North and South Maldives – From the pristine north to shark paradise Fuvahmulah
Do you dream of serene reefs as well as encounters with tiger sharks? On this unique diving trip you will discover both the tranquil north of the Maldives and the impressive south at Fuvahmulah. Two islands, two worlds – one unforgettable experience.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
From colorful reefs at Hanimaadhoo to tiger sharks at Fuvahmulah
A diving trip to the Maldives is always special, but this trip lets you discover the best of both worlds. From the calm reefs of the remote north to the spectacular sharks of the deep south – this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that every diver should experience.
The trip begins on Hanimaadhoo, an island in the north that is still wonderfully authentic. Here, peace reigns. You’ll stay in a charming eco-lodge, right on the beach, with a pool and views of the turquoise lagoon. The days begin with gentle sunshine, the sound of the ocean and a fresh breakfast. The dives here are relaxed and colorful – healthy coral, schools of tropical fish and a calm rhythm that puts you right in the mood of the Maldives. The perfect beginning to dive in, literally and figuratively.
After a few days of rest and discovery, fly south to the spectacular Fuvahmulah, also known as Shark Island. This isolated island, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, is known for its great diving and impressive encounters. Here it’s all about pure adrenaline: diving with tiger sharks, thresher sharks and other pelagic species that show up in the deep blue waters. The contrasts are enormous – from calm reef dives in the north to heart-stopping shark moments in the south.
This trip is a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure, nature and intensity. From colorful reefs to open ocean, from eco-lodge to island full of character. A diving vacation that showcases the true diversity of the Maldives – and that you will continue to feel long after you have long since surfaced.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to the Maldives
The best time to dive Hanimaadhoo is during the dry season from January to April. Fuvahmulah is good diving all year round; this island is not affected by seasonal changes.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for the Maldives
In general, a 3mm wetsuit is sufficient for diving in the Maldives.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | The trip to the Maldives
Today your trip to the Maldives begins! There are night flights to Malé from Europe, and it is even possible to go on a direct flight. On day 2 you will arrive at Malé airport and fly on to Hanimaadhoo on the Haa Dhaalu Atoll, in the north of the Maldives. This flight takes 45 minutes and gives you fantastic views of the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Upon arrival at the airport, a transfer will be waiting for you to take you to the Barefoot Eco Resort . It is a special resort dedicated to sustainable tourism and preserving the unique biodiversity of the Maldives. Here you have the unique opportunity to experience Maldivian culture and traditions and discover authentic island life. The north of the Maldives is truly unspoiled and you will find more tranquility here than around the atolls in the central part of the Maldives.
Day 3 to 7 | Diving around the Haa Dhaalu Atoll
During 5 days of boat diving you will discover the impressive underwater landscape around Hanimaadhoo, one of the northern Maldives’ best kept secrets. From the comfort of your dive boat, you will explore new sites each day: from shallow coral reefs to steep walls, mysterious caves and vegetated overhangs. The variety makes this area perfect for both novice and experienced divers.
The marine life here is rich and varied. The reefs are vibrant and healthy, with colorful hard and soft corals, schools of fusiliers, jackfish, yellowtail barracudas and an endless parade of tropical reef fish. On almost every dive, you’ll encounter turtles, rays, moray eels and white-tip reef sharks. And between mid-May and early December is high season for manta rays – that’s when these graceful giants gather at Manta Point for their cleaning visits, an unforgettable sight that is a favorite for many a diver. Mathifaru Kandu is one of the best spots in the north for manta rays.
Among the many dive sites, a few favorites stand out. Hanimaadhoo Thila is a classic reef dive with a top at about 14 meters deep. The wall slopes down to about 30 meters and is covered with fan corals and sponges where numerous small fish hide. Here, tuna and trevallies often hunt along the edge, while schools of fusiliers light up in the sunlight.
Hanimaadhoo Faru, on the contrary, offers a combination of lagoons and steep walls, ideal for those who like to start quietly and then descend into the depths. This is also a favorite spot for spotting turtles and eagle rays.
For the more adventurous diver, a little farther away lies the Hondaafushi wreck, a small freighter resting at a depth of about 27 meters. The wreck is now completely overgrown with corals and sponges and is a haven for glassfish, scorpionfish and sometimes even a sleeping nurse shark.
Each dive is made from the boat, giving you easy access to the most beautiful and remote locations. With excellent visibility, warm, calm waters and professional guidance, Hanimaadhoo is an ideal diving destination for those who want to experience the north of the Maldives in all its natural beauty.
