
Tiger sharks
Close encounters
in the wild
Tiger sharks are among the most impressive predators in the ocean. In Fuvahmulah you can meet them in their natural environment, with respect and with a professional team beside you.
Overview
The ocean’s
striped wanderer
The tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) takes its name from the dark vertical stripes on its back, most visible in young animals and fading with age. It is one of the largest predatory sharks, a curious and confident animal that patrols tropical and warm seas all over the world.
In Fuvahmulah, tiger sharks are present all year round. Meeting them calmly, at their own pace, is one of the most powerful experiences a diver can have.

Why Fuvahmulah?
- High
encounter rate - Resident
population - Year-round
opportunities - Natural
behaviour
The experience
A unique
encounter
We dive at Tiger Garden, a shallow site a short boat ride from the harbour where tiger sharks gather. After a detailed briefing you descend with your guide, settle in position and simply watch: the sharks come and go, glide past, turn and come back.


Biology
Built for
the open ocean
Tiger sharks are generalist predators with broad, serrated teeth and an excellent sense of smell and electro-reception. They give birth to live young, and adults can exceed four metres in length.
- Scientific name: Galeocerdo cuvier
- Reproduction: live-bearing, large litters
- Adult size: commonly 3–4 m, exceptionally more
- IUCN status: Near Threatened
- Adult
length - 4m+
- Days a year
in Fuvahmulah - 365
- Average
dive depth - 8m
Gallery
- Enlarge image: Tiger shark with a fish nearby

- Enlarge image: Tiger shark with a school of yellow fish

- Enlarge image: Tiger shark over the sandy bottom, Maldives

- Enlarge image: Tiger shark underwater

- Enlarge image: Tiger shark swimming in the ocean

- Enlarge image: Tiger shark swimming in blue water

- Enlarge image: Tiger shark in deep blue water, Maldives

- Enlarge image: Two tiger sharks rising through blue water, Maldives

- Enlarge image: Two tiger sharks

- Enlarge image: Freediver and tiger shark

- Enlarge image: Diver above a tiger shark, Maldives

FAQ
Tiger shark
questions
Is it safe to dive with tiger sharks?
Every dive follows a strict protocol: full briefing, fixed positions, experienced guides watching the sharks at all times and small groups. Read our tiger shark safety protocol.
What certification do I need?
We recommend Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) and good buoyancy control. Contact us if you are unsure: we will find the right option for your level.
How deep is the dive?
Tiger Garden is a shallow site: most of the dive takes place at around 8–12 metres.
When is the best time to see them?
Tiger sharks are present all year round in Fuvahmulah. Weather and visibility vary with the monsoon seasons.

