The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the biggest fish in the sea, reaching up to 18m in length. Although observations around the Seychelles are common, elsewhere in the Indian Ocean whale sharks are indiscriminately slaughtered on an industrial level. The opportunity to interact with these gentle giants and assist in their conservation is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. In-water monitoring is carried out during the afternoon by snorkelling, providing memorable close encounters with these magnificent creatures, as well as excellent photo opportunities.

Shark researchers in the Seychelles have been monitoring whale sharks around Mahe for the past 12 years. Since we have been running these trips as many as 373 sharks have been spotted in aerial surveys by microlight in a month, with more than 39 spotted on a single microlight aerial survey.  Directed from the air by the microlight pilot (and his passenger!) we have been surrounded by as many as 8 individual whale sharks at a time in the water. This year saw the longest ever encounter with a whale shark of almost 2 hours, with the fish seeming to enjoy our company and lamenting our departure !

October has continually proven to be the best month to see whale sharks, both from the perspective of the numbers in which they accumulate, sea conditions and where they feed.  Whale sharks can be found in the Seychelles in August and September, but they tend to feed in areas of upwellings in southern Mahe in seas which are exposed to the south east trade winds. By October, the trade winds have usually transferred to the north west and opportunities are high to get in the water with them and enjoy some very good visibility at the same time.  You can see from some of the images taken by one of our leaders, Andy Davies, just how memorable the encounters can be.

It is not just whale sharks that we experience during these trips.  The plankton which attracts whale sharks to these locations is often shared with huge shoals of fish, Mobula Rays (also known as Devil Rays) and if lucky Manta Rays.  There are times underwater when you feel like you have stumbled upon the set of the Blue Planet series, with plankton, fish, whale sharks, devil rays and even dolphins setting the scene.  Participants have the opportunity to actively take part in the scientific marine monitoring with the researchers and assist them to carry out undertaking plankton tows, collection of oceanographic data. 

For divers, whale shark monitoring has been combined with an exciting morning scuba diving itinerary of the dive sites around Mahe. Dive sites range from impressive granite boulders to colourful coral reefs often with sighting of turtles, eagle rays, sting rays and enormous batfish being common place.  This year our divers were also keen participants in the crown of thorns eradication programme on local reefs, collecting, weighing and sampling the Acanthaster plaanci before their safe disposal.

Snorkellers enjoying the afternoon whale shark sessions are given a guided underwater tour of the marine park areas, often with as much opportunity to observe the wildlife enjoyed by the divers. Non-divers can also take advantage of the many land-based activities offered around the island.

Alongside the researchers our Group leader will be Charlotte Caffrey, Marine Scientist and director of Aqua-Firma who together will provide an insight into other the marine environment around Mahe and its successful conservation projects.

Tailor made extensions in Seychelles

The Seychelles are a stunning series of islands scattered across the Indian Ocean.  Aqua-Firma is a specialist at tailor made travel to the Seychelles throughout the year and many of our previous teams have taken advantage of this by asking us to arrange further exploration of the islands before and after the whale shark experience.  Some of the activities we can arrange include the following:

• Waterside lodges in Praslin, La Digue and many other islands with visits to some of the best national parks and conservation sites in the island group.  
• Stays at exclusive eco-islands including Bird Island, Cousine, Fregate and North Island
• Further diving both land-based or from a sailing dive liveaboard to the Inner Islands and Amirantes
• Private bareboat & crewed sailing yacht charters
• Natural History Yacht Safaris booked on a cabin basis
• Wildlife safaris in Kenya

