Fuvahmulah travel guide: plan your trip

Fuvahmulah at a glance

Fuvahmulah is a single-island atoll in the far south of the Maldives, just south of the equator. It sits alone in deep ocean with no lagoon around it, which is why big animals come so close to the reef. It’s a local, inhabited island of about 4.5 km by 1.2 km, with green forest, two freshwater lakes and a friendly, close-knit community.

Things to do in Fuvahmulah

Dive with tiger sharks

The reason most people come. The main tiger shark site is a short boat ride from the harbour, on a sandy bottom at around 10 to 15 metres. Other dives take you to deeper walls and plateaus for thresher sharks, silvertips, grey reef sharks and, in season, hammerheads, oceanic mantas and whale sharks.

Thoondu beach

At the island’s northern tip, Thoondu is a wide white-sand beach known for its smooth, glossy pebbles. It’s a favourite with locals for an evening swim or to watch the sunset. Currents can be strong, so swim with care.

The lakes and nature parks

Fuvahmulah has the largest freshwater lakes in the Maldives, Dhadimagi Kilhi in the north and Bandaara Kilhi in the south, surrounded by wetlands, taro fields and birdlife. They’re lovely on a bicycle or on foot.

History and island life

Look out for the island’s old coral-stone mosques and the ruins of a Buddhist stupa from before the Maldives converted to Islam. Wander the quiet lanes, stop for short eats and tea at a local café, and you’ll see a side of the Maldives most resort visitors never do.

Surfing and fishing

With open ocean on every side, there’s surf at times and good local fishing. Ask us and we’ll put you in touch with people we trust.

Sample itineraries

You usually can’t dive on arrival day, and you need a no-fly interval of about 18 to 24 hours before your flight home. These plans allow for both.

Short trip: 3 to 4 nights

One week: 7 to 8 nights

Fuvahmulah and Addu

Spend a few days with the tiger sharks, then cross to Addu Atoll for reef mantas, wreck and lagoon diving, and fly out from Gan. Ask us about combining the two.

Practical information

• Visa. Most nationalities get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives. You’ll need a valid passport, an onward ticket and a confirmed accommodation booking.
• Traveller declaration. Complete the online IMUGA traveller declaration within 96 hours before your flight to the Maldives.
• Taxes. All applicable taxes are included in our prices, so there are no surprises when you check out.
• Money. US dollars are widely accepted. Bring smaller notes, as change is usually given in rufiyaa.
• Phone and internet. We have free Wi-Fi. For mobile data, buy a local SIM or eSIM when you land in Malé.
• Local customs. Fuvahmulah is a Muslim island. Alcohol is not available and visitors are asked to dress modestly. There’s no bikini beach yet, so swim in shorts and a T-shirt or rash guard on public beaches.
• What to pack. Light, modest clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and your mask, computer and wetsuit. A 3 mm wetsuit is plenty for most divers. Pack your dive computer and camera in your hand luggage.