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Whale Sharks of Qatar

Flight + Hotel + Experience packages

Whale Sharks of Qatar

Annually, from April through September, just off Qatar’s northwest coast, the Arabian Gulf becomes home to a remarkable natural phenomenon, the arrival of one of world’s largest gatherings of Whale Sharks. Lured by rich plankton waters and warm currents, these majestic creatures frequently breach the ocean surface to feed in incredible numbers, immersing you in a world straight out of a National Geographic documentary!

Tours operate on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Search for your preferred dates from 20 June to 19 September in the search form above and add the ‘Whale Sharks of Qatar’ tour to your Flight + Hotel package.

Book Qatar Airways Holidays' exclusive Flight + Hotel + Experience packages by 17 September 2025.

Packages

Daily Explorer | Whale Sharks Tour Highlights
Daily Explorer | Whale Sharks Tour Highlights
    • High speed catamaran with sailing crew and Whale Sharks experts (maximum 40 guests)
    • Whale Sharks viewing from boat and viewing deck
    • Interactive Whale Sharks lecture
    • Optional return transfers
    • Wi-Fi on-board

    Packages Highlights
    • Return flights to Doha with Qatar Airways in Economy or Business class
    • Enjoy 4 or 5 star accommodation of your choice in Doha
    • Discover the Whale Sharks of Qatar Daily Explorer tour
    • Add optional airport transfers to your package
    • Earn Avios & Qpoints on holiday package in addition to those earned on flights

Book your package here

Flights, hotels/resorts, and add-ons at unbeatable prices.
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Som
Kids go free
  • 5 nights
  • Check-in: 6 Jun, 2025
  • Full Board
  • Return Flight from Sharjah
Exclusive benefits
  • Stay 5 nights, pay only for 4 – discount pre-applied
  • Book a Full Retreat package including consultation, meals, wellness treatments and enjoy a complimentary deluxe room for up to 2 child(ren) below 16 years

    • Book and travel by 31 Oct 2025

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From
AED 5,010PP
Book now
Fairmont Doha
Discount on hotel
  • 2 nights
  • Check-in: 1 Jun, 2025
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • Return Flight from Abu Dhabi
Exclusive benefits
  • 25% discount on hotel stay pre-applied on the final package price

    • Book by 15 May and travel between 08 Apr – 15 May 2025

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From
AED 2,200PP
Book now
JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
Meal Upgrade
  • 2 nights
  • Check-in: 13 Aug, 2025
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • Return Flight from Sharjah
Exclusive benefits
  • Complimentary upgrade from breakfast to half-board meal plan
  • Stay 4 nights, pay only for 3 – discount pre-applied

    • Book and travel by 30 Sep 2025

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From
AED 1,600PP
Book now
Park Hyatt Doha
Discount on hotel
  • 3 nights
  • Check-in: 20 Jun, 2025
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • Return Flight from Abu Dhabi
Exclusive benefits
  • 15% discount on hotel stay pre-applied on the final package price

    • Book and travel by 31 Dec 2025

starstarstarstarstar
From
AED 2,020PP
Book now
W Doha Hotel & Residences
Discount on hotel
  • 5 nights
  • Check-in: 6 Jun, 2025
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • Return Flight from Sharjah
Exclusive benefits
  • 10 % discount on rooms

    • Book and travel by 30 Sep 2025

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From
AED 2,470PP
Book now
Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Meal upgrade
  • 2 nights
  • Check-in: 29 May, 2025
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • Return Flight from Abu Dhabi
Exclusive benefits
  • Complimentary meal upgrade

    • Book by 31 May and travel by 31 Oct 2025

starstarstarstarstar
From
AED 3,040PP
Book now
Terms

Terms & more information

    Terms and conditions
    • Booking validity: 21 May until 17 September2025
    • Travel period: 20 June until 19 September 2025
    • Lead-in prices are dynamic, and change on a daily basis. Your final price at the time of booking may be different. Prices may vary based on your point of departure, hotel selection and number of nights. 
    • To redeem the upgrade offers, please select the room labeled with “free upgrade” when booking.
    • Discounts and savings mentioned are already reflected in the final fares.
    • Privilege Club members earn Avios + Qpoints on flights, plus additionally on the total package value. 
    • Privilege Club members can use Cash + Avios to book packages.
    • Cancellation and refund policies will be specified on the hotel selection page. Cancellation/refund policies for the respective hotel apply to the booking.
    • Complimentary room upgrades, transfers, free activities, spa vouchers or any other special add-ons will be subject to availability. Customers must call the hotel and book in advance.
    • For meal upgrade offers, if you book Bed and Breakfast, you will be upgraded to Half-Board. If you book Half-Board, you will be upgraded to Full Board.
    • The offers stated are for the hotel only, and do not extend to flights.
    • Qatar Airways Holidays terms and conditions which may be amended from time to time will also apply to your booking, please review these at the time of booking.

     

    Whale Sharks of Qatar Tour: (This tour is operated by Discover Qatar and is subject to the following terms and conditions)

    1. General terms & conditions

    • This product is subject to availability at the time of booking confirmation
    • Discover Qatar reserve the right to change the rates of this tour
    • Infants under two years of age travel free of charge

    2. Inclusions

    Note – You are advised to bring your own light snacks and beverages, though they are also available for purchase on board via cash only.

