Fuvahmulah sits at the southernmost tip of the Maldives, forming one half of what’s known as the Southern Heart alongside Addu Atoll. This unique island atoll is a volcanic gem, rich with mangroves, wetlands, freshwater lakes, marshes, and taro fields, offering a completely different atmosphere compared to the more typical Maldivian islands. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fuvahmulah is an exceellent place to immerse yourself in authentic island life — from its distinct local dialect and traditional flavours to its historic landmarks that reveal the story of the Maldives’ past. In this article we highlight the types of Sharks found in Fuvahmulah
1 Tiger shark
Fuvahmulah is one of the rare places in Southeast Asia where divers can consistently encounter tiger sharks on every dive. Known as sea tigers, these powerful creatures can grow up to 5 meters long and are a breathtaking sight beneath the waves. The island is home to a dive spot affectionately called the “Tiger Zoo,” where divers have the incredible opportunity to safely observe these apex predators in their natural environment — an experience that’s both thrilling and unforgettable. Tiger shark is one of the sharks found in fuvahmulah
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2 Thresher sharks
Thresher sharks are instantly recognizable thanks to their unusually long tail fin — the upper lobe can be as long as the rest of their body, earning them the nickname “Sea Fox.” These elusive and shy sharks sometimes leap out of the water like dolphins, creating a mesmerizing and mysterious spectacle for those lucky enough to witness it. Reaching lengths of up to 6 meters and weighing as much as 340 kilograms, they are impressive creatures. Fuvahmulah is one of the few places in the world where divers can encounter thresher sharks in their natural environment. Because they are quite timid and not as commonly spotted as tiger sharks, it’s best to let your dive master know if you’re eager to see one. They’ll guide you to the more secluded dive sites where sightings are most likely. Thresher sharks are one of the rarest sharks found in fuvahmulah.
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3 Hammerhead Sharks
Hammerhead sharks are among the most easily recognized species in the ocean, thanks to their unusual head shape — flattened and extended with eyes on either side, giving them a quirky, almost cartoonish look. But don’t let their appearance fool you — these are skilled predators. Known for being quite shy, hammerheads often avoid human contact, so encountering them requires both luck and the careful guidance of an experienced dive master. In Fuvahmulah, sightings are most common between November and April, when these mysterious creatures frequent the surrounding waters. The island is particularly known for hosting the scalloped hammerhead variety, with females reaching lengths of up to 3.3 meters. Diving here offers one of the few opportunities in the region to see these amazing sharks in their natural environment. It one of the types of sharks found in fuvahmulah
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4 Whale sharks
Many people mistakenly believe that whale sharks are a type of whale, but they are actually the largest species of shark — and in fact, the biggest fish in the sea. These gentle giants are slow-moving, filter-feeding creatures that have earned a reputation for their calm and peaceful nature. In the Maldives, there are Many places where whale sharks are known to appear, and Fuvahmulah is one of the best spots to see them in the wild. Between January and May, these majestic animals are commonly sighted in nearby waters. While the whale sharks found around Fuvahmulah are slightly smaller than those seen in other regions — typically measuring between 6 and 9 meters — they’re no less impressive. Because of their shy and delicate nature, it’s important to keep a respectful distance when encountering them. Avoid touching or crowding them to ensure both your safety and their well-being. These giantle giants are one of the types of sharks found in fuvahmulah
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5 Silvertip sharks
Silvertip Sharks, known locally in Dhivehi as Kattafulhi Miyaru, are among the more commonly spotted shark species in the warm tropical waters of the Maldives. These sleek and powerful predators are easily recognized by the striking white tips on all their fins — a trait that inspired their name. Another distinctive feature is their rounded snout, which sets them apart from other reef and pelagic sharks. Around Fuvahmulah, Silvertip Sharks can be encountered throughout the year, making them a familiar sight for divers exploring the area. Despite their regular presence, it’s important to remember that these sharks are apex predators. Divers should always observe them from a respectful distance and under the supervision of an experienced dive guide to ensure both safety and responsible interaction with marine wildlife. This is a anusual types of sharks found in fuvahmulah
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6 Grey reef sharks
Have you ever looked into the eyes of a Grey Reef Shark? If you have, you’ll know exactly what makes them so captivating. If not, it’s an experience we highly recommend. In the Maldives, these sharks are commonly referred to in Dhivehi as Vahboa Miyaru, which translates to “Roundhead Shark”—a name inspired by their distinctive rounded, elongated snouts. One of their most notable features is their large, luminous eyes, which set them apart and often mesmerize divers. Grey Reef Sharks are often confused with Silvertip Sharks due to their similar body shapes, but you can easily tell them apart by the absence of white tips on their fins.
These sharks are frequent visitors to the rich coral reefs around Fuvahmulah and are seen throughout the year. They can reach lengths of up to 2 meters and are known for forming large, tightly-structured social groups, sometimes numbering over a hundred individuals. Despite their seemingly calm presence, it’s crucial to respect their space. Never attempt to approach them or dive nearby without the guidance of a trained dive master, as safety and responsible interaction are paramount when encountering such powerful marine predators.