Unforgettable: swimming in the open sea with the biggest fish in the world!

The Ari Sud atoll is one of the best places on the planet to swim with whale sharks. You're almost guaranteed to see them, as they lie on a passageway for the world's largest fish. It's not just a dream for experienced divers, as all you need is a mask, snorkel and flippers to accompany this giant of the sea, which comes into contact and swims very close to the surface!

This is one of the flagship excursions organised by Lux* South Ari Atoll, which lies at the heart of the archipelago's first and largest marine park. The dhoni takes you out to sea, your equipment is ready and at hand, and as soon as the captain spots a whale shark, he gives you the signal and everyone's in the water!

Completely harmless, the whale shark can nonetheless weigh up to 30 tonnes and be 20 metres long, although it is generally between 5 and 12 metres long. This 400-million-year-old species lives year-round in the warm waters of the Ari Sud atoll. Although it can reach abyssal depths, it often swims very close to the surface.

This experience is by no means reserved for adults: children can easily swim alongside the biggest fish in the world, measuring almost 8 times their size! But there are rules to be observed, starting with a certain distance from the animal, which must not be touched.

The Baa atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is unique in that you can swim with both whale sharks and manta rays, which congregate in large numbers in one small area, Hanifaru Bay. The best time to swim with a whale shark in the Baa atoll is between June and November. And why is that? Because not only is that when they come to mate, but it's also when there's a large concentration of hundreds of manta rays feeding in Hanifaru Bay, when the currents bring plankton and krill. In short, you get to see two of nature's wonders at the same time, in the same place - a phenomenon that is unique in the world!

The difference in size between the swimmer and the whale shark is impressive! It is relatively easy to swim alongside this animal as it swims very slowly.

Lying on one of the largest islands in the Maldives, LUX* South Ari Atoll is a benchmark address in the archipelago for swimming with a whale shark. And why is that? Quite simply because it is located in the heart of the protected marine park that shelters them, the first and largest in the Maldives! As a bonus, you can also enjoy one of the most renowned spas in the Maldives!

The aptly named LUX* South Ari Atoll is located on Dhidhoofinolhu, one of the largest islands in the Maldives, in the south of Ari Atoll, around 25 minutes by seaplane from Malé international airport.

Also in South Ari Atoll, the Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is more affordable than the Lux* South Ari Atoll. This 4*sup island-hotel stands out for its lobby, bars and restaurants, all with their feet in the sand! Spa on stilts, superb bungalows and a dream beach await you. In short, the Maldives!

This resort nestles on the island of Vilamendhoo, 900 metres long and 250 metres wide, in the Ari Sud atoll, 30 minutes by seaplane from Malé international airport.

Buffet-style meals are served in the main Funama restaurant, whose floor is covered in fine white sand. Come barefoot, it's so pleasant!

The Finolhu, not to be confused with the Club Med Finolhu Villas, located on another atoll, is an upmarket 125-room hotel on Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We are 35 minutes by seaplane north-west of Malé. On the programme: children's playground, gastronomy, gym, spa, snorkelling, diving... This trendy establishment, a member of the Seaside Hotels group, has been awarded the Design Hotels label. Special mention for the bubble tent on the beach, and the Cove Club Spa with its pastel-coloured treatment rooms!