Sharks in the Maldives
Discover the different types of sharks you may encounter while diving in the MaldivesTypes of sharks
Going on a trip to the Maldives and wondering which sharks you can actually find there? We’ve listed a few for you:
1. Whale shark
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and one of the most popular sharks for divers and snorkellers in the Maldives. They can grow up to 12 metres long and are harmless to humans. They mainly eat plankton and small fish.
2. Grey Reef Shark
Grey reef sharks are one of the most common shark species in the Maldives. They are relatively small, with an average length of about 1.5 metres. These sharks are often found around coral reefs and atolls. They are curious but usually harmless to divers.
3. Whitetip reef shark
This shark can be recognised by the white tips on its back and fins. During the day, they often hide among caves and rocks. These sharks are small to medium-sized, usually no longer than 1.6 metres. They are a common sight on night dives and can be seen at close range.
4. Blacktip reef shark
Blacktip reef sharks get their name from the black tips of their fins. They can be seen in shallow water, close to coral reefs. These sharks grow up to about 1.8 metres long. They are often one of the first shark species encountered by snorkellers and divers due to their preference for shallow waters.
5. Hammerhead shark
The hammerhead shark, with its distinctive T-shaped head, is one of the more rare species you may encounter in the Maldives. There are several species of hammerhead sharks, including the great hammerhead and the scalloped hammerhead. They can be found in deeper waters and are known for their schooling behaviour.
6. Nurse shark
The nurse shark is a large shark that often lives in warm, shallow seas. They are usually brown or gray in color and can grow up to four meters long. During the day, they rest on the sea floor, and at night, they search for food such as fish, crabs, and shellfish.
7. Tiger shark
Tiger sharks have dark stripes on their bodies, like a tiger, especially when they are young. They can grow to over five meters long. They often hunt at night and swim close to coral reefs and coastlines.
Diving with sharks
When you go diving in the Maldives, there is a good chance that you can dive with sharks. In fact, you will encounter them relatively often while diving. There are a lot of atolls where you can find them. At Ari Atoll, for example, you can do night dives and find white-tip reef sharks. Want to dive with whale sharks? Then take a look at Baa Atoll. Here, by the way, you will also find manta rays. If you have no idea where to start, you can always book one of our liveaboards. During this 11-day trip, we make 3 dives a day and show you all the dive sites.
Shark protection
The Maldives is the ultimate location for shark spotting, so the government is very keen to protect them. In 2010, they banned fishing for sharks, which is obviously good for shark populations. This is also important for tourism, which attracts sharks. The Maldives also has several shark sanctuaries. This provides protection and a place where they can breed. It also ensures that tourists can bother them as little as possible.
Would you like to dive with sharks?
Then discover our unique liveaboard in the Maldives. During this trip, you will be on the road for 11 days and make 3 dives a day. We would like to show you the best dive sites and offer you a special experience.
