Everything You Need to Know About Whale Sharks
At Nova Maldives, the ocean is full of wonders waiting to be shared, and the gentle whale shark is the star that turns every swim into a story worth telling. Meeting one in the wild is not only unforgettable but also a chance to connect with the ocean in the most soulful way. From their fascinating habits to the best times to spot them, learning more about whale sharks makes the experience even more meaningful.
Every encounter with these gentle giants is a reminder of how extraordinary the ocean truly is. At Nova, moments like this are what define good soul days, and here is everything you need to know about whale sharks to make each encounter even more meaningful.
The Ocean’s Calmest Giant
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea, yet they move with a calm grace that captures the heart of anyone who sees them. These gentle giants feed on plankton and tiny sea creatures, travelling great distances to keep up with their enormous appetite, often covering around 5,000 miles each year. Their white-spotted skin makes them easy to recognise, shining like a constellation as they drift through the water.
Where Whale Sharks Call Home
Whale sharks are spotted throughout the year in South Ari Atoll, making it one of the rare places where these gentle giants can be seen in every season. Just a short journey from Nova lies Maamigili Beyru, a world-famous site that became the largest marine protected area in the Maldives in 2009. With our collaboration with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), every whale shark excursion is guided by care and respect, from briefings on best practices to inspiring conversations with field experts.
Life Beneath the Waves
Life at Nova is filled with ocean adventures that bring you closer to the soul of the Maldives. Drift alongside graceful manta rays as they glide through the water, snorkel vibrant reefs alive with colour, or dive deeper to discover the magic of the atoll beneath the surface. For those craving a splash of fun, the lagoon is your playground with a whole menu of watersports to enjoy at your own pace.
Soulful Living at Nova
At Nova, every day is a soulful celebration. Share fresh flavours at Soul Kitchen, savour sizzling teppanyaki at Mizu, or sip sunset cocktails at Wink. Find renewal at Eskape Spa, where nature-inspired treatments restore body and spirit. And when the day drifts to a close, retreat to your island sanctuary, whether it is a Sunset Beach Villa on the sand or a Water Villa with Private Pool floating above turquoise blues.
A Journey Worth Sharing
Whale sharks are more than the ocean’s gentle giants, they are a reminder of how extraordinary life beneath the surface can be. At Nova, every encounter is about sharing that wonder with your soul family, celebrating connection, and creating good soul days that stay with you long after you leave.
Contact us today at [email protected] or +960 66 88 777 and swim with whale sharks at Nova. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Soulful Tales newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive offers—including 20% off your next stay.
