Qatar beckons marine life enthusiasts to explore the world of whale sharks

The summer season provides an opportunity for Qatar residents and visitors to discover “one of the world’s last undiscovered gems” in an educational tour to the country’s northern coasts.


The coastal waters of Qatar provide the perfect location to see large numbers of whale sharks that gather to feed close to the surface.

“Qatar is constant to the largest aggregations of hundreds of whale sharks in the country's northeast coast every year, creating a fascinating sight to behold,” VisitQatar says. “Qatar is home to one of the largest whale shark aggregations in the entire world.”

Although whale sharks share a lot of similarities with whales, it belongs to the shark family.

Wildlife enthusiasts get to see a huge number of whale sharks without disrupting their environment with Discover Qatar’s ‘Daily Explorer’ and ‘Private Charter’ itineraries.
The tours allow people to view these magnificent sea creatures for 2.5 hours from the vessel or via kayaks but swimming with, as well as touching and feeding, them is strictly prohibited. A professional photographer is also assigned to take pictures (free of charge) throughout the tour.

Pose no threat to humans With its appearance and the confusing name, it often is puzzling whether these endangered gentle giants are a breed of whales or sharks. Although whale sharks share a lot of similarities with whales, it belongs to the shark family. Let's dive into a few fascinating facts: • Scientifically identified as 'Rhincodon Typus', the whale sharks can grow up to 20 meters in length, parallel to the stretch of a large city bus. • While the fish matures like a whale and expels water through its gills, it also exhibits a few characteristics of sharks, such as their skeleton system being made of cartilages (not bones), • The female species grow larger than the male species. • Whale sharks are known for their distinctly dotted patterns and camouflaging appearances, making the migratory phenomenon a must-witness marine activity when in Qatar. Regardless of the riveting moniker, whale sharks impose no threat to humans, whether spectators or divers. They meander in warm and shallow sea waters of the Northern coasts of Qatar, located about 145 kilometres afar the shores of the capital city, Doha. Whale sharks appear in schools of over 100-150 fishes at a time. (source: Visit Qatar website)

According to Discover Qatar, these kinds of excursions offer guests a unique and unforgettable experience “no one else ever has before” and “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.
“The coastal waters of Qatar provide the perfect location to see large numbers of whale sharks that gather to feed close to the surface.”
Guests will also learn more about the whale sharks about “their habits, feeding, and an overview of the research being carried out in Qatar” through a presentation.
However, according to Discover Qatar, these whale sharks tours “are subject to favourable weather conditions” but guests are usually notified 48 hours before the departure date.