Joanna James
If you fancy spending a better part of your day snorkelling with sharks in the Maldives, then herein is a guide on the best times and regions of the island nation that would warrant scheduling a trip for.
Located in the South Ari Atoll and towards the eastern parts of the Maamigili Marine Protected area, Dhigurah Island comes across as one of the sought-after destinations to spot the graceful whale shark species in the Maldives. Although sightings are common throughout the year, should your holiday fall within the months of May through November, which is when the southwest monsoon descends, then you certainly will be in luck.
If one was to remain within the boundaries of the South Ari Atoll for the purpose of witnessing whale sharks, then focussing your travels in the direction of Maamigili Reef, which can be accessed by cruising to the southern end of the Atoll will bode well for your prospects. Remarkably, sightings of these species occur on almost a daily basis with large numbers a near certainty.
Along with countless manta rays, whale sharks are known to congregate in large numbers, particularly during the southwest monsoon period in Hanifaru Bay. Reputed as one of the best destinations in the Maldives to snorkel with these marine mammals, Hanifaru Bay will offer ample room and facilities to avail of. If searching for the most favourable time of year to head over, take stock of the period extending from May to the early part of October.
For a change of scenery, toy with the thought of exploring every inch there is to Vaavu Atoll. Known to be a breeding ground for the somewhat shy nurse shark species, Vaavu Atoll is where you can come into contact with these mammals while they rest or swim to and fro towards the bottom of the ocean. Importantly, the nurse shark can be easily noticed, owing largely to its skin colour, which is brown and in terms of length, the average species does not grow more than 3 metres. While snorkeling with sharks in Maldives must be a top priority for the avid snorkeller in you, similar attention must be directed towards finding a suitable mode of lodging. This way, you will have an excellent base to plan your travels from and also retire to after a few hours of snorkelling. For example, consider staying at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, which offers guests a chance to snorkel with nurse sharks as well as baby black-tip sharks.
Although thought to be found more by accident, seeing both black and white-tip sharks in the Maldives will surely rank as one of the highlights of your stay. Occupying a majority of the island nation’s reefs, patrons will have to keep their eyes peeled for longer durations, as these species are small in size and can be missed out on relatively easier than other species of sharks. However, worthy of mention is that black-tip shark sightings are common than their white-tip counterparts.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
