Maldives
Shark diving
in the Maldives
Where to dive with tiger sharks, hammerheads, whale sharks and reef sharks in the Maldives — and why Fuvahmulah is unique.
A shark sanctuary in the Indian Ocean
The Maldives banned shark fishing in 2010 and protects sharks across its waters. Combined with warm water, strong ocean currents and hundreds of reefs, that makes it one of the best countries in the world for shark diving.
Where to see each shark
| Shark | Where in the Maldives | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger shark | Fuvahmulah (Tiger Garden) | All year |
| Thresher shark | Fuvahmulah | All year, peak October – December |
| Scalloped hammerhead | Fuvahmulah; Rasdhoo (Madivaru) | Mainly December – April |
| Whale shark | South Ari Atoll; Fuvahmulah | All year in South Ari; January – May in Fuvahmulah |
| Grey reef and whitetip sharks | Channels and thilas in most atolls | All year |
| Nurse sharks | Vaavu Atoll (Alimatha) | All year |
Why Fuvahmulah is different
Most shark dives in the Maldives are in atoll channels, where reef sharks gather in the current. Fuvahmulah is a single island in the open ocean, so oceanic species come right to its reefs. It is the only place in the Maldives — and one of very few in the world — where you can dive with tiger sharks all year round, at only 8–12 metres.
How to plan a shark diving trip
- Get your Advanced Open Water certification and some experience in current before the trip.
- Choose your season: December to April for calmer seas and the best visibility.
- Combine Fuvahmulah with a few days in the central atolls if you want to see whale sharks or reef sharks too.
- Book a dive center that follows a clear shark diving protocol.
Where can you dive with tiger sharks in the Maldives?
In Fuvahmulah, a one-island atoll in the far south of the Maldives, where tiger sharks are present all year.
Are sharks protected in the Maldives?
Yes. Shark fishing has been banned in the Maldives since 2010.
What is the best time for shark diving in the Maldives?
Tiger sharks can be seen all year in Fuvahmulah. For most other species and the calmest seas, December to April is usually best.
