Sharks in the Maldives: what are there, where to see them, safety

Sharks have always been the rulers of the water element. Regardless of their size and variety, these creatures have always aroused interest and awe, associated with merciless predators. However, not everyone knows that among them there are also quite peaceful filter feeders that feed mainly on plankton, small fish, and squid. A striking representative of such sharks is the whale shark, the largest fish in the world. In the Maldives, you can meet it and many other interesting species. What kind of sharks inhabit the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, is it safe to swim near them, and when is the best time to go in search of them in the Maldives? We will tell you in the article.

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A Unique Adventure: Shark Watching in the Maldives

Maldives offer tourists a variety of water activities, and one of the most exciting is shark watching. These amazing creatures have become living symbols of the ocean depths and help local resorts attract guests from all over the world. To ensure that tourists meet sharks, in some places they are fed, which makes the trip more predictable and exciting.

Underwater enthusiasts can take a boat ride with a glass bottom, allowing them to safely observe sharks. Those who prefer more adrenaline should try snorkeling or diving — even an encounter with a small reef shark will leave a lasting impression.

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Is it dangerous to swim with sharks in the Maldives?

Swimming among sharks in Maldivian waters is not only an incredible experience but also a completely safe adventure. Although there are cases of shark attacks on people around the world, the Maldives is not one of them. Most of the sharks that live in this region are not aggressive and do not pose a threat to humans.

However, it is important to follow a few simple rules to avoid provoking marine predators:

Keep your distance and do not block the shark's path;
Don't try to touch a shark, no matter how tempting the experience may be;
Do not use flash when taking photographs.

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Where and when is the best time to see sharks in the Maldives?

Sharks are found in Maldivian waters all year round, but the greatest chance of seeing them is in the dry season — from January to March, when the ocean is especially calm. However, there are also permanent "shark points" where the chances of meeting these predators are always high. Among them:

South Ari Atoll: Whale sharks, grey reef sharks, and hammerhead sharks can be found here;
Addu Atoll: This location is known for the presence of tiger sharks and nurse sharks;
Fuvahmulah: Home to the Tiger Zoo, a popular spot for tiger shark viewing.

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Main types of sharks in the Maldives

The underwater world of the Maldives archipelago has 26 species of sharks. Among them, the most common are: whale shark, whitetip, grey, and blacktip reef shark, leopard shark, hammerhead shark, guitar shark, nurse shark.

The whale shark: a giant filter feeder

The whale shark is the largest fish on the planet, having existed for over 65 million years. Despite its impressive size (up to 20 meters in length and up to 34 tons in weight), this shark is quite safe. It feeds on plankton and small fish, filtering water through its mouth. In this, it is similar to manta rays, another amazing inhabitant of Maldivian waters.

Interesting facts about the whale shark:

Despite its name, the whale shark is not related to whales — it is a real fish.
Each individual has a unique pattern that helps scientists identify them.
Although the whale shark has 15,000 teeth, they are used primarily not for biting, but for holding prey in its mouth.

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The grey reef shark: a constant companion of divers

This species of shark is one of the most common in the Maldives. They grow up to 1.5 meters in length, have a grey color, and are not afraid of people, calmly swimming among divers.

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The blacktip reef shark: an elegant nocturnal hunter

The blacktip shark has distinctive dark markings on its fins. It prefers shallow waters where it hunts small fish. These sharks rarely exceed 1.5 meters in length and are found near coral reefs.

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Whitetip reef shark

This species of shark is often found on reefs and is distinguished by its white fin tips. Being a nocturnal hunter, it usually finds a secluded place to rest on the reefs during the day.

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The hammerhead shark: a fearsome species with a peaceful nature

The hammerhead shark is easy to recognize by its unusual head shape. Despite its frightening appearance, it is quite calm. These sharks are most often active at night, so the best chance of seeing them is during night dives.

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Tiger shark: a rare but exciting visitor

The tiger shark is one of the few sharks in the Maldives that can be dangerous. It lives in deep waters but sometimes comes to shallow waters, mainly in the waters of the southern atolls. A popular place to observe tiger sharks is the dive site Tiger Zoo near the island of Fuvahmulah.

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The nurse shark: a bottom dweller of coral reefs

Nurse sharks are nocturnal and prefer to hide between rocks during the day, resting in large groups. They are not aggressive but can defend themselves if disturbed.

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Guitar shark: a marine oddity

This rare species looks like a hybrid of a shark and a stingray. Due to its unusual body shape, many are surprised by the resemblance of this fish to an electric guitar. Meeting a guitar shark is a real stroke of luck, as it is rare.

Many Maldivian resorts offer snorkeling and diving excursions where you can see sharks in their natural habitat. Popular resorts for shark encounters include:

More places where you can find the opportunity to meet sharks — in this article.

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