There are so many great reasons to dive the Maldives but one, perhaps, stands clear as the biggest pull for visitors – sharks!
For many divers, the chance to get up close with these monarchs of the sea is the ultimate dream. And, with the Indian Ocean offering the ideal environment to do just that, a holiday to the Maldives should provide you with the perfect opportunity. So much so we even have two itineraries – Sharktastic and Southern Shark Adventure – named in their honour.
Here are 10 reasons why we think the Maldives is a shark lover’s paradise…
Diversity of species
The water of the Maldives is home to over 25 species of shark.
Black-tip, white-tip, hammerhead, nurse, tiger, whale…there are so many different types for you to see and that variety is one of main draws for divers coming here.
Year-round warm waters
The Indian Ocean surrounding the Maldives stays between 26-30°C for the whole year. This helps create the perfect environment for sharks to thrive with plentiful food on offer. It also means those creatures who are unable to regulate their own body temperatures (in the way great white can) thrive in the warmer conditions.
And they’re not the only ones. It makes it rather pleasant for us humans, too!
The channel currents
The Maldives is blessed with nutrient-rich channel currents that flow between its islands. These currents bring in microscopic organisms, small fish, and other food sources which attract large predators like sharks to feed. For divers, these currents provide an excellent opportunity to witness the natural feeding behaviour of sharks, as they navigate the nutrient-rich waters.
Shark migration stopover
Positioned along major shark migratory routes, the Maldives serves as a stopover for several shark species, including tiger sharks and hammerheads. During their migratory journeys, these sharks make regular appearances in Maldivian waters, often resting or feeding before continuing. This migration stopover allows divers to encounter rare and large shark species as they pass through.
Shark conservation success
The Maldives is committed to shark conservation and it officially banned shark fishing – the greatest threat to their survival – in 2010.
This landmark decision has allowed shark populations to recover, and the country’s waters are a safe haven for many species. The ban reflects the Maldives’ dedication to sustainable marine practices and has been a model for other countries aiming to protect their own marine life.
Safe nursery ground
The Maldives’ shallow reefs serve as nurseries for many young sharks, providing a safe environment until they grow strong enough to venture into open waters. As sharks have relatively few young at a time and these offspring take a long time to mature, these nursery grounds are crucial for the reproductive cycle as they offer shelter from larger predators. The chance to see these young sharks in such an environment is a truly fascinating experience.
Shallow and deep-water options
The Maldives offers a diverse collection underwater landscapes which means it can also cater for various levels of diving experience. With shallow reefs for beginners and dramatic deep drop-offs for the more advanced divers, it allows everyone to enjoy their shark encounters.
That is also why we are able to run our Discover Best of Maldives trips which are specifically tailored to allow even beginners and non-divers the chance to get in the water and see the delights below the surface.
Cleaning stations
These ‘stations’ are where sharks congregate to be cleaned by smaller fish who feed by removing parasites and dead skin from their bigger counterparts. These cleaning stations are essential for shark health and spending time observing this incredible symbiotic relationship is so special.
Thankfully the Maldives has many of them and we relish the chance to share these awe-inspiring moments with our guests. Without disturbing the natives, of course.
Diving with nurse sharks
Nurse sharks, often known as sleeper sharks because of their docile manner, are a big favourite among divers in the Maldives.
These gentle creatures are very calm and slow moving which allows divers to get incredibly close. This in turn means you have the most wonderful experience of being right next to such friendly beasts with Alimatha on Vaavu Atoll a popular spot – and one where we do a sunset or night dive on our Best of Maldives itinerary.
As Emperor Leo boat manager Jules Latrille told us: “Nurse shark are such interesting species. They are pretty poor swimmers and very engaging which allows the divers to have a really good look at the different behaviour, beautiful skin coloration and unusual shape.
“I found it very cool to look at them scratching their skin in the sand and rolling their body around to remove parasites.”
Epic whaleshark encounters
Whalesharks are the largest fish in the ocean and provide a breathtaking spectacle.
The Maldives is perfect for encountering these gentle giants as they glide gracefully through the waters feeding on plankton. And many people – no matter how many times they have seen these fascinating creatures – will tell you the chance to get up close to a whaleshark remains one of their most special memories of their entire diving career.
You don’t necessarily even need to in the water to meet them. We often get whaleshark coming to visit our Maldives boats as they feed close to the surface. Special moments, indeed!
Find out more about the amazing diving on offer in the Maldives by checking out our itineraries page or by chatting to one of our team via the webchat or on email [email protected]