Fuvahmulah - Experience The Ultimate Tiger Shark Dive
June 20, 2024
Have you ever considered diving with tiger sharks in the Maldives? If not, let us introduce you to Fuvahmulah, a hidden gem in the Maldives. If you are looking for a new dive destination to visit and love sharks, Fuvahmulah should be on your wish list. Read on to find out why.
Introducing the Maldives’ hidden gem – Fuvahmulah
Diving in the Maldives is at the top of many divers’ wish lists but few people have heard of Fuvahmulah. This island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for its lush greenery, freshwater lakes, rich culture, and ancient history.
But despite these charms, Fuvahmulah has only recently gained popularity – a fact which seems miraculous considering it hosts one of the world’s largest populations of resident tiger sharks.
Here are our top reasons to visit Fuvahmulah for your next dive vacation.
1. Enjoy an authentic Maldivian experience
Tucked away in the Southern Atolls, Fuvahmulah is classified as a local island, distinct from the resort islands. Tourism on local islands has been accessible to the public only for the past 10-15 years. A visit to Fuvahmulah offers a genuine experience of the Maldives, allowing travelers to savor local cuisine, engage with friendly locals, and witness breathtaking sunsets.
2. Fuvahmulah is home to over 230 tiger sharks
Fuvahmulah is a hidden treasure within the diving community. The island is home to over 230 tiger sharks, 90% of which are females. Surrounded by waters exceeding 2000 meters in depth, the island attracts a variety of pelagic fish, which serve as the primary food source for the tiger sharks. Diving here is an incredible experience that any diver would appreciate.
3. Experience the ultimate tiger shark dive
Tiger sharks can be spotted throughout Fuvahmulah, but the premier site to encounter them is Tiger Harbour. This horse-shoe-shaped plateau, with an average depth of 8-10 meters, is located just outside the main harbor, a mere one-minute boat ride away. The abundance of tiger sharks in this area makes it a must-visit for any diver.
4. Dive in waters teeming with pelagic life
Fuvahmulah offers more than just tiger sharks. Divers can encounter thresher sharks, silvertip sharks, large schools of tunas, sailfish, Napoleon wrasse, sea turtles, and during the right season, mantas, whale sharks, and mola mola. The reefs around Fuvahmulah are in excellent condition, providing fantastic diving opportunities.
When is the best time to go diving in Fuvahmulah?
Diving with tiger sharks is possible year-round in Fuvahmulah, though the best time to visit is during the dry season, from January to April. This is also the best time of year to encounter whale sharks and oceanic manta rays. Encounters with thresher sharks are more common from October to December, but they can be seen all year.
Water temperatures range from 24-26°C in May to December and 26-29°C in January-April.
Who is diving in Fuvahmulah suitable for?
Diving in Fuvahmulah can be challenging. Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the island is exposed to the elements and surrounded by deep waters, resulting in currents, waves, and surface swells.
Divers should be comfortable with these conditions, either through previous experience or by completing the SSI Deep Diving and SSI Waves, Tides & Currents specialties before diving in Fuvahmulah.
Who to dive with at Fuvahmulah
One of the pioneers of diving in Fuvahmulah, Ahmed Inah, runs Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah. His training center offers state-of-the-art diving dhonis and a brand new speed boat, catering to all your diving, freediving, and even private tiger shark dive needs.
The center also has an in-house marine biologist, and their comprehensive tiger shark briefings are renowned beyond Fuvahmulah. Ahmed Inah continuously enhances his knowledge. He has recently exchanged experiences with experts in Florida, Mexico, Australia, and Mauritius, learning about bull sharks, great white sharks, nurse sharks, and sperm whales!
For an unforgettable diving experience, contact Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah through their social media accounts: Instagram and Facebook