Maamigili Whale Shark Point,Maldives

• Snorkeling and shallow diving with whale sharks—safe, guided encounters with large, gentle whale sharks.
• Guided boat trips and morning feeding-area visits (operator-led, research-friendly).
• Underwater photography and videography opportunities in clear, warm water.
• Coral reef snorkeling and nearby dive sites with vibrant reef fish and manta activity seasonally.
• Maamigili island viewpoints and relaxed local island life for post-trip rest.

• Reliable whale shark sightings—both resident and seasonal individuals are commonly seen.
• Shallow drop-offs and sandbanks near the encounter zones, making snorkeling accessible for many visitors.
• Clear tropical visibility and nutrient-rich plankton patches that attract whale sharks.
• Diverse reef ecosystem supporting turtles, rays and schooling fish.
• Direct access from Maamigili (which has a domestic airport), reducing transfer time from Malé.

• Guided snorkeling sessions with whale sharks (strictly operator-supervised).
• Diving with whale sharks (for certified divers on deeper encounter dives when available).
• Photography workshops and underwater filming with experienced guides.
• Day boat trips to sandbanks, snorkeling on reefs, and sunset cruises around Maamigili.
• Participating in citizen-science programs (photo-ID submissions and briefings).

Year-round sightings, with higher encounter rates often reported during the dry season (December–April). However, whale sharks are seen throughout the year—check local operators for short-term trends.

Tropical climate. Dry (northeast monsoon): Dec–Apr — calm seas, good visibility. Wet (southwest monsoon): May–Nov — higher chance of rain, choppier seas, but encounters still possible.

There is no universal ‘whale shark park’ entry fee, but operators may include conservation or permit fees in tour prices. Tours typically run early morning (best for sightings) with some afternoon options. Always confirm timings and costs with your operator or guesthouse before booking. Note: Maldives levies a Green Tax for tourist stays (applies to guesthouse/resort bookings) and local rules on protected species must be followed.

Nearest international gateway is Velana International Airport (Malé). From Malé you can reach Maamigili by:

• Domestic flight to Maamigili Airport (VAM) — the fastest common option (scheduled flights by domestic carriers).
• Speedboat or charter transfers from nearby hubs (arranged by resorts/guesthouses). Maamigili is an inhabited island with guesthouses, dive schools and basic services—no long resort transfers required if staying on the island.

Stay 1–3 nights on Maamigili to allow at least one reliable window for whale shark trips; longer stays (3–5 days) increase chances and let you enjoy diving/snorkeling around the atoll.

Light tropical clothing, swimwear, rashguard or thin wetsuit (sun protection and warmth), reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, reef-safe insect repellant, personal snorkel/mask if preferred, underwater camera or action camera with good battery/SD capacity, light waterproof bag. Bring seasickness medication if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Enjoy Maldivian seafood specialties (fresh tuna, mas huni, garudhiya) at local cafés and guesthouses. Souvenirs often include local handicrafts, lacquered items from the Maldives, woven mats (thundu), and small, locally made trinkets—buy from community-run shops to support local economy.