Visit the island in the Maldives where diving with tiger sharks is guaranteed
Top image captured by Paul Maloney (thanks Paul!)
More Information
Contact the Fuvahmulah Scuba Club, who has a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre on the island and will give you all of the information that you need such as accommodation, diving and flights.
Why It’s Special
The following is an edited extract from Ultimate Dive Sites:
The volcanic island of Fuvahmulah is completely different to other islands in the Maldives. Forget turquoise lagoons and overwater bungalows; here you’ll wake each day to the local mosque’s call to prayer and you’ll spend your diving time with huge tiger sharks in the harbour, and many other shark species that call this island home. Between dives, you can explore the island’s lush interior, with freshwater lakes (kihlis) and farms of mangoes and pineapples, or go surfing with locals. With at least 20 dive sites, there’s amazing diving here year-round including pristine reefs, steep drop-offs and volcanic seascapes. But it’s the sharks that’ll bring you here.
Best time to dive
For tigers, visit anytime year-round. For threshers and scalloped hammerheads, September to December are best due to the thermocline being closer to the reef. Oceanic mantas’ mating season of March to May is best for spotting these beauties, and for whale sharks, January to April is your best bet.
Gear
Water temperatures can range between 27–30°C (80–86°F), but can drop down to 25°C (77°F) in deeper waters. It’s worth packing a 3mm suit for the diving days and a few rashies or exposure suits for snorkel sessions.
