Maldives
Ari Atoll (Alifu Atoll), one of the largest atolls in the Maldives, is famous for year-round whale shark encounters in its southern part.
Ari Atoll spans roughly 89 by 3 kilometres and comprises 105 islands, more than 20 of which host resorts. Its southern section is home to the South Ari Marine Protected Area, established in 2009, containing the world's only known year-round resident aggregation of whale sharks. The atoll also offers reef manta ray encounters at Rangali Madivaru, and wreck diving at the Kudhimaa Wreck.