Whale Sharks of Qatar

We regret that for operational reasons, the Whale Sharks excursion has been suspended for the remainder of the 2025 summer season.

We plan to be back for the 2026 summer season, please follow us on the Discover Qatar Social Media channels or sign up to our newsletter to ensure you are the first to know about all of our exciting developments.

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!

Brought to you exclusively by Discover Qatar, get up close and personal to the majestic Whale Sharks of Qatar.

Discover the Whale Sharks of Qatar
Daily Explorer

Join an adventurous and educational one-day Whale Shark voyage aboard a high speed catamaran.

- Max 40 guests
- Sailing crew and Whale Shark expert
- Whale Shark watch from boat and viewing deck
- Interactive Whale Shark lecture
- Optional return transfers
- Wi-Fi on-board

Learn more

 

Have questions about the Whale Sharks of Qatar Experience? Our FAQ page has all the answers you need.

 

 

 

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About the Whale Sharks of Qatar

 

Qatar is home to one of the largest congregations of Whale Sharks on the planet. Until now, the area that hosts the Whale Sharks has been closed to the public, so there are still very few people who have seen them. Each year there are hundreds of Whale Sharks that congregate in the Al Shaheen region off the north east coast of Qatar in the months from April to September. While these magnificent creatures are the biggest fish in the ocean, they are also one of the most gentle and majestic creatures that you will find underwater.

 

The reason the Al-Shaheen region attracts so many Whale Shark is because of its unique ecosystem. The average seawater temperature in the gulf averages between 32-34 degrees during the summer months, however the seawater around Al Shaheen is a much cooler 27 degrees-perfect for fish to breed and it is the abundance of fish eggs, the Whale Sharks number one source of food, which attracts them. Did you know: The Whale Shark Research project in Qatar have recorded more than 600 Whale Shark in their database which is a world record.

 

 

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Dedicated number for Whale Sharks of Qatar queries:

+974 4144 5150 - from 8 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week