The enigmatic island of Fuvahmulah is located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Deep South of the Maldives. Known as The Shark Capital of Asia, it has become a global tourist hotspot for scuba divers. Over 300 tiger sharks have been identified here, making it one of the best places in the world to dive with these awesome creatures. Other headline marine animals that visit from the deep oceanic waters of the Indian Ocean - thresher sharks, hammerheads, silvertips, grey and whitetip reef sharks, whale sharks, oceanic mantas, and mola mola - are all regularly spotted here.
Packages include diving and accommodation on a full board basis at a choice of 2 different hotels, as well as return domestic flights from Male. This provides great value-for-money and a seamless, hassle-free experience with everything taken care of. Both hotels have rooftop swimming pools, TV, free wi-fi internet, and are located with easy walking distance of the Scuba Cafe where meals are served. The restaurant serves Maldivian, Indian, Chinese and international cuisine.
The dive centre is a PADI 5 Star Dive Center and offers 3 boat dives per day in the waters surrounding Fuvahmulah to see the rare species like tiger sharks and thresher sharks, all guided by experienced local experts. The center uses 2 dhoni dive boats, depending on the number of guests on each day. Nitrox is available and there are emergency facilities on each boat to always ensure diver safety. Freediving tours are also on offer for those want to encounter oceanic whitetip sharks.
Other than scuba diving, Fuvahmulah is renowned as a popular spot for surfers of all levels. There is a white sandy beach nearby, and inland lakes where many species of birds, plants and fish can be observed from paddleboards or kayaks. Big game fishing is another popular attraction. All packages include an island tour on the final full day, to utilize the 'no flying after diving' time.
Child policy: Children up to 12 years of age can stay free of charge at the Shark Residence Hotel when they share the same room as their 2 parents.
Destinations:Fuvahmulah (Diving environment: healthy reefs, advanced divers, off the beaten track; Highlights: whale sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads, shark action, manta rays, mola mola, schooling fish & big pelagics) - including Tiger Zoo.
3 boat dives per day. No diving on days of arrival and departure. Dive experience: Minimum 30 logged dives are required to dive here. Deep dives to 30m require advanced certification; open water divers are welcome to join shallower dives including the tiger sharks dives.
Resort diving includes:
Dives (as detailed in the packages above), boat rides to sites, hotel-boat transfers, experienced English-speaking divemaster (maximum 6 divers per guide), 11 liter DIN and Int. tanks, weights and weight belt, drinking water, soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks. Diving excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own):
Scuba equipment (US$ 30 per day), dive computer (US$ 5 per day), diving insurance (can be purchased on-site). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (bank card, cash (USD), or bank transfer). Optional extras:
Extra dives, enriched air for nitrox-certified divers (US$ 5 per day), 15 litre tank (US$ 5 per day), private guide, oceanic whitetip freediving tour. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
Resort accommodation includes:
Bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, welcome drink, drinking water, coffee, daily housekeeping, roundtrip domestic flights from Male, roundtrip local airport-resort transfers, internet access, island tour, Green tax, service charge (i.e. tips), GST on package price. Accommodation excludes (mandatory):
Single supplement on single travellers only, payable in advance. Single Supplement:
This is a mandatory additional charge on travellers for single occupancy accommodation. Optional extras:
Beach BBQ, lobster dinner. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.
How to get there:
Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM) is located 1 hour 25 minutes by domestic flight from Velana International Airport in Male (MLE). Domestic flight reservations and and transfers to the hotel will be arranged by Fuvahmulah Scuba Club. All passengers will be allocated 25 kg of free checked baggage allowance and a 5 kg carry-on allowance. Additional luggage will be charged at US$ 5 per kg.
Domestic flights schedule:
Male to Fuvahmulah - Q2124 (departs 15:05), or Q2128 (departs 23:15).
Fuvahmulah to Male - Q2129 (departs 05:00), or Q2125 (departs 16:55).
Check-in opens 2 hours before flight departure.
Hotel check-in time: 2 pm. Depending on occupancy levels at the hotel, a charge may apply for guests requiring early check in. To guarantee early check-in, we recommend that a room is reserved a night prior to the arrival.
Hotel check out time: 12.00 noon. Depending on the occupancy levels at the hotel, a charge may apply for guests requiring a room after this time.
For more information (including airlines) see our How to get to the Maldives section.
Dive clubs and group discounts:
Pay for 7 guests and 1 extra person can join in a shared room free of charge (8+ guests).
Our packages include stays at a choice of 2 different full board hotels:
The Shark Residence Hotel
Operated by Fuvahmulah Scuba Club, this property is conveniently located a leisurely 10-minute stroll away from the dive center and Scuba Cafe, and is our economy option. The guesthouse has a newly built pool and rooftop terrace, and exudes coziness with its unique features. Complimentary coffee and tea is available at reception. There are 6 deluxe double rooms available on the ground floor or upper level, each adorned with a delightful balcony. For those traveling with friends, there are 5 twin rooms available. These rooms offer the flexibility to combine the twin beds if desired. Additionally, the twin rooms on the upper floor come with balconies, enhancing the overall experience. All the rooms are equipped with drinking water, mini bar fridge, air-con, ceiling fan, hot and cold water bathroom, and TV.
AIG Grand Hotel
There are 20 guest rooms with coffee/drinking water, mini bar fridge, air-con, ceiling fan, hot and cold water bathroom, and TV, and among the facilities at this modern property are a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property, and a rooftop swimming pool. The hotel is one of the finest on the island and just a 7-minute walk from the dive center.
Fuvahmulah Scuba Club is a PADI 5 Star Dive Center, located in the heart of Fuvahmulah. It offers 3 boat dives per day all year round at the 18 named sites, including tiger shark diving at Tiger Zoo. Since the construction of the harbour in 2004, fishermen have discarded fish waste in the surrounding waters, attracting a healthy population of curious tiger sharks that come to feed. At peak times there are up to 5-10 individual sharks. The area is also active with groups of silvertip sharks, giant trevallies, and a multitude of different fish species. The dive team includes 6 instructors who will provide a detailed safety briefing on shark behaviour, and procedures prior to the dive. Thrilling tiger shark encounters are 100% guaranteed, in a safe and responsible manner.
There are 3 morning dives, then the afternoon is at your leisure. A typical dive day begins at 6:15 am with a pick up from the resort to the cafe for breakfast. The boat departs the port at 7 am and returns at 12 noon, with a transfer back to the resort for lunch. Typically each day involves a deep dive, a reef dive and a tiger shark dive. Sites are chosen daily by the team, depending on the level of experience, guest wishes, and the weather conditions. Freediving tours are also available for guest that want to go out 'in to the blue' for oceanic whitetip shark encounters.
There are 2 large dhoni dive boats (20m - max 38 divers, and 14m - max 20 divers). The upper deck is where guests can enjoy the sunshine. Safety features include VHF radio, life jackets, medical oxygen, a first aid kit, and fire extinguisher. There is a freshwater shower at the back and front of the boats, and camera rise tank in middle. Towels, fruit, snacks, coffee, tea, and fresh drinking water are provided. Dive staff will rinse guest scuba gear after each day.
The PADI 5-Star Dive Center has the Scuba Cafe, compressor room, gear washing area, shower facilities, toilets, and an equipment room.