Electric-blue, gold and green mantles — the reef's biggest invertebrates. Live 100+ years, host symbiotic algae like coral.
Giant clams are the reef's largest invertebrates — up to 1.4 metres across and weighing over 200 kg. The fleshy mantle they display when open is patterned with iridescent blue, gold and emerald-green that comes from symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living inside the tissue, the same partnership that powers reef-building corals.
They're listed Vulnerable due to centuries of harvesting for shells, meat and the aquarium trade. Healthy populations now mostly survive in well-protected reserves and remote reefs.
Reliable: Maldives, Komodo (especially Manta Alley), Sipadan, Raja Ampat, Andaman, Bali. The Bumphead Parrotfish dive at any of these often passes giant clams as a bonus.
Tap a month to highlight it across destinations, or hover any cell for details.
10 destinations across Andamans, SE Asia, Indian Ocean — peak seasons vary by location, so plan your trip around the right destination AND the right month.
Tier 2Giant Clams here: Jan–Apr, Dec · 30 sites
Tier 1Giant Clams here: Apr–Nov · 35 sites
Tier 1Giant Clams here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 40 sites
Tier 2Giant Clams here: Apr–Nov · 25 sites
Tier 2Giant Clams here: Jan–May, Dec · 30 sites
Tier 3Giant Clams here: Apr–Nov · 40 sites
Tier 3Coming soonGiant Clams here: Apr–Oct · 12 sites
Tier 3Coming soonGiant Clams here: Mar–Oct · 18 sites
Tier 4Coming soonGiant Clams here: Apr–May, Sep–Nov · 30 sites
Tier 4Coming soonGiant Clams here: Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec · 50 sites
Real, curated expeditions — or a custom trip built around the best season and destination to encounter giant clams.
Browse our curated, small-group dive trips — fixed dates, vetted partner operators, zero agency fee. Or tell us your dates and we'll build a custom trip around the best season and destinations to encounter giant clams.
Tell us when you can travel and your certification level — we'll match the right destination, the right season, and the right trip for diving with giant clams.
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