Fuvahmulah Tiger Shark ID Project

We invite you into the fascinating world of tiger shark diving in Fuvahmulah. The crystal-clear waters of the Maldives provide one of the few habitats where tiger sharks thrive. Fuvahmulah gives divers the best opportunity to encounter these majestic creatures. You not only meet them up close but also play a vital role in conservation efforts. Your contributions help ensure they continue to roam the surrounding waters of Fuvahmulah. Discover more about these incredible creatures and how you can help protect some of the most amazing marine life.

Overview of the Tiger Shark ID Project

To understand more about tiger shark diving in Fuvahmulah we will first explore the Tiger Shark ID Project. It is a unique idea that allows us to understand more of the intricate world of this pelagic species. In 2016, a master student working with a local dive school decided to design his master thesis around tiger sharks. The Tiger Shark ID project gathers comprehensive, individual-level data on tiger sharks that have called the waters of Fuvahmulah home. Together with our partners, we collect data on a daily basis, maximizing the insights gained from this project.

Tiger sharks, as many other elasmobranchs species, play a vital role in preserving the ecosystem. They ensure an ecological balance within the ecosystem with important roles in the food web. Without them  the ocean and its ecosystems will collapse, which further highlights their importance in preserving this equilibrium.

What We Have Discovered from Diving With Tiger Sharks in Fuvahmulah

Tiger shark diving in Fuvahmulah is a wonderful experience, but is also having access to crucial information about their population. The project has uncovered important information about site fidelity, residency patterns, and preliminary details about pregnancies. These provides us with insights into their biology and ecology.

Simultaneously, Filippo Bocchi, our resident marine biologist and early-career shark researcher, designed a project that has illuminated their social preferences. This provides some deeper insight into the unknown facets of their hierarchy. The ongoing team effort is the result of a collaboration with worldwide renowned shark researchers from the Shark Research Centre (SCC) – Primo Micarelli and Francesca Reinero – the University of Siena (IT),  and our partner dive centres. 

Intriguingly, the Tiger Shark ID project has helped us learn more about the population accessing the Fuvahmulah Harbour. So far, we have identified approximately 236 individual tiger sharks, including 199 females and 37 males, with an average length of 2 to 4.5 meters. Most of these sharks have visited the waters of the harbor, also known as ‘Tiger Harbour.’

Stay in Touch with Us

To remain up to date with our project, you can follow our Instagram profile, SharkIDFuvahmulah. The account offers daily photo-ID updates of identified tiger sharks during dives, along with some monthly curiosities and research findings. Our partners have also established a freely-accessible shark database on their website so you can learn more about these fascinating creatures.

More projects are on the horizon from engaging schools and local communities to access this vital research. Through the power of collaboration, we can safeguard these tiger sharks and other marine animals that call the Fuvahmulah water their home.

Make a Difference and Join Our Community

If you always asked yourself how to access information regarding tiger sharks and other species in Fuvahmulah as well as help us in our research projects, here there are some ideas for you:

• Attending Marine Biologist Presentations
• Follow our ‘SharkIDFuvahmulah‘ Instagram page
• Equipment Donation (unused GoPros, batteries, housing, memory cards, etc…)

Additionally, if you want to help the local community on the island and improve your diving abilities when diving with sharks you can:

• Sign up for the Tiger Shark Specialty Course 
• Eco-friendly solutions to help a better management of wastes on the island (ex. take home plastic containers – shampoo and body wash – and all other pieces of trash that can be better managed in your country)
• Organise beach clean-ups with your peers/team

Support local conservation initiatives (donating to the home water filter project, purchasing PDF merchandise as proceeds go towards the home water filter project)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of identifying tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah?

The main purpose of identifying tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah is to gauge and attempt to track the number of individuals that are around the island. Since the start of the research, there have been 236 individuals identified and could possibly be one of the healthiest tiger shark populations in the world.

2. How do you identify tiger sharks?

There are seven main points used to identify tiger sharks. We do this by taking photos and videos of tiger sharks present during the dive. We then compare these seven main points against the database of identifying patterns and/or marks that have been collected over the years.

3. Why is it important to ID Fuvahmulah’s tiger sharks?

It is important for us to ID the tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah as we are able to learn more about their population to better help protect them and the environment that they are in.

