South Ari whale shark protection: traveller checklist

Whale sharks in the South Ari Marine Protected Area are protected, and only SAMPA-certified guides may take tourists to them. As a swimmer, your job is to choose that guide, keep at least 3 m away and never touch the shark.

This checklist is part of our sustainability and marine care hub. For planning which atoll to visit, see Baa Atoll versus South Ari.

What makes South Ari special for whale sharks?

South Ari is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks can be seen year-round, according to Visit Maldives. Most sightings fall between August and November.

The sharks here are mostly juveniles that often feed and cruise near the surface. That makes snorkel encounters possible, but it also puts them close to boats and propellers.

Which rules apply to visitors?

The main rules come from the 2009 South Ari Atoll MPA guidelines and a later government requirement on certified guides.

Some codes, including the one shown by Visit Maldives, use 3 to 4 m. A 2026 guide also reports tighter rules on propeller guards and vessel registration from mid-2026; we could not confirm these on an official page, so ask your operator.

Checklist: before you book

• Ask if the guide is SAMPA-certified. It is a legal requirement, so a good operator answers straight away.
• Ask how many swimmers go in at once. Small groups mean less crowding around the shark.
• Ask whether the boat has propeller guards. Propeller injuries are a known threat to surface-feeding sharks.
• Ask what happens if no shark is found. A fair answer is honest about chances, not a guarantee.
• Plan more than one day. Two or three nights in South Ari gives you more attempts without pressure.

Checklist: on the boat

• Listen to the full briefing. It covers entry, distance and where to swim.
• Wear a rash vest rather than heavy sunscreen. Less lotion in the water around the shark.
• Turn off camera flash. Flash photography can stress the animal.
• Enter quietly when told. Slide in feet first, no jumping on top of the shark's path.

Checklist: in the water

• Stay beside and behind the shark, not in front of its head. Blocking its path makes it dive.
• Keep 3 m or more away. Back off if it turns toward you.
• Never touch. Touching can damage its protective skin layer and stresses the animal.
• Do not chase if it dives. Let it go and wait for the guide.
• Keep away from the tail. One flick can injure a swimmer.

What should I do if I see rules being broken?

Stay back from the shark yourself and tell your guide. If the operator itself is breaking rules, note the boat name and time, and raise it with your resort or guesthouse after the trip.

Choosing operators carefully is the strongest signal you can send. See how to choose an ethical marine wildlife tour for a scorecard.

Who suits a South Ari whale shark trip?

• Confident swimmers and snorkellers: the best fit, as encounters move fast in open water.
• Families with older children: possible with life vests and a patient guide.
• Weak swimmers or young children: a calmer house reef or a boat-based viewing may suit better.
• Budget travellers: Dhigurah and nearby local islands put you close to the area at guesthouse prices.

For why contact harms these animals, read why touching turtles, mantas or whale sharks is harmful.