Seychelles is an Indian
Ocean 115-island chain of islands and is a tropical paradise which offers one
rare opportunity to swim alongside world's biggest fish, whale sharks.
Attentive giants of fantastic temperaments and breat-taking appearance move
within Seychelles' gentle seas during certain months of a year. 2025 season for
whale shark offering has boundless memories to the divers, snorkelers, and
aquatic enthusiasts. This manual deconstructs the best time, best places, and
most crucial tips for viewing whale sharks in Seychelles.
When Is Whale Shark Season in Seychelles 2025?
The best time to see
whale sharks in Seychelles would typically be between the months October to
December, with November being the best month. It aligns with the drifting of
plankton, which constitutes the primary diet of whale sharks, into shallow
waters and around the islands.
In 2025, the season is
anticipated to begin in early October and continue through mid-December, with a
two-month peak season of increased sightings. The seas are calm, visibility is
excellent, and temperatures ranging from 27°C to 30°C (80°F to 86°F) — ideal
for sea tours.
Month-by-month summary
for 2025 Whale Shark Season
October 2025: Seasonal commencement, with sightings becoming
more concentrated around Mahé and Praslin.
November 2025: Peak activity. Best time for guaranteed
sightings.
December 2025: Activity decreases around mid-month,
although chances remain good in early December.
Best Places in
Seychelles to Swim with Whale Sharks
1. Mahé Island – Beau
Vallon Bay
Being the largest of the Seychelles islands, Mahé boasts
the most convenient and modern infrastructure for whale shark tour operations.
Beau Vallon Bay, situated on the northwest coast of the island, is the center
of sea activity throughout the season. It boasts a number of licensed tour
operators providing daily tours from here, and thus it is among the most
reliable spots for sightings.
Highlights:
Daily whale shark
sightings between October and December.
Convenient proximity to
professional dive shops.
Suitable for both
beginners and experienced divers.
2. Praslin Island – Côte
d'Or Beach
The second-largest
island, Praslin, is renowned for its white-sandy beaches and coral
reefs. Côte d'Or Beach on the northeast side has shallow water with an
abundance of plankton which the whale sharks dine on seasonally.
Highlights:
Crystal-clear water and
gentle currents.
Ideal for snorkeling
tours.
Less crowded than Mahé.
3. La Digue Island – Félicité Channel
East of La Digue,
Félicité Channel is a secret treasure for whale shark spotting. A deep-water
and migratory hotspot channel, here whale sharks often pass through to feed
elsewhere.
Highlights:
* Unspoiled, peaceful
marine environment.
* Chance to spot other
pelagic animals such as manta rays and dolphins.
* Eco-tours with
sustainability focus.
4. Outer Islands –
Alphonse and Desroches
For thrill-seekers
looking for off-the-tourist-trail experiences, the remote islands like Alphonse
and Desroches offer intimate diving expeditions with reasonable chances of
meetings with whale sharks. These are unspoiled locations, and their marine
life exists in their natural forms.
Highlights:
Virgin reefs and
remoteness.
Highly exclusive resorts
that offer bespoke diving safaris.
High diversity in the
way of turtles, rays, and reef sharks.
Why Whale Sharks Visit Seychelles
The sighting of the whale
shark around Seychelles is greatly due to the extremely high density of
plankton blooms in the initial phase of the transition from the southeast to
the northwest monsoon winds. Plankton-rich waters like these attract a
tremendous amount of marine life and hence become a feeding site for these
filter-feeding whales.
Whale sharks are
generally solitary and cruise slowly around the coast, feeding on enormous
quantities of plankton through their gill rakers. Currents off Seychelles
carrying plankton are a perfect smorgasbord, and the islands are thus a
reliable hotspot for encounters during their migration.
Optimal Methods of
Experiencing Whale Sharks in Seychelles
1. Snorkeling Tours
For non-divers,
snorkeling tours offer a secure and thrilling experience to watch whale sharks
at close proximity. These tours are typically conducted early morning when
water is most transparent, and the sea is calm.
Pro Tip: Bring along a GoPro or underwater camera
to capture your once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
2. Scuba Diving Excursions
Certified divers can
book half-day or day scuba excursions targeting whale shark hotspots. Dive
centers monitor current whale shark sightings and typically team up with local
conservation groups to enhance the possibility of spotting them.
Pro Tip: Book with PADI-certified operators for
safety and eco-responsible operations.
3. Private Yacht Charters
For the most decadent
experience, whale shark safaris offer private yachts with personalized
itineraries. Private itineraries, fine dining, and unrestricted access to
off-the-beaten-path sites define these charters.
Pro Tip: Choose eco-oriented charters that give back to
local sea conservation.
Whale Shark Swim Tips
For the safety of both
guest and sea creature well-being, the Seychelles government and ocean
conservation groups enforce strict regulations on how to treat whale sharks:
Maintain a distance of
at least 3 meters (10 feet).
Don't ride or swim on
the whale sharks.
Don't use flash.
Don't swim ahead of them
or in their path.
At all times, remain
with your guide.
Following these steps
will be minimally disruptive to the animal and keep Seychelles a
sustainable destination for tourists for generations to come.
Conservation Efforts in
Seychelles
Whale sharks are
currently threatened on the IUCN Red List. Fortunately, Seychelles has been
proactive in protecting marine wildlife and habitats through the following:
Declaring marine
protected areas (MPAs).
Enabling research by the
Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS).
Joining global whale
shark tagging initiatives.
Implementing locally
benefited community-based tourism while preserving marine ecosystems.
Tourists can support
these causes by booking certified eco-tour operators and donating to NGOs that
conserve marine life in Seychelles.
What to Bring for Whale
Shark Adventures
Reef-friendly sunscreen (skip oxybenzone and octinoxate).
Polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Rash guard or wetsuit for sun and jellyfish protection.
Underwater camera or waterproof phone case.
Motion sickness tablets,
if necessary for boat trips.
Final Thoughts: Prepare in Advance for Whale Shark Season 2025 Whale shark season Seychelles 2025 is an onetime experience to
explore these sea monsters in their own habitat. From blue lagoons of
Mahé to secluded hideaways of Desroches, each destination promises a personal
magic. First-time snorkeller or avid diver, Seychelles
holds a memory-making adventure for you. Kindly do book your
tours ahead, travel equipped and never fail to take proper care of the ocean
and its beautiful inhabitants.