Day 8 | Last day at Hanimaadhoo
The last full day in the north of the Maldives has arrived. Since the flights are scheduled for the next day, there are no dives scheduled today. So you have plenty of time to explore the island on your own – or to sleep in and enjoy breakfast and the pool in peace.
Those who want to get active can choose from several excursions. For example, the hotel organizes bicycle tours with a local guide. You explore the island in a fun and sustainable way, discovering spots you might otherwise miss and making a stop in a typical village. The special thing is that this is an inhabited island, unlike most resort islands in the central part of the Maldives. So you get a real glimpse into local life and culture.
Activities such as manta and turtle monitoring are also offered. During these excursions you will not only go in search of these fascinating animals, but also learn about their role in the ecosystem and why it is so important to protect them. You’ll get tips on how you can contribute to their conservation.
For those who prefer to combine relaxation with adventure, there is an excursion to a Sandbank or Desert Island – a remote piece of paradise. Here pristine beaches, tranquility and pure natural beauty await you.
Day 9 | The journey to Fuvahmulah
Today you will continue to the south of the Maldives: Fuvahmulah to be exact. Fuvahmulah is truly a unique island in the Maldives and different from the other atolls. Unlike the other 1,000 islands that are coral reefs, Fuvahmulah is of volcanic origin. This makes the island more similar to the Indonesian island of Bali. It is the only island in the Maldives archipelago with freshwater lakes and lush tropical vegetation – the island is covered with mango trees, coconut palms, papaya and various kinds of flowers. But, the best attraction on Fuvamulah is undoubtedly diving with tiger sharks.
You will first fly from Hanimadhoo back to Malé and from there continue south. The flight to Fuvahmulah takes only 1.5 hours. There is a runway at Fuvahmulah, you go by “normal” plane and not by seaplane.
Once you arrive at Fuvahmulah, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 10 to 12 | Diving with tiger sharks and thresher sharks
The next three days are all about diving. Each day you will make three dives, one of which will focus on the tiger sharks for which Fuvahmulah is known worldwide. The other dives take place on nearby dive sites, where the marine life is at least as impressive – colorful reefs, schools of tuna and barracuda, and countless smaller reef fish provide a continuous spectacle underwater.
Fuvahmulah carries the nickname “Shark Island” for a reason. Its unique location – an isolated rock in the middle of the Indian Ocean – makes this island one of the most extraordinary diving destinations in the world. The steep walls surrounding the island act as a giant cleaning station and mating site for large pelagic species. Here you can encounter not only tiger sharks, but also thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, silvertip sharks, gray reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks and even the occasional mola mola or friend.
The diversity of marine life is enormous: large schools of barracuda, yellowfin tuna, bonito, sailfish and marlin hunt around the reef, while millions of reef fish provide an explosion of color. Remarkably, Fuvahmulah was hardly affected by the last El Niño – the corals here are still healthy and vibrant. There are more than 15 dive sites around the island, each with its own character and surprise.
Another underwater treasure of Fuvahmulah is the thresher shark. This is the only island in the Maldives where you can see this elegant, deep-sea shark year-round. During your tiger shark dive, how special would it be to also spot a thresher shark? Thanks to the many cleaning stations around the island, you have a unique chance of encountering this shark here. Unlike many other places in the world, thresher sharks in Fuvahmulah sometimes rise to a depth of only 12 to 15 meters, allowing you to admire them during a normal recreational dive. And if you’re lucky, you’ll even see one jump out of the water – a magical moment divers never forget.
Day 13 & 14 | Return home
The trip to the north and south of the Maldives is unfortunately over. You will be taken to the airport and fly back home via Malé, depending on the flight times often the next day. Because the Maldives is so close to Sri Lanka, it is also possible to extend your trip with a roundtrip on this beautiful island. Of course, we put together these trips completely customized, so that everything fits perfectly with your wishes and interests.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from this trip to the Maldives?
Floating among the mantas
In the Maldives, you also have many places the chance to spot manta rays. Also at Hanimaadho Manta point, large groups of manta rays gather between May and December. You can often see dozens at a time at the cleaning stations on the reef, a spectacular sight to admire. Manta rays also often love the divers’ bubbles, so the often float right over your head. A great time to view the unique pattern on their bellies! In addition to manta rays, you often see white tip reef sharks, turtles and colorful tropical fish here.
