The best of it… all the divers have the pleasure to meet the whale sharks while diving for at least 1, or some of them, several times! That’s what makes diving at South Ari Atoll a truly unforgettable life time experience. August has a great start on the part of Whale Sharks when these gentle giants are nearby, just 25 minutes from Lux at dive sites “Back reef” and “Didhoo long reef”. This whale sharke spot in south Ari atoll is the only part of the world where you can see whale sharks all year.
Whale Shark Paradise, LUX South Ari Atoll is probably the only 5 star resort that is 20 min away by boat from the Whale Shark Marine Reserve you can find in the Maldives. While the resort has a PADI-certified dive centre, two infinity pools, a floodlit tennis court, a fitness centre and a renowned spa. Excellent eating and drinking is always a cut above the rest at LUX*, and at LUX* South Ari Atoll, there is authentic South East Asian street food in the Maldives' only over-the-water gourmet night market and world-class Chinese cuisine at East, along with the Japanese restaurant Umami, which offers live teppanyaki and dazzling selection of sakés. With 187 private villas dotted at the water's edge along four kilometres of powder fine beach or perched on stilts above a crystal clear lagoon, these spacious pavilions and villas bring an entirely original vibe of coastal, beach house chic to the Maldives. Cutting-edge designer villas and world-class dining can be found only a 30-minute seaplane flight away from Malé International Airport, making LUX* South Ari Atoll one of the most exciting resorts in the Maldives. LUX Resorts & Hotels has introduced new developments for LUX * South Ari Atoll after its reopening in late 2016. The following are the 10 best whale shark amd manta rays locations in the Maldives along with an indication of what is the best time to go.īest Experience: Couples, Family, Value, Beach, Diving, Dining, Whale Shark Watching, All Inclusive Diving is not allowed in Hanifaru Bay - only snorkeling! The best time for sightings here is between May and November. Another outstanding place to swim with whale sharks and up to 200 mantas feeding is the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll. You may also spot manta rays in South Ari during the northeast monsoon from September/October to May (the peak viewing time is February - April). As for season, the best time is from December to May, even better from January - April. The sightings are excellent year-round with a peak time from August to November.
South Ari (Alifu Dhaalu) Atoll is one of the best places to spot whale sharks. While from May to October they feed on the eastern side of the atolls, due to the high plankton concentration. However, good to know where and when to watch them.įor pelagics lovers, from November until April a higher number of whale sharks and manta rays can be spotted on the western side of the Maldive atolls. Fortunately the Maldives is a breathtaking destination for sightings of whale sharks and manta rays. Being one of the biggest fishes in the ocean and one of the most majestic creatures to see underwater, snorkeling or diving with these gentle giants is one of the ultimate experiences. Swimming with Whale Sharks & Manta Rays ticks the top on bucket list of many visitors in the Maldives.