Diving with tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah, Maldives
Fuvahmulah is world famous for its dives with tiger sharks. On this trip you will spend 5 days diving among the sharks – an ideal extension for those already in the Maldives.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Diving with tiger sharks in the Maldives
Fuvahmulah is truly a unique island in the Maldives. It lies on the equator between two South Atolls Addu and Huvadhoo. Unlike the other 2,000 Maldivian islands that are coral reefs, Fuvahmulah is of volcanic origin. This makes the island more similar to the Indonesian islands of Bali or Gili. It is the only island in the Maldives archipelago with freshwater lakes, 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.
Measuring as much as 5.5 m in length and 2,000 pounds (nearly a metric ton), the tiger shark is the fourth largest shark and the second largest predatory shark – only the great white shark is larger. And they get the name from the distinctive vertical bars that cover the sides of its body. And they are known to eat almost anything, including other sharks, fish, seabirds, dolphins, sea turtles, rays and crustaceans.
During this 5-day stay at Fuvahmulah you will dive with the tiger sharks every day. You will also make 2 more dives daily in other places where there is also an incredible amount to see. Diving here is something you absolutely cannot miss when you are in the Maldives.
Good to know: The Maldives has strict rules when it comes to alcohol and sunbathing in a bikini. Alcohol is not available and is only allowed at private resorts and on liveaboards. Wearing a bikini is still prohibited in public places on all local islands. Wear shorts and t-shirts, (with or without sleeves), swimwear that covers the body
Best travel time: The quality of diving is not affected by seasonal changes, as is the case on the rest of the Maldivian atolls. Diving here is always unique, always sharks and challenging year-round.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Fuvahmulah, 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 | The journey to Fuvahmulah
Today you will travel from Male to Fuvahmulah. The flight takes only 1.5 hours. There is a runway at Fuvahmulah, which is why you fly in a “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. At day 5 in the itinerary we have described some activities, maybe you can do one of these already today.
Day 2 - 4 | Diving with tiger sharks and thresher sharks
Over the next 3 days you will make 3 dives each day, one of which is always with tiger sharks. You will make the other two dives of the day on the nearby dive sites where there is also a tremendous amount to see.
The island’s unique location makes Fuvahmulah one of the best diving destinations in the world. Fuvahmulah is a rock in the middle of the ocean. The rock acts as a huge cleaning station and a mating site for large pelagic species such as Black Oceanic Manta Birostrics, mola mola, pilot whales. Fuvahmulah has the ultimate array of sharks that can be seen throughout the year: tiger sharks, thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks, silver tip sharks, whale sharks, gray reef sharks, white tip reef sharks. Large schools of barracuda; yellowfin tuna, bonito, sailfish, marlin and millions of reef fish surround the local reef daily. The last El Nino, which severely affected coral reefs in the Maldivian islands and around the world, did not affect Fuvahmulah. There are more than 15 dive sites around the island, which have great potential for underwater research.
The real underwater treasure of Fuvahmulah, according to many, is the thresher shark. Fuvahmulah is the only island in the Maldives where thresher sharks can be seen year-round. How cool would it be if you also spot a thresher shark during this tiger shark trip! The local reef has many cleaning stations that extend from deep to shallow around the island. Diving with thresher sharks is usually deep, as thresher sharks use the deep cleaning stations. In Fuvahmulah, however, they come to the cleaning station at 12-15 m, and sometimes make divers happy when they jump out of the water.
Day 5 | Last day on Fuvahmulah
From there you will be transferred back to the airport by transfer. Tired but satisfied, you board the plane again, heading for Malé.
Depending on what time you fly today, you can still do something on the island. So you can learn to wave surf at Thoondu. Prefer to do something more cultural? Then visit the centuries-old mosque Kedeyre Miski, for example. Surrounded by a large cemetery, Kedeyre Miski lies on the east side of the island. Its origins date back to the mid-16th century. The mosque and the tombstones built with coral stones are a fine example of early Maldivian craftsmanship. A nature hotspot is the Wetlands of Fuvahmulah Nature Park. Today, Bandaara Kilhi (lake) and Dhadimagu Kilhi (lake) form the core of this biodiversity hotspot, adding to Fuvahmulah’s exclusivity. With a boardwalk, boats and a picnic area, the Fuvahmulah Nature Park that encompasses the lakes is a must-do activity in the Maldives, let alone on this island.
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
The Shark Residence
On Fuvahmulah, you will stay at the The Shark Residence. 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 Shark Residence is ideal: quiet, yet central, within walking distance of the diving school and local amenities. After a day of pelagic encounters – from tiger to thresher sharks – you can 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 linens, with daily amenities . There is also space for your diving equipment, and you can even take advantage of bike rentals during your stay to explore the island.
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 € 1.499 per person based on two people in one room. The trip can be extended as desired, such as a longer stay in Fuvahmulah or a liveaboard before or after. 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 € 1.499 p.p.
- 4 nights in a double room
- Return flight Male - Fuvahmulah
- Half board accommodation (breakfast & dinner)
- Return transfers from the airport to the hotel
- Dive package consisting of 9 boat dives, 3 dives per day including always one per day with tiger sharks
- Green Tax
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Malé from € 700
- 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
- Diving equipment ($30 per day)
- Nitrox ($12 per tank)
- 15L tank ($5 per tank)
- 15L tank of nitrox ($15 per tank)
- Professional private photo session, approx. € 100
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Frequently asked questions about Fuvahmulah
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 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 equipment
Both tanks are available.
Yes, there are five 15L tanks available. The additional cost to use a 15L tank is $5 per tank.
Yes, you can. If you bring your own equipment it’s no problem at all.
Yes, you can dive with nitrox. The cost is $12 per tank for an 11L tank and $15 per tank for a 15L tank.
Yes, renting a full set costs $30 per day.
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.
Always dispose of trash neatly and help with beach or reef cleanups if necessary. Respect marine life – don’t touch coral or disturb animals such as sharks or turtles.
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