Tiger shark diving in Fuvahmulah: what to expect
Fuvahmulah is one of the few places on earth where you can dive with tiger sharks every day of the year. Here’s what a tiger shark dive is like and how to get ready for it.
Why Fuvahmulah?
Fuvahmulah is a single island that sits alone in deep ocean, just south of the equator. Big animals come close to the reef, and a group of tiger sharks is seen around the harbour area every day. Divers also regularly see thresher sharks, silvertips, grey reef sharks and, in season, hammerheads, oceanic mantas and whale sharks.
What a tiger shark dive is like
- Short boat ride: the main tiger shark site is minutes from the harbour, which is 2 minutes from our house.
- Shallow and sandy: the dive is usually on a sandy bottom at around 10–15 metres. You kneel or hover in a line while the sharks pass by.
- Led by experienced guides: the dive center briefs you on positioning and behaviour before every dive.
What certification do I need?
Open Water is enough for most tiger shark dives. We recommend Advanced Open Water for the deeper, current-heavy sites where you’ll find threshers and hammerheads. Not certified yet? We can schedule a course before your shark dives.
Is it safe?
Tiger shark dives here are run by professional dive centers with strict briefings and rules: stay close to the group, keep your hands to yourself, and follow your guide’s signals. Divers who follow the briefing have a calm, unforgettable dive. Any wild-animal encounter carries some risk, so listen to your guide and dive within your training.
How many dives should I plan?
We recommend at least 6 dives over 2–3 diving days. That gives you more than one tiger shark dive plus time for the reef and pelagic sites. Remember that you usually can’t dive on your arrival day, and you need a no-fly interval before your domestic flight home.