Whale Sharks of Qatar
- Overview
- Gallery
- Additional Information
Schedule - 18 May to 31 August 2023
Time: 06:00 – 14:00
Frequency: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday | Duration: 8 hours
Child pricing: Children under the age of 12 receive a discount of 50%
Each of our packages includes:
- Return flights with Qatar Airways, the world's best airline.
- Stay in one of Qatar's luxurious hotels.
- A delicious breakfast served each morning meaning you start the day right.
- Discover the Whale Sharks of Qatar sailing experience.
Tucked away in the Arabian Gulf, away from mankind, in a destination few are lucky enough to visit, lies the opportunity to experience something no one else ever has before. The chance to explore an environment so remote that nature and wildlife flourish. To go somewhere unlike anywhere else in the world and to do so in the utmost luxury. Introducing the Whale Sharks of Qatar. One of the world’s last undiscovered gems.
Qatar is home to one of the largest Whale Sharks’ aggregations in the world. The coastal waters of Qatar provide the perfect location to see large numbers of Whale Sharks that gather to feed close to the surface. You will have an opportunity to view the Whale Sharks without having to enter the water, a unique and responsible experience that doesn’t disrupt their natural habitat.
What to Expect
Our departure point is Al Ruwais Port in the north of Qatar. Once we have embarked the catamaran, the captain will formally welcome you and introduce you to facilities on board. A breakfast will follow offering a choice of muffins and pastries plus coffee, tea and a selection of soft drinks.
The sailing takes approximately two and a half hours to reach the Whale Shark’s location towards the end of which you will be provided with the opportunity to learn more about these majestic creatures as one of our expert guide gives you a presentation on the Whale Shark’s habits, their feeding and an overview of the research being carried out in Qatar.
Once we are in the Whale Shark viewing location, we are in the home of one of the largest populations of Whale Sharks in the world where at times up to 300 can be seen on any given day. We plan to view the Whale Sharks for 2 hours and 30 minutes, when you will be able to easily see them from the vessel as they come to the surface to feed. Our complimentary on-board professional photographer will capture your special moments throughout the day and the photographs will be shared after the tour. With the sole purpose of protecting the Whale Sharks and their habitat we have implement a few safety measures of no swimming with Whale Sharks, no touching or feeding.
After an adventurous morning with the Whale Sharks, as we return to the disembarkation point you can enjoy a delicious Sandwich buffet lunch with fresh fruit and soft drinks.
Itinerary
06:00 - All guests to meet at Al Ruwais Port, to prepare for boarding. Once on-board the catamaran, guests will receive a Captains welcome and overview of the facilities before breakfast is served
08:15 - Whale Sharks experience including expert presentation followed by Whale Shark viewing
11:30 - Commence return to the disembarkation point, with a Sandwich buffet lunch on-board
14:30 - Guest disembarkation at Al Ruwais Port
Times are approximate and subject to change
About the catamaran
All seating for the boat is indoors in a comfortable air-conditioned area. There is a bathroom on-board as well as all basic amenities that you may require. At the front of the boat there are two viewing areas and at the back you will find a sizeable viewing deck. The interior windows are large to offer fantastic panoramic visibility of the Whale Sharks.
The boat has an open bridge policy so you will have direct access to the captain. Our on-board expert guide will also be able to share a wealth of information and answer any questions you may have about the Whale Sharks.
Catering is provided by a luxury 5-star hotel so you can expect exceptional cuisine to match the elegant surroundings.
Highlights
- Spacious interior with comfortable seating with wall mounted TV
- Front and back decking for outside viewing
- Panoramic interior windows
- Open bridge policy to talk directly with the Captain
- On-board restroom
Vessel Details
- Length: 57 ft
- Width: 23 ft
- Draft: 1.5 m
- Capacity: 40 Passengers
- Max Speed: 27 Knots
- Cruising Speed: 18 Knots
What to Bring
- We strongly recommend that flat comfortable shoes are worn
- All guests are advised to wear a hat and sunscreen
- The weather is warm and humid at this time of the year. We recommend that you bring a change of clothing for your comfort.
Photography
- Due to the sensitive area in which the Whale Sharks congregate, photography by the general public is prohibited
- Guests will be required to sign a waiver stating that they cannot take photographs in the sensitive area, and will be required to submit any photography devices to the Discover Qatar guide for safekeeping. All devices will be returned once the tour has left the sensitive area
- The catamaran will have a professional photographer on board, details of how the photographs will be shared with guests will be provided
- There will be no additional charge for the photographs
Safety
- A safety briefing will be conducted shortly after embarkation
- To protect the Whale Sharks and their environment, swimming will not be allowed at any point of the tour
- Touching and feeding of the Whale Sharks is strictly forbidden
Cancellation due to adverse weather conditions
- The Whale Sharks excursions are subject to favourable weather conditions. Should a scheduled departure not be able to go ahead as planned, guests will be informed at least 48 hours prior to the departure date
- Guests will be notified of any cancellations via the email address provided at the time of booking
- Guest will be offered an alternative date or a full refund if a departure is cancelled due to bad weather
Disclaimer:
Excursions may be cancelled in case of bad weather or circumstances beyond our control
While we make every effort to track the movement of Whale Sharks, viewing cannot be guaranteed