Whale Sharks

The Maldives is an Indian Ocean archipelago of 26 natural atolls built upon extensive coral reef systems. Diving ranges from sheltered lagoons and reef walls to submerged pinnacles known locally as thilas and channels called kandus, where strong tidal currents concentrate plankton and attract manta rays, reef sharks, eagle rays, tuna, and dense schools of fish. The country contains about 4,500 square kilometers of coral reefs, with more than 250 recorded coral species and over 1,100 fish species. These reefs form the physical foundation of the islands but remain vulnerable to marine heatwaves, coral bleaching, coastal development, and other environmental pressures.

Fun Fact: South Ari Atoll is one of the few places where whale sharks may be encountered throughout the year rather than during only a short seasonal migration.