Ten to fifteen years ago, the Far South Maldives routes were considered among the best in the region. But following a local environmental disaster that wiped out vast numbers of corals, the area lost much of its appeal for divers.
Nature, however, has a way of surprising us. Today the Far South Maldives offers something truly unique — the chance to dive with tiger sharks.
How It All Began
The popularity of this spot is largely down to Tatyana, a Russian woman who, together with her Maldivian husband — a diving instructor — runs a dive centre on Fuvahmulah island. They noticed that tiger sharks were regularly appearing near the reef walls and decided to try attracting them using surplus fish from local restaurants.
The experiment paid off. The sharks began showing up more frequently and venturing closer to the reef, at depths accessible to recreational divers.
Over three years of operation, more than 100 individual tiger sharks have been identified that regularly visit the reef. Some have even been given names — the team has become so skilled at recognising them by their distinctive markings.
How It Works
Dives take place at 12–15 metres along the reef wall, which drops off to 50–60 metres. Guides use bait and drumming signals to attract the sharks. The average wait is 15–20 minutes before the first sharks appear.
Tiger sharks are among the largest predatory sharks in the world. Adults can reach 5–6 metres in length. Despite their fearsome appearance, they pose no danger to divers who behave calmly and sensibly in the water.
Is It Worth the Trip?
Tiger ZOO is a one-of-a-kind spot where you can encounter a tiger shark in the Maldives. Dives here leave a lasting impression even on seasoned divers who have seen a great deal beneath the surface.
For anyone who dreams of coming face to face with one of the ocean's most impressive predators, this destination is absolutely worth adding to the must-visit list.