Diving with tiger sharks
Tiger sharks are the 3rd largest shark in the world, and the 1st largest predatory shark: only the great white is larger. Although they look impressive at 5.5 meters long, these curious sharks are great for diving. They get their name from the stripes that cover the sides of the body, which are especially visible in young sharks. At Fuvahmulah, you can encounter these sharks year-round. They are special encounters that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Encounters with thresher sharks
Fuvahmulah is the only island in the Maldives where thresher sharks can be seen year-round. The local reef has many cleaning stations that extend from deep to shallow around the island. Thresher sharks are usually found around the deeper cleaning stations and are often between 30 and 40 meters. In Fuvahmulah, however, they also come to the cleaning station at 15 meters, which makes it a lot easier to see them. The most fascinating thing about this shark is its long tail.
The accommodations
The stay and surroundings
Barefoot Eco Hotels & Resort
The Barefoot Eco Hotel & Resort is located on a quiet, inhabited island in the north of the Maldives – an authentic fishing island where you can still truly experience local life. The resort is actively committed to sustainable tourism and the preservation of the Maldives’ unique biodiversity.
This 4-star hotel combines local charm with modern comforts. You will stay in a spacious double room with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibar, rain shower and fresh drinking water daily. The resort features a 15-meter saltwater pool, a private beach with sun beds, a gym and a spa for relaxing treatments. In addition to an on-site diving school, there are plenty of activities: snorkeling, canoeing, windsurfing, cycling or even a game of bowling.
Those who prefer to take it easy can participate in yoga or cooking classes or discover the local culture on an excursion around the island. End the day with dinner at the Raanee Snack Bar, which serves local and Western dishes overlooking the ocean.
Cosy Roots hotel
On Fuvahmulah, you will stay at the Cosy Roots hotel. It is a stylish and modern guesthouse made especially for divers. The accommodation has 11 air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and minibars. There is also an inviting lounge, a restaurant and a swimming pool. There is free Wi-Fi and shuttles to both the airport and the dive center.
The location of Cosy Roots is ideal: quiet but central and is within walking distance of the diving school and local amenities. After a day of diving, relax under the sun by the pool or enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant. Rooms are equipped with all basic amenities such as a minibar, hairdryer, safe and fresh linen, with daily amenities . There is also space for your diving equipment and you can even use the bicycle rental during your stay to explore the island.
The dive center
The boat and facilities
Barefoot Eco Diving
The Barefoot Eco Hotel & Resort’s diving school is conveniently located near the pier and offers everything you need for an unforgettable diving experience in the North Maldives. You can take SSI and PADI courses here, from beginner to advanced, or daily guided dives for certified divers. All dives depart from a comfortable dive boat, taking you to the most beautiful reefs and manta points. Certified divers can use nitrox for free and all diving equipment is available for rent. The experienced instructors give personal attention and tips, making both novice and experienced divers feel safe and secure.
Fuvahmulah Scuba Club
Fuvahmulah Scuba Club is a PADI 5 Star Dive Center. The dive center has 2 spacious dhoni boats, fully equipped including showers, camera bins and plenty of room for your dive gear.
The dive center itself also leaves nothing to be desired: there are hot showers and its own cafe where you can relax between dives. Your diving equipment is stored here, or you can rent the equipment. Nitrox is also available. The crew consists of a team of more than 10 experienced professionals and ensures that your dives are safe, smooth and unforgettable. Fuvahmulah Scuba Club has been in operation for many years and has now guided thousands of divers.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is US$ 3.239 per person based on two people in one room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from US$ 3.239 p.p.
- 7 nights at The Barefoot Eco Resort
- Accommodation based on bed & breakfast
- Dive package consisting of 10 dives
- Nitrox for certified divers
- 4 nights at Cosy Roots hotel
- Half board accommodation (breakfast & dinner)
- Dive package consisting of 9 dives (3 dives per day of which always 1 per day with tiger sharks)
- Return flight Male - Hanimaadhoo
- Return flight Male - Fuvahmulah
- Green Tax Fuvahmulah
- Green Tax Hanimadhoo
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Malé from US$ 810
- Dive insurance (mandatory)
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Night dive Barefoot Diving (extra $20)
- Barefoot Diving equipment ($32.50 per day)
- Diving equipment Fuvahmulah Scuba Club ($30 per day)
- 15L tank Barefoot Diving ($6 per tank)
- 15L tank Fuvahmulah Scuba Club ($5 per tank)
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Frequently asked questions about diving in the Maldives
Diving in Hanimaadhoo general
Boat Dives
The dive sites are close: about a 20-minute boat ride away.