Dates (2010)        3rd  - 9th    Oct                             10th - 16th  Oct  Price:     £1,365 (snorkellers)     £1,490 (divers)     Dates (2011)         2nd -  8th Oct                               9th - 15th Oct  Price:     £1,465 (snorkellers)     £1,590 (divers)     Prices are per person sharing in a standard room. Please note that we can arrange flights with several carriers and from regional airports in Britain and Northern Ireland.  Note: We do recommend that you arrive a day earlier for additional briefings for this trip and a chance to relax before embarking on a very active week. Additional night's accommodation at £73 per person sharing or £104 single occupancy. Flights Please call us for a flight price. We can arrange these from several airport in UK, Northern Ireland, France and Italy, for the dates of this trip only, or with aditional days either side if you wish to extend your stay.  We are specialists at tailor made travel in Seychelles, so please speak to us for ideas and sample extensions if you interested to do this. Single Supplement  £195 (please call for 2011 single supplement prices). If you are willing to share your room with another independent participant then we can try to help you to do this. Prices include Accommodation in a comfortable hotel (bed & breakfast basis) Transfers to and from airport. Diving package includes 8 standard range boat dives and 1 long range dive with cylinders and weights and 5 afternoon whale shark monitoring sessions. Snorkelling package includes 2 morning snorkelling sessions and 5 whale shark snorkel monitoring activities. Price excludes International flights. Drinks. Lunches and evening meals. Tips. Diving equipment rentals payable locally. Extras e.g. night and long range dives,  telephone calls, laundry. Marine park fees. If the whale sharks are spotted in southern Mahe then additional transport to offshore locations or the South of Mahe will be required. Experience / qualifications needed Divers: Qualified open water certified scuba diver or above. Whale shark snorkelling programme: Competent swimmer/snorkeller Hotel upgrades Superior room add £225 pp sharing for the week or £240 for single occupancy (in addition to the single supplement) Please call for 2011 upgrade rates).

Photos kindly provided by Aqua-Firma associates and clients: guide Andy Davies (www.andydavies.info ), Linda Ashmore, Charlotte Caffrey, David Rowat, Ralph Pannell, STB, Tony Baskeyfield, Kim Marshall-Purves, Olivier Roux and Shaowen LIn with thanks 

Whale  shark diving  Diving with Whale Sharks  -  Dive Seychelles  -  Swim and Snorkel with Whale Sharks  -  Responsible Travel holiday Mahe Island  -   Praslin La Digue and Bird Island  -  Marine Research and Conservation experience

Dates (2010)        3rd  - 9th    Oct                             10th - 16th  Oct  Price:     £1,365 (snorkellers)     £1,490 (divers)     Dates (2011)         2nd -  8th Oct                               9th - 15th Oct  Price:     £1,465 (snorkellers)     £1,590 (divers)     Prices are per person sharing in a standard room. Please note that we can arrange flights with several carriers and from regional airports in Britain and Northern Ireland.  Note: We do recommend that you arrive a day earlier for additional briefings for this trip and a chance to relax before embarking on a very active week. Additional night's accommodation at £73 per person sharing or £104 single occupancy. Flights Please call us for a flight price. We can arrange these from several airport in UK, Northern Ireland, France and Italy, for the dates of this trip only, or with aditional days either side if you wish to extend your stay.  We are specialists at tailor made travel in Seychelles, so please speak to us for ideas and sample extensions if you interested to do this. Single Supplement  £195 (please call for 2011 single supplement prices). If you are willing to share your room with another independent participant then we can try to help you to do this. Prices include Accommodation in a comfortable hotel (bed & breakfast basis) Transfers to and from airport. Diving package includes 8 standard range boat dives and 1 long range dive with cylinders and weights and 5 afternoon whale shark monitoring sessions. Snorkelling package includes 2 morning snorkelling sessions and 5 whale shark snorkel monitoring activities. Price excludes International flights. Drinks. Lunches and evening meals. Tips. Diving equipment rentals payable locally. Extras e.g. night and long range dives,  telephone calls, laundry. Marine park fees. If the whale sharks are spotted in southern Mahe then additional transport to offshore locations or the South of Mahe will be required. Experience / qualifications needed Divers: Qualified open water certified scuba diver or above. Whale shark snorkelling programme: Competent swimmer/snorkeller Hotel upgrades Superior room add £225 pp sharing for the week or £240 for single occupancy (in addition to the single supplement) Please call for 2011 upgrade rates).