Seasonal· Mahé (northwest coast)· Seychelles
Whale Shark Season off Mahé's West Coast
4° 36.3′ S · 55° 25.2′ E · approximate
Every year, usually between August and November, mostly juvenile male whale sharks gather to feed along Mahé's plankton-rich west coast; Port Launay is famous for sightings and dive sites from L'Ilot to Baie Ternay list them seasonally.
Practical
Marine Conservation Society Seychelles runs its monitoring programme 1 August to 31 October and offers eco-tours departing from Beau Vallon bay (email mcsswhaleshark@gmail.com). Whale sharks are protected in Seychelles waters since 2003; follow the national encounter code: slow down, keep the boat well clear, no touching, no flash, no riding. Seyvillas also mentions November-March encounters near L'Ilot. Coordinate derived: Beau Vallon bay, the tour departure area.
Best for
Swimming with the world's largest fish
Season
Usually Aug–Nov; MCSS tours 1 Aug–31 Oct