Divers from Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives experienced an extraordinary underwater encounter last month when a whale shark estimated at six metres in length appeared during a dive at the reno...
Divers at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives experienced a rare encounter on 13 April when a six-metre whale shark appeared at the nearby Kandooma Thila dive site. Led by the resort’s PADI 5-star Dive Centre manager, the group observed the juvenile shark for over 30 minutes as it swam calmly alongside them. While the species is typically found in the South Ari Atoll, experts suggest the shark may have been following nutrient-rich currents through the South Malé Atoll, where the resort is located.
The resort has submitted photographs and video footage to the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme to help identify the individual through its unique spot patterns. By contributing to the national database, the team hopes to assist in tracking migration habits and supporting broader marine conservation efforts. This sighting highlights the unique biodiversity of Kandooma Thila, a renowned underwater pinnacle known for its strong currents and abundant pelagic marine life.
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Reported by Visit Maldives
Curated by the Resortlife editorial team from publicly reported sources. Image courtesy of Visit Maldives.




