The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish in the ocean. Despite its size it is completely harmless to people: it feeds by filtering plankton and small fish from the water.
Whale sharks travel through the Maldives and can be seen around Fuvahmulah, more often in the first half of the year. An encounter during a dive or on the way to a dive site is always a matter of luck.
If one appears, keep your distance, do not touch it and never block its way. The whale shark is listed as Endangered.