Yes, it is possible to make a night dive.
Yes, the Barefoot House Reef is within sight of the resort pier and adjacent to the beautiful lagoon. It is the perfect dive site for both novice and experienced divers. This is a shallow upper reef, descending to a sandy bottom at about 12 meters, often with little to no current. Suitable for all.
Yes, both PADI and SSI courses are offered.
The diving school is on the hotel grounds, so super close!
Diving in Fuvahmulah general
At Fuvahmulah, you will make controlled reef dives in open water, focusing on safely observing tiger sharks in their natural habitat. The dives take place at depths between 5 and 30 meters and last up to 45 minutes. The dive leader determines the exact dive plan based on your experience and the conditions at the time. During the dive you and the group stay close to the reef, accompanied by assistant guides who make sure everyone stays compactly together.
The dive sites are close by, just 5 to 15 minutes by boat from the port.
No, there are no night dives. This has mainly to do with currents and safety.
No, there is no house reef. All dives are made by boat.
Yes, PADI courses are given.
Yes, the diving school is only a 2-minute drive and 9-minute walk from the hotel.
Diving with tiger sharks
Fuvahmulah is also known as “the home of tiger sharks.” It is one of the few places in the world where you can have reliable encounters with tiger sharks in their natural habitat year-round.
Tiger sharks are curious but not naturally aggressive. If you understand their behavior and follow your guide’s instructions, it is a safe and impressive experience.
Most importantly, you go diving with a reliable operator with experienced guides, good safety protocols and a focus on conservation. Fuvahmulah Scuba Club meets all of these requirements. Prior to the dive you will receive a comprehensive briefing.
Stay calm during the dive and practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing. Trust your training as well as the experience of your local dive guides.
You do not need additional equipment for these dives. However, it is important not to use brightly colored equipment in your wetsuit, fins and mask.
- Wetsuit: 3 mm to 5 mm, for sun and jellyfish protection.
- Mask & fins: Make sure you have a good fit.
- Dive computer: Indispensable for keeping track of depth and dive time.
- Gloves (optional): For extra protection on rough surfaces.
With a stable posture underwater, you avoid sudden movements that could scare off sharks. If necessary, practice in a pool at a diving school.
By following these rules, you will not only make your dive safer and more enjoyable, but also contribute to the preservation of Fuvahmulah’s marine life.
Do:
- Follow the instructions of your guide: Experienced guides know the behavior of tiger sharks and ensure a safe dive.
- Keep your distance: Admire the sharks from a respectful distance. Getting too close can scare or disturb them.
- Stay calm: Calm, controlled movements make for a relaxed interaction.
- Respect marine life: Don’t touch anything or chase animals.
- Stay alert: Pay close attention to your surroundings and to signals from your guide and fellow divers.
Don’t:
- Do not feed: Feeding disrupts the natural behavior of sharks and can create dangerous situations.
- No sudden movements or noise: Sharks can be startled by unexpected actions or loud noises.
- Do not approach aggressively: Let the sharks maintain their own space.
- Do not touch: Tiger sharks (and other marine life) should not be touched. This can trigger stress or defensive behavior.
- Avoid flash photography: Flash light can disorient or deter sharks. Use natural light or a dive light without a flash function.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are available.
Yes, 15L tanks are available at both locations. The additional cost is $6 at Barefoot and $5 at Fuvahmulah Scuba Club.
Yes, you can. If you bring your own equipment it’s no problem at all.
At Barefoot you can use nitrox for free if you are certified for it. At Fuvahmulah, nitrox is not available.
Yes, renting a full set costs $32.50 per day at Barefoot and $30 at Fuvahmulah Scuba Club.
On the boat you get your own box with your name, where you can leave your equipment. The crew makes sure everything is washed after each dive. Then it stays on the boat. On the last day the crew makes sure the equipment dries and brings it to the diving school or to The Shark Residence, where you stay.
The island of Fuvahmulah
Fuvahmulah is a traditional and predominantly Muslim community. Therefore, wear covering clothes outside the beach or dive sites. Swimwear is appropriate only at designated beaches or resorts. Therefore, do not wear bikinis or other revealing clothing.
No, alcohol is prohibited in public places on Fuvahmulah. Alcohol may only be served in certain resorts or registered accommodations.
Open affection, such as hugging or kissing, is considered inappropriate in the Maldives and can cause offence.
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