Love Whale Sharks Week Maldives

ވެލިމަސް ހަފްތާ

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MusicSouth Ari Atoll
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
Duration8 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsSouth Ari Atoll is one of the very few
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: MVR
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Love Whale Sharks Week Maldives in South Ari Atoll

Love Whale Sharks Week is a themed conservation and dive expedition run by liveaboard operator Scubaspa in partnership with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, focused on South Ari Atoll's Marine Protected Area, a year-round whale shark hotspot. The 2026 sailings run from 25 April to 2 May and again from 14 to 21 November, tracing a route from Male through North and South Ari Atoll and Vaavu Atoll.

Love Whale Sharks Week has built its identity around one of the Maldives' most remarkable natural features: the year-round presence of whale sharks in South Ari Atoll, a phenomenon rare enough globally that few other locations on earth can offer reliable sightings across every season rather than during a narrow migratory window.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

South Ari Atoll is one of the very few places on earth where whale sharks are reliably present throughout the year rather than only during a seasonal migration window, and this expedition builds an entire itinerary around that rarity, combining night snorkeling and diving encounters with the sharks alongside guest-speaker Ocean Talks covering shark and whale shark biology and conservation

02

The mystery stays covered

Rather than a passive wildlife-watching cruise, the programme incorporates PADI AWARE Shark Conservation and Project AWARE specialty courses and citizen-science identification training, giving participants hands-on involvement in ongoing whale shark research through the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, one of the longest-running whale shark studies in the world

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The expedition connects to the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme's long-running citizen-science work in South Ari Atoll

Water and renewal

Living ritual

part of a broader Maldivian conservation effort to protect one of the world's most consistent year-round whale shark populations within a designated Marine Protected Area

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of South Ari Atoll you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Swimwear and a rash guard or light wetsuit are standard for snorkeling and diving, along with reef-safe sunscreen; casual, comfortable clothing suits downtime aboard the liveaboard vessel...

Safety

Love Whale Sharks Week Maldives is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

For busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Love Whale Sharks Week Maldives does not become the hardest part.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

MVR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map3.61 N, 72.86 EOpen in Google Maps

South Ari Atoll, South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Nearest airportMLE — Velana
TransportStay close enough to the part of South Ari Atoll you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaFor busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Love Whale Sharks Week Maldives does not become the hardest part.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to South Ari Atoll via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near South Ari Atoll, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare faresFestival gearSwimwear and a rash guard or light wetsuit are standard for snorkeling and diving, along with reef-safe sunscreen; casual, comfortable clothing suits downtime aboard the liveaboard vessel between water sessions.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Maldives and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Love Whale Sharks Week Maldives?

Love Whale Sharks Week Maldives is listed for Past edition: 25 April–2 May 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Love Whale Sharks Week Maldives take place?

The festival is listed in South Ari Atoll, Maldives. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

8 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

South Ari Atoll, South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLscubaspa.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusOfficial source linked
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