Craving an unforgettable aquatic adventure? The « Cast Off » section guides you to exceptional destinations. This month, dive to meet the majestic whale sharks in Djibouti, the Philippines, and Tanzania.
Djibouti: A legendary encounter in the Red Sea
Dive off the beaten path
Djibouti offers an authentic diving experience away from the crowds. Its waters harbor a treasure: the largest concentration of whale sharks in the Red Sea!
Rendezvous with the giants
Every year, from October to February, dozens of whale sharks gather in the Ghoubbet bay, west of the Gulf of Tadjourah, drawn by the abundant plankton.
Whale shark protection
The approach to whale sharks is strictly regulated in this marine protected area:
- Mandatory accompaniment by an authorized guide.
- Presence limited to one boat for a maximum of 30 minutes.
- Calm entry into the water and a distance of 3 meters (4 meters from the tail).
- No touching or feeding the animals.
Local fishermen are made aware and propeller guards are installed. Special cruises are organized.
Beyond whale sharks
Djibouti offers underwater landscapes rich in faults, tunnels, caves, Napoleons, groupers, and turtles. Don’t miss the wreck of the Faon.
Heads above water in Djibouti
Explore the landscapes of Ghoubbet al-Kharab, « the devil’s lair », with its impressive dome, and Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa with its salt bank.
Practical
- Time difference: -2h (winter), -1h (summer)
- Water temperature: 30°C (May to October), 26°C (November to April)
- Ideal season: October to January
- Equipment: 3mm wetsuit
- Level: Beginner to advanced (snorkeling)
- Budget: 7-night cruise from €2,200 (flights, full board, 3 dives/day)
- They take you there: Oceanes, Dune, C6Bo, Ultramarina, Aquarev, Seven Seas
- GPS coordinates: 11°40’16” N – 042°48’55” E
Philippines: A protected sanctuary for whale sharks
Leyte, a preserved gem
The Philippines are renowned for their whale sharks. Avoid « tourist factories » like Oslob and opt for Sogod Bay, south of Leyte Island.
Responsible encounter
On board a bangka, approach the sharks while snorkeling more than 3 meters away, without feeding. A local guide will accompany you.
Participatory science
Scientists from LAMAVE study the sharks and may seek the help of snorkelers. Night dives are possible.
Diving in Leyte
Explore soft and hard corals, nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and enjoy muck diving.
Heads above water in Leyte
Support local crafts and discover the island’s waterfalls. Stays often combine Leyte with other Visayan islands.
Practical
- Time difference: +6h (summer), +7h (winter)
- Water temperature: 28°C year-round
- Ideal season: December to April
- Equipment: 3mm wetsuit
- Level: Beginner to advanced (snorkeling)
- Budget: Visayas safari 10 nights from €2,250 (flights, meals, 20 dives)
- They take you there: most tour operators.
- GPS coordinates: 10°00’15” N – 125°05’08” E
Tanzania: Mafia Island, a well-kept secret
Mafia, the island of whale sharks
A whale shark sculpture greets you on Mafia Island, 20 km off the Tanzanian coast. A study revealed that the sharks reside there year-round, but are only visible near the coast from October to March.
An exceptional natural reserve
The Mafia Channel, rich in plankton, attracts sharks. Tanzania’s largest natural reserve (820 km²) protects corals, local wildlife (turtles, emperorfish, trevallies, nudibranchs), mangroves, and whale sharks.
Local awareness
Whale sharks are at the heart of the island, and children are made aware of their protection from primary school.
Respectful encounter
Access to the reserve is paid and limited. Sail with a local guide on a traditional dhow. Approach the sharks calmly and from a distance.
Thrills guaranteed
Despite their apparent slowness, you must be fit to keep up with the sharks and swim alongside them!
Heads above water in Mafia
Observe humpback whales (September to November), turtle nesting beaches, the Kua ruins, and local wildlife.
Practical
- Time difference: +1h (summer), +2h (winter)
- Water temperature: 26°C year-round
- Ideal season: October to March
- Equipment: 3mm wetsuit
- Level: Beginner to advanced
- Budget: 12-night stay from €1,299 (breakfasts, dinners, 16 dives)
- They take you there: Sea Crush, H2O Voyage, Ultramarina, C6Bo.
- GPS coordinates: 07°53’42” S – 039°44’01” E
The choice of pros: Where to observe whale sharks?
A cruise in the Maldives with Abyssworld
- Where? Ari atoll (snorkeling), Thaa and Huvadhoo atolls (at night).
- Particularity? Supervision by Sean Siegrist, a passionate Francophone guide.
- Learn more: 7-night stay from €2,990 (flights, full board, 18 dives) www.abyssworld.com
- GPS coordinates: 03°43’13” N – 073°13’27” E
A cruise to Socorro (Mexico) with Sea Crush
- When? November-December (migration from the Galápagos). One of the rare destinations where you can observe them diving!
- Other species? Oceanic manta rays (up to 7m), many fish species, more than 37 species of rays and sharks.
- Learn more: 9-night stay from €3,780 (full board, 20 dives). Special offer -10%: hello@SeaCrush.com
- GPS coordinates: 18°47’33” N – 110°58’55 O
This article, initially written by Margot Harty for the print edition of PLONGEZ!, was adapted for the web.