ranging between 28°C and 32°C during the day and rarely dropping below 24°C at night.

There are two main seasons:

• Dry Season (November to April) – This is the best time to visit the Maldives, with sunny skies, calm seas, and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving. It’s also the peak season for tourism and the ideal window for whale sharks spotting, especially around Ari Atoll and Dhigurah. Most resorts and tour operators recommend this period for the highest chance of sightings.
• Wet Season (May to October) – Expect occasional tropical showers and slightly rougher seas, though rain is usually short-lived. The marine life is still active, but visibility can be reduced. While you might still spot whale sharks, it’s less reliable than during the dry season.

We visited at the end of March and had mostly perfect weather, with only one cloudy day and some early morning or night rainfall. If you’re planning to swim with whale sharks, January to April offers the best overall conditions.

The best time for whale sharks spotting in the Maldives is during the Dry Season, specifically from January to April. This period offers:

• Calm seas – Ideal for boat trips and spotting surface activity
• Great underwater visibility – Perfect for snorkeling and photography
• Consistent sightings – Especially around South Ari Atoll, including Dhigurah, Maamigili, and Sun Island

Whale sharks can technically be seen year-round in the Maldives, but these months have the highest chances due to favorable sea conditions and the presence of plankton that attracts them close to the surface.

👉 Tip: If whale sharks snorkeling is a priority for your trip, plan your Maldives itinerary around February or March, when both weather and sighting rates are at their peak.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Where to Stay

Choosing where to stay in the Maldives depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Maafushi is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who still want access to amazing excursions, restaurants, and a bit more social life. Dhigurah, on the other hand, is quieter, more laid-back, and perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more local vibe, especially if you’re into snorkeling or diving.

Maafushi – Best for budget travelers, island vibes, and easy access to tours

• (€): Island Ambience – A cozy and affordable guesthouse with clean rooms, friendly staff, and a short walk to the bikini beach. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want comfort and convenience.
• (€€): Triton Prestige Seaview & Spa – A great mid-range choice with spacious rooms, beautiful sea views, a rooftop pool, and spa services. Ideal if you’re looking for a touch of comfort without breaking the bank.

Dhigurah – Best for nature lovers, whale sharks snorkeling, and quiet beach life

• Seaside Dhigurah – A lovely beachfront guesthouse known for its warm hospitality, excellent location near the beach, and proximity to the famous whale sharks snorkeling spots. A peaceful retreat perfect for couples and nature enthusiasts.

Here are all your accommodation options in Dhigurah

Whale Sharks Snorkelling Tour (And Manta)

Beginning of the tour

Your Whale Sharks Snorkelling Tour might start with a bit of rain—don’t worry, it usually passes quickly. After breakfast, once your tummy is full, take some time to relax with a coffee on your terrace while waiting for the adventure to begin.

Later, you’ll be picked up by one of the island’s electric taxis and taken to the boat. You’ll likely join a small group, sometimes including others who have already been diving earlier in the morning and are now switching to snorkeling. The vibe is usually relaxed, and everyone’s excited to spot whale sharks and enjoy the day out on the water.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Snorkelling with Manta

Your first snorkeling stop will likely be with a manta ray. Once you reach the site, you’ll jump into the water and start scanning the blue for movement. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a manta gliding beneath you—it’s an amazing sight, even if it’s swimming deep below.

Chances are you won’t be the only boat at the spot, so expect to share the moment with a few other snorkelers. After spending some time in the water and taking it all in, you’ll head back to the boat. Once everyone is on board, the adventure continues to the next snorkeling spot.

The Boat

While you cruise to the next stop, take a moment to enjoy the boat itself. Ours was built in a traditional Maldivian style—spacious, stable, and surprisingly comfortable. There was even a shower on board, a shaded deck for relaxing, and a top deck to soak in the stunning views of the atolls and turquoise waters.

But the real treat? A proper toilet on board—definitely appreciated during a full-day tour!

You’ll also be offered complimentary drinks like water, juice, tea, and coffee, along with some light snacks. We didn’t expect that, and it was a lovely surprise that made the journey even more enjoyable.

Cruising in the Maldives is truly beautiful. Along the way, you’ll spot luxurious overwater villas, remote private islands, and endless shades of blue.

And just so you know, if you’re taking your whale shark snorkeling tour from Maafushi, you’ll most likely be on a speedboat instead—since Maafushi is around 2 to 3 hours away from Dhigurah by boat.

Here are all your accommodation options in Dhigurah

Lunch

Another great surprise during the tour was lunch—something we hadn’t expected. Each guest received a sandwich lunch, and there were two options to choose from, including a vegetarian one. It was a small but thoughtful detail that made the experience even more enjoyable, especially after spending the morning snorkeling and swimming. It’s always nice when tours include those little extras you didn’t plan for!

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Dolphins Spotting

Unfortunately, by this point in the day, we still hadn’t spotted any whale sharks. There was one earlier in the morning, but it dived before we arrived. Hoping for better luck, the crew launched a drone to scout the area from above.

While we waited, we were treated to a playful group of dolphins swimming nearby. Watching them glide and jump around was such a beautiful moment—it definitely lifted everyone’s spirits and reminded us how special the Maldivian waters are, even without a whale sharks sighting (yet!).

Here are all your accommodation options in Dhigurah

Snorkeling

If no whale sharks are spotted during your tour, the crew will usually take you to an alternative snorkelling site. And honestly, that might end up being one of the highlights of your day.

At this quieter spot, you’ll likely have the water all to yourselves. The underwater world is beautiful—you might swim alongside colourful fish, spot a turtle gliding by, and even see a few small blacktip reef sharks. It’s an incredible experience, though staying underwater for long stretches can be tiring.

While you’re enjoying the snorkelling, the team will often continue flying their drone to search for whale sharks, so the adventure isn’t over just yet.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Whale Sharks Snorkeling

Whether or not your crew finds a whale shark, you’re in for a fantastic day. If they do spot one, you’ll jump in and snorkel alongside one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring giants. Whale sharks are completely harmless and incredibly majestic—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.

And if no whale shark appears, don’t worry. You’ll still enjoy amazing snorkeling, spot vibrant fish, sea turtles, maybe even some blacktip reef sharks—and spend the day cruising through picture-perfect waters. Just don’t forget your sunscreen or a t-shirt for snorkeling… the Maldivian sun is strong, and we definitely learned that the hard way!

Read: The perfect 6-day Maldives Itinerary on a budget