Privéjacht charter op de Malediven

Ari Atoll is one of the few atolls in the Maldives where whale sharks are encountered year-round. The northern portion of the atoll is most productive from December to May, and the southern portion from May to November. This makes Ari a strong choice regardless of travel dates.

• December to April: calm water, excellent visibility, northern whale shark zone active.
• June to October: south and west rim most active for whale sharks and hammerheads.
• October to November: transitional period with both populations overlapping.

"Ari is the one atoll I'd choose for guests who have one non-negotiable: they want to swim with a whale shark. The south rim in the wet season is extraordinary — I've had mornings with three or four whale sharks in the water simultaneously. Fish Head is also something I show every diver regardless of what else is on the itinerary. The fish density there is hard to explain without seeing it. We tie the Dhoni to the mooring and guests just descend into a wall of grey reef sharks at every depth."

• The lagoon is wide and protected — good for families and guests who want calm water between dives.
• Seaplane transfers from Malé are available for longer charters — the atoll is 90 minutes by speedboat.
• Fresh tuna, lobster and reef fish available from local island fish markets.