How to Go Whale Watching in the Maldives - Guide to Whale Watching during a Maldivian Holiday

Ranked among the most rewarding experiences one can have during a getaway in the Maldives, whale-watching is an activity that anyone can sign up for in the paradise isles. As one of the world's prime whale-watching destinations, the Maldives is the perfect location to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. From timing your Maldivian vacation to finding the right tour operator, here's everything you need to know to go whale-watching in the archipelago.

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Timing the Tour

Those who wish to go whale watching during a holiday in the Maldivian islands or are visiting the Maldives specifically to enjoy this particular activity must time their tour. Contrary to popular belief, the Maldives is not a year-round whale-watching hotspot. The period from May to August and December to January are the worst times of the year for this particular excursion due to heavy rains. This is why it is crucial to visit the Maldives between January and April when the wind, water and weather conditions are perfect for whale-watching safaris. Cetaceans, however, are likely to make an appearance between February and May and once again from September to December. 

Other Marine Life You're Likely to Encounter 

Although spotting the largest mammal on the planet is the main objective of every whale-watching tour in the Maldives, tourists are also likely to spot a wide variety of other marine species on the tour. Some of the most frequently spotted mammals on whale-watching tours not only include spinner and sperm dolphins but also whale sharks who usually occupy the areas around Baa Atoll's Hanifaru and the Gaafu Alifu atoll. Massive manta rays, on the other hand, are known to inhabit the areas around Baa Atoll and Ari Nord Atoll. Barracudas, turtles, hammerhead sharks and giant morays are also known to occupy areas where whales congregate. 

Tour Operators and the Duration of the Safari

Whether you are based at the Amaya Kuda Rah Maldives or any of the other luxury villas in Maldives, you can easily arrange whale-watching tours through private tour organisers and resort facilities. However, it's crucial to conduct some online research to assess the track record of available whale-watching packages, whether offered by resorts or independent tour operators, before finalising your booking. These whale-watching tours typically have a duration of at least 3 hours and commonly depart in the morning or afternoon. 

What to Expect

It is important to keep your life jackets on at all times during the whale watching tour not only for safety reasons but also to keep your clothes dry. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and digital camera along for the journey as you will want to capture the moments when whales become visible and also spot the mammals way out in the distance. Although dolphins will begin frolicking or following the tour boat at various junctures of the tour, it is prudent not to interact with the creatures or toss snacks and other items into the water to get a reaction. Maldivian conservation laws strictly forbid the feeding of dolphins and other marine creatures. This prohibition is in place because feeding wild marine animals can disrupt their natural ability to find food and, in turn, can have adverse effects on the overall ecosystem they are a part of. 

Faux Pas 

One must remember not to indulge in a big meal or consume alcohol before departing for your whale-watching tour. The swaying of the sailing vessel can make nausea a very real possibility whether one suffers from motion sickness or not, and it is better to have a light meal or snack in the hours leading up to the excursion. Carry a few motion sickness-relieving pills with you to ease symptoms if they do come up during the tour.