Qatar is home to wonderful and mesmerizing marine life. This peninsula is surrounded by glimmering salt water that houses hundreds of marine species, including the endangered whale sharks.

Whale sharks have been spotted in Qatar for many years. You would notice that Qatar treasures these ocean giants as they closely monitor them throughout the seasons.

In this fascinating article, take a deep dive with the ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team as you learn more about whale sharks in Qatar!

Whale sharks in Qatar

Whale sharks are the world's largest living fish, growing up to 20 meters - almost the same length as a large city bus. Whale sharks have a distinct dotted pattern that naturally blends with the sea, making their swim a dazzling sight.

Whale sharks are confused with being a breed of either whales or sharks, hence the name. Although they share more similar traits with whales, whale sharks are classified as sharks.

Whale shark sightings in Qatar

In Qatar, whale sharks pool together in schools of over 100-150 fish at a time on the Northern coasts of the country, located about 145 kilometres from the shores of Doha. About 600 whale sharks have been recorded in Qatar and are mostly found here from April to September.

It is said that whale sharks roam Qatar's waters during these months to feed close to the surface on mackerel and tuna eggs - a delicacy to the whale sharks! Known to be solitary animals, whale sharks generally spend their time separately but will gather at foraging areas. Whale sharks in Qatar are observed and studied in a sanctuary in the Al Shaheen region.

The area where these fish roam was once closed to the public; it wasn't until recently that it opened for public sightings through Discover Qatar's "Whale Sharks in Qatar" tours.

RELATED: Whale Sharks tour in Qatar now open for online booking

How to see whale sharks in Qatar

Discover Qatar and Qatar Airways Holidays have recently launched their "Whale Sharks in Qatar" tour packages for those interested in seeing the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. There are two options: the Daily Explorer and Private Charter.

The Daily Explorer

The Daily Explorer allows guests to watch the whale sharks from the boat and view the deck with a maximum capacity of 25 guests. With a sailing crew and whale shark expert on board, guests will also have an interactive Whale Shark lecture. Breakfast, sandwich buffet lunch and snacks are also included in the package.

• Price:
  • Adults (12 and above): From QR 907
  • Kids (3 to 11 years old): From QR 453
  • Infants (0 to 2 years old): Free!
• Timings: 6 am – 2 pm
• Dates: 18 May to 31 August 2023
• Frequency: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
• Duration: 8 hours
  
• Itinerary:
  • 6 am - All guests will meet at Al Ruwais Port to prepare for boarding. Once onboard the catamaran, guests will receive a Captains welcome and overview of the facilities before breakfast is served
  • 8:15 am - Whale Sharks experience, including an expert presentation followed by Whale Shark viewing
  • 11:30 am - Return to the disembarkation point with a sandwich buffet lunch onboard
  • 2:30 pm - Guest disembarkation at Al Ruwais Port
  • NOTE: Times are approximate and subject to change
    

The Private Charter

View the whale sharks in your own private space! With a maximum capacity of 20 guests, this private charter also provides glass-bottomed kayaks that guests can use. Guests will also feast on breakfast, 3-course lunch, and snacks.

• Price: QR 118,300 per charter
• Timings: 5 am – 4 pm
• Dates: 18 May to 31 August
• Frequency: Upon request (available only from 18 May to 31 August)
• Duration: 11 hours
• Itinerary:
  • 5 am - Collection from your hotel or residence and drive to Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort
  • 6:30 am - Board the yacht to a Captains Welcome and overview of the yacht and its facilities before breakfast is served
  • 8:15 am - Whale Sharks experience, including an expert presentation followed by Whale Shark viewing
  • 11:30 am- Return to the disembarkation point with a 3-course lunch onboard
  • 1:15 pm - Guest disembarkation at the Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort and transfer back to Doha with a drop off at your hotel or residence by 4 pm
  • NOTE: Times are approximate and subject to change

Qatar Airways Holidays has its own package for whale shark tours in Qatar, which offers return flight tickets with Qatar Airways, a chance to stay in one of Qatar's luxurious hotels, and more!

RELATED:

• What you need to know about Arabian horses in Qatar
• What you need to know about falconry in Qatar

Sources: Visit Qatar, Discover Qatar, Qatar America Institute for Culture

Have you seen a whale shark before? Would you want to visit the whale sharks in Qatar? Let us know in the comments below! Do share this article - it keeps us going!

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar

Tracy Quirino

Start a discussion