4. Who can help contribute to the Fuvahmulah tiger shark ID project?

Anyone can contribute to the Fuvahmulah tiger shark ID project. Divers that are shark diving in Fuvahmulah are able to share photos or videos of tiger sharks with our Marine Biologist to help build the Fuvahmulah tiger shark database, visitors to Fuvahmulah can ensure to dispose plastic waste properly or take home any plastics that they brought with them, attend our weekly tiger shark presentation, donating equipment or funds to expand our research and water filter projects.

The post Tiger Shark Diving in Fuvahmulah – The Tiger Shark ID Project appeared first on Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah.

One of the many reasons divers have an amazing dive experience is the opportunity to encounter various pelagic species. Safe and responsible interactions with these marine life creates everlasting memories. Not only that but it also develops a better understanding of these magnificent creatures too.

Fuvahmulah has been gaining popularity as the place for tiger shark diving. The island is home to one of the healthiest populations of tiger sharks, with researchers identifying over 240 individuals. Tiger shark diving in Fuvahmulah is safe in general. However, we are also diving into their environment and territory.It is important to realize that every activity carries some risk, including diving. Tiger sharks, as apex predators, are naturally curious, so divers must always respect them in their domain.

Trained Tiger Shark Diving Fuvahmulah Team

First and foremost, all our dive guides hold a minimum certification of dive masters. Professional shark safety experts, Ocean Ramsey & Juan Oliphant of One Ocean Diving, have trained both our instructors and dive guides. Our team reads, identifies, and monitors each shark’s behaviour during each dive. Keeping this in mind, the team developed signals to communicate with each other and the boat crew on the surface. That way the team stays ready to take precautionary measures if needed.

Fuvahmulah Shark Diving Safety Procedures and Protocols

Our team follows a set of shark diving safety procedures based on our collective dive experience and principles.

1. We require all divers, regardless of certification, to do a check dive as their first dive with us.
2. We require divers to be certified before permitting them to join a tiger shark dive.
3. Dives are a maximum of 12 divers per boat.
4. We dive with a ratio of 1 guide to 4 divers. Should there be less than 12 divers per boat, we still maintain a minimum of 3 dive guides.
5. Prior a diver’s first tiger shark dive, it is mandatory to go through our in-depth tiger shark safety diving briefing.
6. The tiger shark safety briefing covers topics such as:

• History of tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah
• Co-existence of tiger sharks with the local community and fishermen
• Dive plan
• What to expect from the tiger sharks
• Tiger sharks’ behaviour
• How divers should behave – do’s and don’ts
• Resident tiger sharks and other marine life
• Emergency protocols
• Conservation efforts

7. Dive guides will cancel a tiger shark dive if they find that the sea conditions or water visibility are not optimal or if the tiger sharks’ behavior is more agitated than normal.
8. After a diver’s first tiger shark dive with us, we conduct a debrief to discuss the sharks’ behavior and the diver’s actions. We also highlight any issues or areas for improvement for the next dive.
9. If a diver ignores instructions or continuous reminders on how to behave during a tiger shark dive, our guides will disqualify them from further participation in tiger shark dives.
10. If a diver disregards instructions from our guides and jeopardizes the safety of other divers, our guides will immediately end the tiger shark dive.
11. It is mandatory that all our guides carry a tourniquet with them during all dives. We have trained all our guides on how to handle emergency situations.

Briefing on Tiger Shark Dive Plan

Prior to each tiger shark dive, our guides conduct a dive plan briefing on the boat. We share a step-by-step process with divers to ensure everyone is clear and understands how the dives will proceed.

The dive plan:

• Although Tiger Harbour lies at the mouth of the harbour, divers will jump into the water at the reef next to the harbour, not the main dive site, for safety reasons.
• Upon reaching the dive site, our dive guides will check the water for any nearby sharks from the boat.
• The first person that will jump into the water will be the dive guide.
• Tiger shark dive is done with a negative entry dive as we do not want divers staying at the surface that may cause splashing and noise, mimicking an injured prey, which may attract tiger sharks.
• Once all the divers are in the water, the group will move as a whole to the main dive site.
• During this time, there will be one lead guide ahead of the group, minimum one guide in the middle, and minimum one guide at the end.
• We arrange divers in a row at a designated area, where at least two guides stay with them.
• The lead guide will then move to the middle of the dive site in order to signal the boat crew to drop the fish heads.
• After the allocated tiger shark dive time has ended, the lead guide will signal to end the dive and indicate the direction that divers need to move to.
• Again, there will be one lead guide ahead, minimum one guide in the middle, and minimum one guide at the end to head back to the reef to do the safety stop.
• Once the safety stop is completed, divers will follow two guides to the surface and back onto the boat. One guide will remain at six meters to ensure sharks do not approach from below. This guide will be the last to exit the water.

