The Gulf of Tadjoura and Whale Sharks

The Gulf of Tadjoura, a beautiful arm of the sea reaching into Djibouti between rugged, arid mountains, is a scenic realm of clear waters, coral reefs, mangroves and quiet beaches, and home to one of the country's most magical experiences. Each year in the cooler months, whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean, gather in numbers in the plankton-rich waters near the shore, and Djibouti is one of the finest and most reliable places on earth to snorkel alongside these gentle, spotted giants. The gulf also offers excellent diving and snorkelling on its reefs, boat trips to islands, and a laid-back coastal escape.

What you actually see

• The whale sharks - the snorkelling with the giant fish in season.
• The coral reefs - the diving and snorkelling.
• The gulf scenery - the sea between arid mountains.
• The beaches and islands - the quiet shores and boat trips.

When to go

The whale-shark season runs roughly from November to February, the cooler months, when the giant fish gather near the shore and conditions for snorkelling with them are best; this is also the most comfortable time to visit hot Djibouti. Whale-shark trips depart by boat, and encounters, while frequent in season, are wild and never guaranteed.

Honest expectations

The whale-shark encounters, while among the most reliable in the world, are wild and seasonal, so they depend on timing and luck, and trips are by boat with basic facilities; Djibouti overall is hot, expensive and has limited tourism infrastructure. For the magical, rare experience of snorkelling beside whale sharks, the biggest fish in the sea, in a scenic gulf, along with good reef diving, though, the Gulf of Tadjoura is a genuine highlight.

Nearby

Lake Assal, the town of Tadjourah and the capital are within reach.