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Whale shark swimming in the Maldives during Love Whale Sharks Week

Love Whale Sharks Week

November 14 – 21, 2026

Meet the world’s largest fish during a dedicated week of ocean encounters, exploration, and discovery.

In the Company of Giants

Love Whale Sharks Week combines diving and snorkeling encounters with a deeper understanding of the world’s largest fish. Alongside experts from Maldives Whale Shark Research, learn about whale shark behavior, identification, research and conservation while exploring the Central Atolls.

Highlights

  • Up to 17 dives
  • 2 departures a year
  • Dedicated whale shark searches and snorkelin
  • Expert-led whale shark talks
  • Citizen science & identification
A whale mouth shut facing the camera
Whale shark educational talk aboard Scubaspa Maldives during Love Whale Sharks Week
Whale shark snorkeling night

Diving Details

Love Whale Sharks Week follows our classic Best of Maldives itinerary through the Central Atolls, with additional time dedicated to exploring South Ari Atoll, known for its year-round whale shark population. The route offers a diverse mix of diving, from colorful thilas and submerged pinnacles to current-swept channels, wrecks, and manta cleaning stations.

Beyond the regular dives, dedicated whale shark searches offer opportunities to snorkel alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The itinerary also includes the famous nurse shark night dive in Vaavu Atoll, with dive sites selected daily according to tides, currents, and local conditions.

Throughout the week, experts from Maldives Whale Shark Research share insights through onboard talks and interactive sessions. Guests can learn how whale sharks are identified, contribute to citizen-science activities and gain a closer understanding of the research helping to protect them.

  • Water temperature: 28–30°C (82–86°F) year-round.
  • Dive experience: Suitable for all levels. Minimum Open Water certification for the Scuba package.
  • Currents: Varied conditions, from calm reefs to stronger channel and drift dives.
  • Wetsuit recommendation: 3 mm shorty or full suit, particularly for multiple dives per day

Rates & Dates

Filter departures

14 – 21 Nov

Other Special Weeks

See Special Cruises

Solo Travelers Week

April 3 – 10, 2027 and October 2 – 9, 2027

Travel solo, experience it together. Meet like-minded travelers while diving, unwinding and exploring the Maldives.

Christmas & New Year Weeks

December 23 – 30, 2026 and December 30, 2026 – January 6, 2027

Celebrate the festive season a little differently in the Maldives. Spend Christmas or welcome the New Year at sea, with special dinners, island celebrations and Scubaspa traditions.