Allocated Tiger Shark Dive Times

To make certain that Tiger Harbour is not overcrowded and safety compromised, every dive center is allocated a specific 30-minute time slot each day. It is important that divers are on time for tiger shark dives and respect each dive center’s scheduled timings. Divers are informed in advance of timings to be on the boat for tiger shark dives. Should divers be late, the dive will proceed without them.

Tiger Shark Safety Diver Course

We strive to not only provide the best shark diving experience but also an educational one. Divers bring home not only great shark diving memories but also a better knowledge about sharks and our marine life. We strongly advocate that the more we are able to share knowledge about sharks, the better we are able to understand these highly misunderstood apex predators.

With these reasons, Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah has created a tiger shark speciality dive course and has been offering this since November 2022. The course is for Advanced Open Water and above certified divers that are interested in learning more about diving safely with tiger sharks. The course allows our instructors to share and educate divers on the details of Fuvahmulah tiger shark behaviour, identify resident tiger sharks, how to observe and interact safely and sustainably with the tiger sharks.

Education and Awareness of Tiger Sharks

It is always the unknown that causes fear and misconceptions. We strongly believe that the more we are able to share and expand our knowledge, the deeper an understanding we will have.

As such, we have a marine biologist as part of our team that is tasked in collecting data of the tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah and to expand the current tiger shark identification project. To date, we have collectively identified just over 240 individuals from one dive site. We have also deployed new non-intrusive techniques to identify tiger sharks to observe their individual behaviour. As a result, we are learning more about our resident tiger sharks and are even more attuned to when they have a change in their ways.

We host a weekly tiger shark presentation that is open to anyone on the island. The objective of this is to provide a space for us and guests to share more about tiger sharks. The presentation is conducted by our marine biologist which provides guests an opportunity to share or ask questions that they may have about sharks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Is Fuvahmulah tiger shark diving safe?

In general, Fuvahmulah tiger shark diving is safe. As with any scuba diving, each dive has its own risk. Divers need to remember to always follow the instructions for the dive guides above and in the water. It is also important to always respect the environment and the marine life that you are diving with, especially with sharks.

2. Have there been shark attacks in Fuvahmulah?

There have not been any shark attacks in Fuvahmulah. We follow a strict list of shark diving safety procedures to ensure a safe dive as possible.

3. Can anyone go and dive with tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah?

We only take certified divers to scuba dive with tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah. If a non-certified diver is interested in doing a tiger shark dive with us, we are able to first do an Open Water course with them. After successfully completing the course, we will then take the diver for tiger shark dives.

4. Do you hand feed the tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah?

We do not hand feed tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah. However, the dives are baited, but it is important to note that this practice has been done for generations of fishermen in Fuvahmulah. Prior to the construction of the harbour and fish market, fishermen used to clean their catch of the day and discard any fish parts into the water. Tiger sharks knew to gather around these fishing boats to then eat these fish wastes.

The post FUVAHMULAH TIGER SHARK SAFETY DIVES appeared first on Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah.

Did you know that your diving experience in Fuvahmulah will vary depending on the dive certifications, and within it, dive certification levels that you hold? Fuvahmulah is one of the best places for diving, bringing in diving enthusiasts from all over the world. The majority of these divers have one thing in common: they are all certified, which allows them to dive deeper into the ocean and enjoy the underwater treasures of Fuvahmulah. Keen to experience the same? Let’s explore ways to get you the right dive certifications!

The Importance of Diving Certifications and Dive Certification Levels

Diving is an extremely rewarding activity, but certification plays a crucial role. It ensures your safety, prepares you for different scenarios, and helps you gain valuable knowledge.

Being certified allows you to dive deeper, taking your diving adventure to the next level. Don’t miss out on that opportunity!

Different Dive Certifications

There are a variety of dive certifications that you can do. We have broken down the different types into two —recreational and professional — that will help decide which path you would like to take.

Recreational Dive Certifications

1. Scuba Diver or Junior Scuba Diver

The Scuba Diver certificate is perfect for those who are looking to start and do not have a lot of time. You will acquire the necessary knowledge that will allow you to dive to a maximum depth of 12m (40 ft). For this certification, a professional diver will always accompany you.

2. Open Water Diver (OWD) or Junior Open Water Diver 

Completing the OWD course certifies you as an independent diver, allowing you to choose your dive partner or dive solo. At this level, the depth limitations are 18m (59 ft) for adults and 12m (40 ft) for juniors.

3. Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD)

This specific diving certification will allow you to expand your knowledge in scuba diving whilst also improving your experience. Being AOWD certified will also allow you to dive up to 30m (100 ft).

4. Scuba Diving Certifications for Rescue Divers

This special Rescue Diver course will allow you to dive in a safe manner that prevents problems and you would be capable of dealing with emergencies should they occur.

5. Master Scuba Diver

This diving certificate will allow you to explore a variety of speciality courses and it basically is a combination of all of the above!

Professional Diver Certificates

1. Dive Master 

Being a certified Dive Master will allow you to work in the diving industry and you can for example help Dive Instructors during their classes.

2. Assistant Instructors

When you are certified as an Assistant Instructor, you will be eligible to give theoretical classes to future divers during their training.

3. Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) 

The OWSI course is highly recommended for those who want to become a Dive Instructor. Upon successful completion, you are eligible to train and grant different diving certifications to others.

4. Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT)

This course can only be completed by instructors who have certified more than 25 divers and have completed at least five Speciality Instructor courses.

5. Instructor Development Course Staff Instructor (IDC)

Being an IDC Staff Instructor allows you to teach new instructors.

6. Master Scuba Instructor

This diving certificate will allow you to be recognized as an elite diving instructor.

7. Course Director

Last but not least, the course directors are the teachers of the Instructor Development Courses. Being a Course Director allows you to be in charge of training future diving instructors.

Diving In Fuvahmulah With Us

We offer a variety of diving courses that will leave you with an experience you will always remember! Check out some of our programs below:

• Scuba Diver Upgrade
• Open Water
• Advanced Open Water
• Fuvahmulah Tiger Shark Safety Diver (To partake in this course, you will first need to be Advanced Open Water certified. This means you are certified to dive up to 30 metres. At Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah, we offer this dive course and dive certification. You can find more information here.)
• Emergency First Responder (EFR)
• Rescue Diver
• Scuba Refresher
• Referral Open Water Dives
• Referral Confined Water
• Dive Course Pool Sessions

You can explore each course in more detail on our website.

Please Note: Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah wants you to have the best diving experience. To do that, we prefer you to be certified as a diver before you dive here in Fuvahmulah. Some of our courses such as diving in Tiger Harbour require you to have a valid diving certificate or at least an intermediate dive certification level or above. 

Let’s Get Certified!

Diving in Fuvahmulah is an experience unlike anything else. Don’t miss out on the beauty of Fuvahmulah as a result of not having the right dive certifications. There are a variety of dive certifications out there for you to take and complete so you are not short of options! Whether you are just starting out in the world of diving or a master looking to hone his skill set, there is a course for everyone. Get your dive certifications and explore the ocean with us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need experience to go scuba diving in Fuvahmulah?

Yes, to go scuba diving in Fuvahmulah, we highly recommend that you are a certified diver. The waters surrounding Fuvahmulah are deep and the island is known for medium to strong currents and lots of diving in the blue.

2. Can I go scuba diving in Fuvahmulah with an Open Water Diver certification?

Yes, you are able to go scuba diving in Fuvahmulah with an Open Water Diver certification. However, we usually suggest divers to have an Advanced Open Water certification which will allow the diver to dive to 30 meters. Fuvahmulah has lots of pelagic species that are usually sighted in deeper waters. Having an Advanced Open Water certification means divers are able to have better encounters with these pelagic species.

3. Do you offer dive courses in Fuvahmulah?

Yes, we offer dive courses in Fuvahmulah. We have instructors as part of the team that will conduct these dive courses. We are also the only dive center to offer the Fuvahmulah Tiger Shark Diver Speciality Course.

The post WHAT ARE DIVE CERTIFICATION LEVELS? A GUIDE TO DIVE CERTIFICATIONS BEFORE DIVING IN FUVAHMULAH appeared first on Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah.

If you are a shark and diving enthusiast then you need to embark on our tiger shark diving Maldives adventure. Swim the beautiful waters of Fuvahmulah with the majestic Tiger shark, with Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah’s tiger shark diving Maldives package. If you are keen to explore one of the world’s most stunning underwater worlds and encounter tiger sharks then this adventure is for you!

Breaking The Myth of Sharks

Hollywood have been portraying sharks as ruthless apex predators that attack humans. Iconic films like Jaws did not help the reputation of sharks and it is something director Steven Spielberg regrets. He feels his 1975 film misrepresented sharks and impacted the shark population. In actuality, shark attacks on humans are rare as they much rather feed on fish and other marine animals.

The portrayals of shark in Hollywood films are for entertainment purposes. Whereas, in reality, sharks are majestic creatures that have been on the planet far longer than we have. Shark fossils were found dating back as far as 450 million years! Sadly due to overfishing, many sharks today are threatened. Some species even critically endangered due to fishers who hunt them for their meat and fins. At Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah, we swim with them everyday. Therefore, we are constantly educating divers about the fear mongering Hollywood has done to change their perception about tiger sharks.

Tiger Shark Overview

Second to the Great White Shark in terms of the largest hunting shark, the tiger shark got its name for its distinctive grey vertical stripes. This particular species of shark can grow anywhere from 10 to 14 feet and weigh between 850 to 1400 pounds.

Tiger Shark Diet

Tiger sharks are not exactly picky eaters and can eat pretty much what they can get their “jaws” in. From sea turtles and sea snakes to even eating inedible man-made objects, their menu is quite diverse, to say the least!

Tiger Shark Behavior

Tiger sharks are most commonly in tropical and subtropical waters including here in Fuvahmulah! The tiger shark possesses excellent electroreceptors but also a great sense of sight and smell. Their razor-sharp teeth along with its powerful jaw can crack through nearly everything including sea turtles’ shells and clams.

The tiger shark is an excellent predator as they fully utilize its electroreceptors and sense of sight and smell. Their special sensors and their eyesight are great advantages in low-light and poor visibility conditions. Tiger sharks are not exactly the social type and may prefer to hunt individually.

Learning about tiger shark behaviour is important as this helps in experiencing tiger shark diving Maldives in a manner that is safe and respectful.

Where To Find Tiger Sharks in Fuvahmulah

There are a variety of spots where you can spot tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah. Our Tiger Shark Diving Maldives packages will allow you to witness the tiger sharks in their natural habitat. Popular areas include Tiger Harbour, Farikede and Seafan which are on the east, south and north of Fuvahmulah. Few experiences capture the beauty of tiger sharks like the Tiger Shark Diving Maldives package offered by our Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah team.

How To Treat Tiger Sharks

Contrary to what Hollywood tells you, tiger sharks are not purposely aggressive. The likelihood of considering humans as prey is uncommon. Like most animals, the tiger shark likes to be left alone and undisturbed in its natural habitat.

If you are a shark or diving enthusiast, our Fuvahmulah Tiger Shark Diver course is for you. Crafted by Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah Head Instructor, Ahmed Inah, the course allows you to experience diving with tiger sharks differently. The course educates you on tiger shark behaviour, species, conservation and much more!

Tiger Sharks Importance in The Maldives

Tiger shark diving in the Maldives is unique in the sense that the Maldives is one of only seventeen shark sanctuaries in the world. In fact, it is the only shark sanctuary in the Indian Ocean! The Maldives are a safe haven for more than 31 species of shark, as sadly 29 of them are globally threatened.

Sharks are crucial for the Maldives’ marine ecosystem, and its fishing and tourism industries as they are ecosystem “engineers” essentially. They maintain balance in the ecosystem, help coral reefs fight climate change, balance the population of fish in the food chain and so much more. Without sharks, there will be an upset in the reef and coral system that can abrupt the whole ecosystem. When a shark disappears from their natural habitat, it usually indicates that there is something wrong in that ecosystem and sharks actually help us spot ecosystem problems more easily!

You can explore and learn how they help preserve the coral reefs in the Maldives with our Tiger Shark Diving Maldives experience or any of our other shark-related diving activities!

Conclusion

Our Tiger Shark Diving Maldives experience is unlike any underwater excursion you will ever undergo. Not only will you get the chance to swim with these wonderful creatures but you will get the chance to learn more about these fascinating marine animals as well as their importance in the underwater ecosystem. Sharks get a bad reputation from Hollywood but our Tiger Shark Diving Maldives experience will allow you to see them in a different light and make you realize how truly wonderful they are!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Have there been any shark attacks when shark diving in Maldives?

No, there has not been a severe shark attack when shark diving in Maldives. Although there have been videos and rumours circulating that divers have been horribly attacked by sharks, these incidents are untrue. These handful of encounters were due to divers negligence and unsafe diving practices resulting in curious sharks to approach.

2. Is it safe to go shark diving in Maldives?

Yes, it is generally safe to go shark diving in Maldives. However, it is highly important to understand and realize that as divers, we are entering into the sharks’ environment and territory. Hence, we must always respect their space and their nature as predators. We strongly advice divers that are interested in going shark diving in Maldives to only dive with professionally trained shark diving safety guides.

3. Do I need to be a certified diver to experience scuba diving with sharks in Maldives?

Yes, we require divers to be certified divers to join scuba diving with sharks in Maldives, especially in Fuvahmulah.

The post Tiger Shark Diving Maldives Experience: All You Need To Know About Tiger Sharks in Fuvahmulah appeared first on Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah.

Fuvahmulah Dive Times

Are you a diving enthusiast? Then you must dive in Maldives, in particular in Fuvahmulah! Not only does it still have one of the richest underwater biodiversity in the world, but it is also one of the most beautiful. We want you to experience the magic of Fuvahmulah, so we have provided a guide on the best time to go scuba diving along with domestic flight times and how to plan your trip. Keen to start your dive in Maldives? Let’s get into it!

Fuvahmulah Overview

When it comes to the hotspot for the ultimate dive in Maldives experience, you have to mention the ever-popular Fuvahmulah island situated south of the Maldives. Fuvahmulah has a population of around 12,000 people and is known for its traditional culture and way of life, a stark contrast to the modern lifestyle of the capital city of Malé. Fishing, agriculture, and tourism predominantly make up the economy of Fuvahmulah.

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark Diving

If you are keen to spot the incredible schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks, we highly recommend coming to dive between late September and the end of December. This is the period where the thermocline rises closer to the reef, making encounters easier.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the time for you to dive in Maldives is now! Fuvahmulah is an absolute must for experiencing one of the best diving sites in the world. There are plenty of flight options to choose from. Get in touch with our team today and start planning your diving adventure in Fuvahmulah.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I start scuba diving in Fuvahmulah the same day I arrive?

No, you would not be able to start scuba diving in Fuvahmulah on the same day you arrive. By the time the first domestic flight lands in Fuvahmulah, diving times for the day would have ended. Your first diving day would start the next day.

The post Dive In Maldives: Best Times For Scuba Diving With Sharks in Fuvahmulah & Domestic Flight Times appeared first on Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah.

Where Are We Located

Located in the southern region of Maldives, Fuvahmulah is the only single island atoll in this island nation. The island is 4.94km², the third largest island in Maldives, and is a mere 33 km from the Equator. Fuvahmulah takes its name after the areca nut palm, Fuvah, in the local Dhivehi language.

Why is Fuvahmulah Special

Due to the island’s distinct geography and diverse range of habitats, Fuvahmulah is on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve listing since 2020. The island is home to seven shark species, some on the vulnerable to extinction list, and five endemic bird species. Not only that but the island also has the largest vegetation of jambul in the Maldives. Comparatively, this plant that is nearly extinct any where else in the country.

Fuvahmulah Diving

The island is distant from other landmass with a submerged reef that extends deep towards the ocean floor. Its distinct topography brings nutrient rich ocean currents creating an ideal environment for a cleaning station and nursery. As a result, this makes Fuvahmulah a diving haven with a diverse and rare combination of pelagic species. Fuvahmulah offers one of the best places to scuba dive for oceanic mega fauna like threshers, oceanic mantas and whale sharks.

Maldives Shark Diving in Fuvahmulah

Diving enthusiasts all over the world regard the Maldives as a renowned diving destination. However, Fuvahmulah’s rich tapestry of pelagic species on display throughout the year is comparable to the Galapagos and Cocos Island. Fuvahmulah, also known as the Shark Island of Maldives, is possibly ranking as one of the best shark diving destinations in the world.

There are common sightings of seven types of rare sharks in Fuvahmulah. Unfortunately, they are also among listed as vulnerable or critically endangered. Tiger Harbour is the name of our popular Fuvahmulah dive site with guaranteed tiger shark sightings all through the year. The elusive thresher sharks are usually in deeper waters but will come to shallow waters to the cleaning stations. Particularly in the right conditions, you are able to encounter in awe schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks in the currents. Fuvahmulah is also in the path of migrating whale sharks, the magnificent gentle giants of the ocean. Silver and white tip sharks, grey reef sharks are other shark species that complete the rich ecosystem in these waters.

Other Activities to do in Fuvahmulah

Apart from scuba diving in Fuvahmulah, the island has many other exciting activities to experience. Fuvahmulah has two nature parks with the largest freshwater lakes in Maldives. At Dhadimagi Kilhi nature park, visitors can go swimming, pedal boating or canoeing at the lake. Bicycles are also available for rent here. Bandaara Kilhi, the other nature park, is where the popular mud bath is. Both locals and visitors alike, come here to have fun and relax in the mud rich minerals.

Visitors could have a try at surfing or join the local fishermen for a fishing trip. There is a growing popularity for surfing among the community and some even take part in national level competitions. Whether you’re a beginner or have experience, there are local surf schools like Arifiyaalho that will take you surfing. Fishing is one of the main revenue for the community and fishermen often go out fishing twice a day. Visitors are able to join a fishing trip for a fee and learn techniques of line fishing from them.

Things to do in Fuvahmulah – Historical Sites of Interest

For history buffs, Fuvahmulah has a few historical sites that may be of interest. Said to be the oldest ruins on the island, Havithha is the remains of a Buddhist stupa. Located in the Dhandimagu ward, North East of Fuvahmulah, it was the center of the Buddhist community pre-Islamic period. In its prime, the stupa stood at least 40 feet in height. Unfortunately due to excavation in the early 1980s, the stupa lost majority of its shape. Majority of what remains now is a mound of earth although in some parts, the original stones are still visible.

Dhandimagu was the last ward in Fuvahmulah that accepted Islam. Upon conversion to Islam, one of the temples near Haviththa was converted into a mosque – Gemmiski. This is the first mosque built in Fuvahmulah, post-Buddhist era. The tomb of Addu Meedhoo Abu Bakr Naib Kaleygefaanu, who built the mosque, is said to be within the mosque compounds. There is a rectangular well and a veu (big communal well) within the mosque area. According to legend, whoever drinks from the well will return to Fuvahmulah and the island will have special place in their heart. Although no longer distinguishable, the waters from the four corners of the well tastes different according to folklore

Built in the 1550s, Keydere Miski is one of the older mosques in Fuvahmulah. It is located on the eastern side of the island. Construction of the mosque was by interlocking coral stones, known as Hiriga a local building method. The cemetery at the mosque also has early gravestones that were carved from coral stone.

Relaxing Like a Local

Head to the island’s popular beach, Thoodu, to enjoy some sun, fresh ocean breeze and sunsets. Rather than the usual coral grain beaches, Thoondu’s beach are small white pebbles instead. A natural phenomenon called Bissaaveli, when natural swimming pools form when the beach moves, occurs at Thoondu. During this time, locals will flock to the beach to swim in these pools.

Stop by one of the local stalls by the road to rehydrate with fresh coconuts and try some hedhika (small snacks) or areca nuts. Many of these stalls are also selling homemade savoury snacks and homegrown vegetables. What better way to engage with the local community than to support small local businesses.

Read more about Fuvahmulah in our Out and About in Fuvahmulah article.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I do as a non-diver in Fuvahmulah?

There are plenty of things to do in Fuvahmulah as a non-diver. Fuvahmulah has beautiful beaches that you can visit and enjoy the views and there are two nature parks to visit. If you’d like to experience local life, you could try going fishing with the local fishermen and learn traditional fishing techniques. Surfing is also popular in Fuvahmulah and there is a surfing school that you could visit. Renting a scooter is an option that will allow you to discover the island more and visit some historical sites too.

2. Is there a bikini beach in Fuvahmulah?

No, there is no bikini beach in Fuvahmulah. The island is a local community island and there are some dress codes that are practiced.

3. Can I do a day visit to Fuvahmulah?

Unfortunately, a day visit to Fuvahmulah is not possible. Fuvahmulah is located in the far south of Maldives and requires a domestic flight to get to the island.

4. Is US dollar accepted in Fuvahmulah?

Yes, US dollar is accepted in Fuvahmulah. We advise to bring smaller denominations and any change given will be in the local currency – Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

The post Fuvahmulah – All You Need To Know appeared first on Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah.