Diving with tiger sharks in the last paradise
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Diving with tiger sharks in the Maldives
Fuvahmulah is truly a unique island in the Maldives. Fuvahmulah lies on the equator between two South Atolls Addu and Huvadhoo. Unlike the other two thousand Maldivian islands, which are coral reefs, Fuvahmulah is of volcanic origin, making 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 without a doubt … Diving with Tiger Sharks.
The tiger shark gets its name from the characteristic vertical bars that cover the sides of its body. Although these bars fade somewhat as they reach adulthood, they are especially very noticeable in young people and are visible at least throughout life. 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. Tiger sharks live in shallow coastal waters, but have been seen as deep as 350 meters. Female tiger sharks have between 10 and 82 embryos and have an average of 30 to 35 young per litter.
Tiger sharks are known to eat almost anything, including other sharks, fish, seabirds, dolphins, sea turtles, rays and crustaceans. They have also been found with many non-food items in their stomachs, including metal objects, plastic, burlap bags and other trash.
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 Ari Atoll, 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 to 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 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 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 | End of the tiger shark program
Alas, it is already there again the shark fiesta. From the Zero Residence you will be transferred 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
Zero Degree Residence
At Fuvahmulah, stay at the Zero Degree Residence. Zero Degree Residence is located in the historic area of Hoadhadu, just a 3-minute walk from the ocean and a 10-minute walk from the white pebble beach.
The perfect place to relax and rest after a day of diving adventures. You will be welcomed among tropical shrubs, palm trees and exotic gardens with blooming flowers. Upon entering our cozy guesthouse, you immediately feel a pleasant atmosphere that makes you feel like you are in your own home. Spacious rooms with comfortable beds await you to sink into its wonderfully warm, soft, comforting aura.
Good to know; The Maldives has strict rules when it comes to alcohol and sunbathing in a bikini. Alcohol is not available; alcohol is prohibited on all local islands. Alcohol is allowed only on private resorts and liveaboards. Wearing a bikini is still prohibited in public places on all local islands; there is no dedicated bikini beach. There is a huge white pebble beach. Tourists can wear comfortable swimwear on the island (shorts and t-shirts, with or without sleeves, swimwear that covers the body).
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is US$ 1.446 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.
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Included in this trip, from US$ 1.446 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
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Malé from US$ 739
✈︎ 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, approx. US$ 11 per dive
- Nitrox, approx. US$ 11 per dive
- 15L tank, approx. US$ 5 per dive
- Professional private photo session, approx. US$ 106
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