Visit Qatar and Discover Qatar launched the third edition of Whale Shark Season – a signature ecotourism initiative that continues to draw international attention for its scale, sustainability, and spectacle, at an event at Place Vendome June 13.

With all tour slots for June and July this year already sold out, Visit Qatar noted that the demand for this unique marine experience highlights the growing appeal of Qatar as a destination for responsible nature-based tourism.

According to Visit Qatar, the Whale Shark Tours offer visitors the rare chance to observe one of the world’s largest congregations of whale sharks — the gentle giants of the sea — in their natural habitat.

Taking place in the Al Shaheen Marine Zone, approximately two and a half hours by boat from Ruwais Port, the tours combine wildlife observation with educational insight and environmental stewardship.

“Our preparations have been greatly strengthened by the valuable contributions of our government and semi-government partners,” said Omar al-Jaber, chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, in a press statement.

The season, which runs from June through September 2025, invites marine enthusiasts aboard a luxury catamaran operated by Discover Qatar. Expert guides lead the immersive experience, educating guests about whale shark behaviour, migratory patterns, and the ecological significance of these endangered species.

Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the launch, Visit Qatar‘s public relations and communications director Jassim Mahmoud underlined the importance of the initiative, saying: “Our unique seascape — surrounded by water on three sides — makes this a natural fit for marine exploration. People are eager to discover the sea and see its beauty up close.”

Visit Qatar noted that the country’s northern waters, particularly around Al Shaheen, are known for hosting one of the largest seasonal aggregations of whale sharks globally. These filter-feeding animals, recognisable by their spotted skin and immense size (reaching up to 20ft in length) are drawn to the area’s warm, plankton-rich waters each summer.

Since its inception in 2022, Visit Qatar said the Whale Shark Season has attracted more than 1,200 guests and yielded sightings of more than 600 whale sharks in a single trip, making it one of the most successful marine ecotourism initiatives in the region. The tours are carefully designed to minimise human impact on the marine environment, aligning with Qatar’s broader conservation goals.

With plans to potentially expand the number of trips and include additional tour operators — provided they meet stringent safety and sustainability requirements — Mahmoud said Visit Qatar is reinforcing its vision of positioning the country as a premier destination for responsible marine tourism.

He said that people who visit once often want to return and such experience leaves a lasting impression, not only of the whale sharks, but of what Qatar can offer as a destination that balances exploration with preservation.