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.