Up close with the giants of the oceans
With years of experience in the Seychelles, we’ve gathered a wealth of data to significantly increase your chances of spotting a whale shark. While nothing is ever guaranteed, our resources are top-notch: with seamless communication between our boats and the expertise of our captains, we offer you the best chance to swim alongside these majestic giants of the sea.
Choose your experience
Half-Day / 100 €
(marine park fees and equipment included)
Meeting at 8:30 AM at Atoll Diver, return at 12:30 PM
A half-day offering an exceptional program, including:
– A snorkeling tour in the Baie Ternay Marine Park, where you can spot turtles, rays, corals, and stunning landscapes.
– A boat ride in search of whale sharks around the northern coast of Mahé, as well as Conception and Thérèse islands, in communication with our other boats already at sea.
Please note: whale shark sightings are not guaranteed.
Full Day on Request / 180 €
(lunch, marine park fees, and equipment included)
Meeting at 9:00 AM at Atoll Diver, return at 4:00 PM
A full day offering an exceptional program, including:
– A snorkeling tour in the Baie Ternay Marine Park, where you can spot turtles, rays, corals, and stunning landscapes.
– A boat ride in search of whale sharks around the northern coast of Mahé, as well as Conception and Thérèse islands, in communication with our other boats already at sea.
– Lunch included at a charming local restaurant on the beautiful Anse Major beach, the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal.
– Fishing included, with the opportunity to cook your catch onboard or on the beach at Anse Major.
On board, you’ll enjoy total comfort:
– Lounge area, electric toilets, shower, sun protection, music, and maximum safety.
– Snacks, water, fruits, and juices available for your refreshment.
– A variety of snorkeling equipment provided.
– Option to bring your drone and launch it from the front of the boat to capture stunning aerial shots.
Please note: whale shark sightings are not guaranteed.
The boat Étoile
The Étoile catamaran (45 feet / 14 m) is designed to combine comfort and performance for your whale shark encounters. With its two 350 HP V8 engines, it offers fast, stable navigation, allowing us to quickly reach distant sites while ensuring maximum comfort on board.
As a motorized catamaran, Étoile can get close to the beaches, making it easy to disembark on the islands. Thanks to its retractable engines, there is no risk of cuts from the propellers, ensuring the safety of the whale sharks. Its exceptional maneuverability allows us to navigate easily near coastlines or in more confined areas.
Whale Shark Respect Charter – Atoll Divers
At Atoll Divers, we understand the excitement and awe that comes with encountering whale sharks However, it is crucial to remember that these marine creatures are wild beings, and it is our responsibility to respect them and observe them in their natural habitat without disturbing their behavior.
We are firmly committed to protecting these ocean giants and adhering to strict guidelines that ensure their well-being, and we expect all our guests to do the same.
Our absolute rules for respecting whale sharks are as follows:
Never touch a whale shark.
Do not approach within 4 meters.
Do not cut their path.
It is essential to let whale sharks move at their own pace without human interference. Disturbing their trajectory can disorient them and cause stress.
Follow your captain's instructions.
If the captain asks you to move back or limit your time observing a specific individual, it is crucial to follow these instructions. Time spent with a single whale shark should be limited to prevent exhausting or disturbing it.
Limit the time spent observing one individual.
While swimming with a whale shark is an unforgettable experience, we must avoid spending excessive time with any one animal. Prolonged interaction can cause unnecessary stress to the animal.
Do not feed the whale sharks.
Feeding whale sharks disrupts their natural behavior and can have negative long-term effects on their health and survival.
Observe, but do not interact.
The primary goal is to remain contemplative. We are guests in their world It is important to stay calm, respectful, and refrain from trying to be the focal point of this magical encounter.
Respect marine life in general.
Just like whale sharks, other marine species deserve our respect. Do not disturb their habitat and remain attentive to your surroundings.
We remind you that these rules are non-negotiable. Adhering to these principles is essential for preserving the integrity of our encounters with these majestic creatures. Any violation of these rules may result in the termination of the activity and exclusion from the group.
We thank you for your understanding and commitment to protecting whale sharks. Together, we can have incredible experiences while preserving the beauty and balance of the marine ecosystem.