Whale Shark Season in Seychelles

Whale Shark Season in Seychelles. What to Do If You Spot One?

There are few experiences quite as exciting as spotting a whale in the waters of Seychelles. During this time of year (Aug-Oct about), whales may be seen travelling through the region, and those out fishing, boating, diving or freediving could be lucky enough to witness one. But beyond being an unforgettable moment, every sighting can provide valuable information for marine conservation.

The Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS) is encouraging members of the public to photograph and report sightings of whales and dolphins. These reports help researchers understand which species visit Seychelles, where they are being seen and whether they are resident, migratory or simply passing through.

Spotted a Whale? Here’s What to Do

First, enjoy the moment… but always give the animal plenty of space.

If it is safe to do so:

• Take clear photographs or a short video.
• Record the date and approximate time.
• Save the location or GPS coordinates.
• Note how many animals you saw.
• Record any interesting behaviour.
• Do not chase, touch, feed or surround the animal.
• Never position a boat directly in its path.

Photographs of fins, tails, markings and scars can be especially useful, as they may help researchers identify the species or even recognise an individual animal.

Send your sighting information and images to MCSS through their Instagram page or email mcssoffice@gmail.com / mcsswhaleshark@gmail.com

Supporting Citizen Science

Fishers, boat operators, tour guides, divers, freedivers, snorkellers and coastal residents are all in a great position to contribute to this important research. Freediving Seychelles, who kindly contributed content to this feature, occasionally spots whales while conducting freediving courses and visiting dive sites around Seychelles.

While Freediving Seychelles does not offer whale-watching tours, these unexpected encounters show how anyone spending time in or around the ocean can help by recording and responsibly reporting what they see. Every verified sighting helps MCSS build a clearer picture of how whales and dolphins use Seychelles waters across different seasons and locations.

What About Whale Sharks?

Whale sharks may also be spotted at this time of year, but despite their name, they are not whales… they are the largest fish in the world. These gentle, filter-feeding giants usually visit Seychelles between August and November, particularly around the western coast of Mahé. The MCSS annual whale shark monitoring programme runs from 1 August to 31 October.

MCSS also offers responsible whale shark eco-tours departing from Beau Vallon during the monitoring season. For tour enquiries, email mcsswhaleshark@gmail.com.

If you encounter a whale shark, do not touch, feed or ride it. Keep a safe distance, avoid swimming directly in front of it and never restrict its natural movement.

Meet MCSS

Established in 1997, the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles is a local non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting Seychelles’ marine and coastal environments. Its work combines scientific research, conservation, education and community action, with projects focused on whales and dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles, coral reefs and other important marine species and habitats.

You can support MCSS by:

• Reporting marine wildlife sightings.
• Following and sharing its work.
• Volunteering or applying for an internship.
• Joining a responsible whale shark eco-tour.
• Sponsoring a whale shark.
• Donating to its conservation programmes.

Keep Your Eyes on the Ocean

You do not need to be a scientist to contribute to marine conservation. A photograph taken during a fishing trip, boat excursion, dive, freediving course or day at the beach could provide researchers with valuable information.

If you spot a whale, dolphin or whale shark, keep a respectful distance, record what you can and share your sighting with MCSS. That unforgettable moment could help protect Seychelles’ incredible marine life for generations to come.

Find out more or support MCSS:

🌐 www.mcss.sc
📸 MCSS on Instagram
📧 mcssoffice@gmail.com
🐋 Whale shark tour enquiries: mcsswhaleshark@gmail.com
📞 +248 424 8356

Inside Seychelles is pleased to share this feature in support of the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles and its work protecting Seychelles’ marine environment, with content kindly contributed by Freediving Seychelles.