    • Whale shark viewing aboard a catamaran
    • An expert guide presentation about the whale sharks of Qatar
    • Bottled water

    3. Exclusions

    • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned in the specific package
    • Meals and beverages
    • Cancellation/luggage/assistance/repatriation/medical insurance(s)

    4. Cancellation policy

    • If you or any member of your party wishes to cancel your booking once a booking has been confirmed and an invoice or receipt has been issued, the Lead Name must notify their Agent (or Discover Qatar if the booking was made directly with Discover Qatar) in writing. The cancellation charges you will be required to pay, will be calculated on the basis of the date we received the written notification and the booked departure date.
    • In the event of cancellation, please contact the “Qatar Airways Holidays” customer service team on customer.qatarairwaysholidays@tui.com within a minimum of 48 hours to avoid cancellation charges. 100% Cancellation charges apply where a full 48 hours’ notice has not been received prior to arrival.
    • Amendment or changes to existing booking can be done free of charge up to 48 hours before the service date (Subject to availability).
    • No-Show Charge 100% of the booking.
    • Should the charter be cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions, an alternative date or a full refund will be provided.

    5. Disruption to itinerary arrangements

    • Itineraries are intended as a guide only and are subject to alteration without notice. Alterations may be necessary for reasons beyond Discover Qatar’s control. Changes could include, but are not limited to: If conditions render any routes unsafe for navigation, Discover Qatar reserves the right to provide alternative services including, but not limited to, accommodation on the docked ship.
    • Discover Qatar will not be liable for any direct or indirect costs that passenger’s may incur as a result of any event or other factor beyond Discover Qatar’s control which necessitates a change in itinerary.
    • Passengers are not entitled to any refund or compensation for any alterations to the itinerary that are caused by events beyond Discover Qatar’s control.

    6. Limitations of liability

    7. Travel insurance

    • < >Discover Qatar packages include the services of independent providers, such as cruise companies, catering and other operators, who are not agents or employees of Discover Qatar. Although we take care in selecting the independent service providers and the optional excursions conducted by some independent service providers, Discover Qatar is not responsible for the conduct of such independent service providers, their agents, or for any ramifications of that conduct.The passenger accepts and assumes the risk involved with all activities provided.If, in the opinion of any representative of Discover Qatar, a passenger’s mental or physical condition, or general behavior is such as to affect a passengers own health and safety, render a passenger incapable of caring for themselves, cause a passenger to became a hazard to themselves or other passengers or result in a passenger becoming objectionable to other passengers or staff, such passenger will not be permitted to embark or continue on the whole or any part of the holiday package. Abuse or harassment of any kind toward crew, contracted suppliers or other guests may result in immediate removal from the tour or cruise. Discover Qatar is not liable to passengers for any costs associated with such decision and the passenger will not be refunded for any part of the holiday package.Discover Qatar accepts no responsibility for any death, injury, illness, loss (including loss of enjoyment), damage, detention, delay (including mechanical breakdown) beyond its control.Passengers will be required to sign a Risk Acknowledgment and Waiver of Liability at the start of the tour.  
    • The sale of Services by Discover Qatar does not include any kind of insurance.
    • Passengers are solely responsible for taking out such insurance at their own expense. If a passenger has not taken out such insurance, they accept responsibility and any costs linked to medical expenses, evacuation for health reasons, or repatriation.

     

    FAQ's
    • Am I guaranteed to see the Whale Sharks?

    While we make every effort to track the movement of whale sharks, we cannot guarantee that you will see them.

    • Can I swim with the Whale Sharks?

    With the sole purpose of protecting the whale sharks and their habitat, any interaction with the whale sharks will be prohibited, and that includes - no swimming, touching, or feeding.

    • Will food and beverages be included?

    Food and beverages are not provided as part of this excursion. You are advised to bring your own light snacks and beverages, though they are also available for purchase on board via cash only.

    • What do I need to bring?

    We strongly recommend that you wear flat comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Be sure to pack your own meals, snacks, and beverages.

    • What if I experience seasickness?

    We recommend that sea sickness tablets be taken 30 to 60 minutes prior to the tour departure time as the vessel with not return to shore until the scheduled time. We will not be able to provide you with any medications on board.

    • What languages are spoken on board?

    English will be the main language spoke on board.

    • Is there Wi-Fi on board?

    Yes, there will be Wi-Fi on board.

    • Are there alcoholic beverages available on board?

    No, alcoholic beverages are prohibited on board and will not be offered as part of the excursion. Any alcohol found will be confiscated.

    • May I bring children on board?

    Yes, children are allowed on board - there is no minimum age. On the Daily Explorer tour, children under 12 will receive a discounted price.

    • Are transfers included?

    No; however, optional shared or private transfers from Doha are available to be added while booking the tour.

    • What happens if there is bad weather?

    The whale shark excursions are subject to favourable weather conditions. Should a scheduled departure not be able to go ahead as planned, you will be informed at least 48 hours prior to the departure date and offered an alternative date or a full refund for the tour.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions