Shark diving in the Maldives

An extraordinary shark experience in the Maldives

Azure skies, turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches and verdant palm trees... Welcome to paradise! The Maldives archipelago comprises hundreds of islands in 26 atolls, like a string of pearls floating on the Indian Ocean. This postcard setting becomes even more magical when you explore the seabed.

Marine wildlife enthusiasts often come to swim with the giants that are whale sharks and manta rays. But for keen divers, the Maldives represents a veritable sanctuary for shark diving. What makes it so? Thanks to the unique geographical location of this island nation.

Located on the equator and literally in the middle of nowhere, the atolls are the peaks of huge undersea mountains that are constantly exposed to currents. Nutrient-rich water from the depths is channeled between the atolls, providing food for a thriving ecosystem.

The coral barriers that form the outer edges of the atolls are indented by passes, created over time by the action of seasonal currents. These passes, known as "Kandu" in the local language, provide a favorable environment for marine life. They offer ideal conditions for a variety of species. Corals, planktonivores and sharks coexist harmoniously. In the passes, pelagic fish move alone or in huge schools in search of food. It is precisely these passes that make shark diving in the Maldives so emblematic.

The far south: the ideal spot for shark diving in the Maldives

Far less frequented than the rest of the archipelago, the southernmost part of the Maldives has fewer islands and fewer boat passages, which explains the presence of unspoilt reefs, some of which are still unexplored. The atolls of Foamulah and Huvadhoo each have their own unique features and are home to shark species that are uncommon in the rest of the country. A real treasure trove for divers in search of authentic adventure and thrills!

200 grey reef sharks in a single dive? Huvadhoo is the place to be!

Guaranteed encounters with tiger sharks at Foamulah's legendary Tiger Zoo.

Dives with great hammerheads and scalloped hammerheads between January and March.

What sharks will you encounter in the far south of the Maldives?

Whale sharks: The impressive whale sharks patrol the southern waters and central atolls all year round. Peak sightings occur between January and March, when plankton concentrations are highest. These majestic creatures can be seen both during your dives and on the surface (snorkeling). In the south, you'll come across adults measuring over 10 meters, an unforgettable encounter with the largest shark in the Maldives.

Tiger sharks: These emblematic predators are well represented in the Maldives, but tiger sharks generally live at great depths, making encounters rare. But it's in the Deep South that you're guaranteed a real face-to-face encounter. In Foamulah, they come to feed on the remains of fish discarded by the local market, offering unforgettable close encounters! Tiger's Zoo is a sensational experience not to be missed when diving with sharks in the Maldives.

Hammerhead sharks: Two species are particularly visible in Foamulah: The great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) and the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini). Although they are present throughout the year, sightings of large groups are concentrated between January and March, when individuals congregate at the edge of the island for reasons that are still poorly understood.

Thresher sharks: Continuously present around Foamulah, these pelagic sharks prefer deep water, making them difficult to observe. However, a shallow cleaning station between 20 and 25 meters offers a rare opportunity to observe them. The best chances of spotting them are between June and January, when their passage is more regular.

Silky sharks: Commonly seen following schools of tuna in blue waters. In the pelagic zone, this slender species is one of the most abundant sharks in the Maldives. You'll be right in the middle of its oceanic habitat when you dive outside the southern atolls.

Whitetip reef sharks (Carcharhinus albimarginatus): In schools around Foamulah between January and March, or among grey sharks in the passes.

Grey sharks: In the Huvadhoo atoll, it's possible to dive with over 200 grey sharks in the passes. Visibility exceeds 40 meters when the current enters, offering an exceptional view of these sharks in the Maldives.

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