Mirihi Island, Maldives, is inviting guests to enjoy exhilarating days out swimming with the largest fish in the world: the majestic whale shark.
Guests of all ages can dive into this once-in-a-lifetime experience and embark on a whale-shark safari off the South Ari Atoll in the Maldives, organised by Mirihi Island resort. This is one of the few spots in the world where it is possible to swim with these colossal creatures year-round.
Guided by a team of local experts who know the waters as well as they know the land, guests will be taken for a day sailing aboard a beautiful 55ft pine-wood yacht in search of these mysterious creatures of the deep.
Whale sharks, though daunting in terms of size, are harmless to humans, feeding mainly on plankton and small fish and moving at the average speed of just three leisurely miles per hour.
If lucky enough to spot the Maldives’ largest sea inhabitant, guests are encouraged to jump into the water and snorkel alongside these gentle giants; a breath-taking and humbling experience.
When not swimming with the sharks, guests can enjoy intermittent stints of snorkelling where they can spot turtles, dolphins and manta rays that flit and soar beneath. After an energetic morning keeping up with all manner of marine life guests can retire aboard the luxurious yacht and indulge in a lavish lunch.
Mirihi Island, a bare-foot luxury, boutique hotel located in the South Ari Atoll, is only a 30 minute sea plane from Male, Maldives. It is the one of the top five best rated hotels on TripAdvisor.
The emerald gem oozes serenity and is surrounded and protected by a spectacular house reef with coral and fish in a myriad of colours. When back at the house reef guests can expect to see white and black tip reef sharks, octopuses, and green turtles amongst others.
Combining modern and traditional elements, the small paradise island offers 37 stylish rooms that are designed to emphasise the island’s natural allure and to provide a haven of peace and tranquillity.
Whale Shark safaris at Mirihi Island take place from 09.30 until 15.00. Prices start from $125/£94* including lunch and soft drinks based on ten guests sharing the excursion. Prices per person are subject to 10% service charge and 12% GST.
Nightly rates start from $600/£452* per villa, on a B&B basis, based on two people sharing. Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 12% GST.