Fuvahmulah, Maldives Shark Island

Have you ever wanted to go scuba diving with Tiger Sharks?! If answer is yes, then why not join us on an unforgettable expedition to explore the underwater world of Fuvahmulah island in the deep south of the Maldives.

Fuvahmulah is a unique and beautiful local island, which unlike most Maldivian islands, is not part of an atoll but is a lone island surrounded by the deep blue ocean. This makes it the perfect place to go in search of large pelagic species.  It has only begun to welcome tourists in the last few years and has quickly gained popularity among divers for its healthy population of resident Tiger sharks, as well as other shark species. The Tiger sharks have lived alongside the local population for decades, drawn to the harbour by the dumping of unwanted fishing scraps into the water. Though historically feared, the island residents’ view of the sharks is shifting, and they are beginning to understand that this is one of the things that makes their island so special.

Join Ella and Darren for an exciting underwater safari of unforgettable marine encounters! These are guaranteed to include Tiger sharks and may also include Thresher sharks, Whale sharks, Hammerhead sharks, Oceanic mantas, Dolphins, Oceanic and Reef White Tip sharks plus many more. We will also visit the island’s pristine coral reefs, home to turtles, octopus and a huge variety of fish! This trip is the perfect opportunity to do an awesome dive holiday while meeting new people and connecting with other ocean lovers.

Throughout the trip, you will gain vital knowledge about how you as a diver should behave when diving with sharks, as well as information on shark biology and behaviour from Miyaru, the Maldives’ leading shark research charity. Ella will also run some workshops for any guests wanting to learn more about underwater photography, videography and editing. However, these are completely optional. The schedule will include 3 dives a day which will take place in the mornings, allowing you to relax by the pool and put your feet up in the afternoons while you check out all your incredible footage. Our last day will be a dry day so that we have some time out of the water before we fly.

The trip will be limited to 12 guests and divers are required to be very comfortable in the water and at least Advanced Open Water certified. Tiger sharks are no joke after all! Having your Deep speciality is also recommended as a lot of Fuvahmulah’s marine life lives deep down, however this is not essential.

Ella and Darren have hand-picked the dive operator and have already been diving with them, so if you choose to join the trip, you won’t have the stress of choosing the right company or organising anything. All you need to do is book your international flights and start packing your bags!

20th-27th February 2027

Diving with tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah feels like stepping into a different rhythm of the ocean—one that’s calm, powerful, and quietly electric. As you descend into the deep blue, the visibility seems endless, and then, almost suddenly, a tiger shark emerges from the distance, moving with a slow, deliberate confidence that commands your full attention. There’s no chaos or fear in the moment—just a heightened awareness of every movement, every breath, every flick of its tail. The experience is surprisingly serene; the sharks glide past with curiosity rather than aggression, their striped bodies catching the light as they circle. It’s the kind of encounter that leaves you both humbled and exhilarated, a rare privilege to share space with such ancient, misunderstood creatures in one of the few places on Earth where this is possible.

Aside from Tigers, you’ll also have the opportunity to go in search of Fuvahmulah’s most elusive shark - the Pelagic Thresher. With its huge eyes and startled expression, it is among the most loveable of sharks. Diving with threshers requires a calm approach - they are very shy and tentative - the smallest sound or sudden movement can scare them away back into the deep but this is also what makes an encounter all the more rewarding.

Beyond the sharks, Fuvahmulah boasts some beautiful shallow reefs which are home to octopus, turtles, lion fish, morays and so much more!

Diving in Fuvahmulah

  • Apex predators

  • Your hosts - Darren & Ella

  • Sunset beach trips

  • Mornings on the dive boat

  • Tiger Zoo

  • Among the palm trees

  • They really get this close

  • Very happy divers!

  • Beautiful reefs

  • The beach right by our hotel

  • More tiger sharks

  • Dive briefings

  • Schools of fish

  • The boys

  • Island friends

  • Those Maldives blues

  • Behind the scenes

  • Glam evenings

  • Shark gangstas

  • On route to the dive site

  • Unedited

  • Friends for life

Meet your Hosts…

Ella Houston

PADI Staff Instructor & Underwater Photographer

Ella has worked in the Dive Industry for over three years, first as a Divemaster, and then as an Instructor at Bans Diving Resort. Over that time, she has nurtured her passion for underwater photography. She loves searching for new dive destinations to share with her audience and ex-students - these dive expeditions are the highlight of her year!

Darren Schlotter

PADI Platinum Course director at Bans Diving Resort

Darren has extensive experience in the Dive industry, having worked as an Instructor for over 12 years and risen to become the Senior Course Director at the biggest PADI dive centre in the world. Darren’s outgoing personality and natural ability with people make him a favourite among students and fun to be around both in and out of the water.

Accommodation - AIG Grand Hotel

Enjoy a comfortable stay at AIG grand hotel in either a single, double, twin or triple room. The hotel is only a 5 minute drive from the harbour and 50m from the beach! All rooms are equipped with wifi, aircon and a TV. There is also a pool on the roof. Breakfast and Dinner are included in the price and will be buffet style. For lunch, we usually eat in one of the small cafes at the harbour in between dives.

If you are travelling solo and wish to share a room, we will allocate you to be with someone of the same gender.

  • Twin room

  • Twin room

  • Bathroom

  • Double room

  • Hotel

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in The Maldives

~4pm - Domestic flight from Male - Fuvahmulah

6pm - Arrive at the dive school and sort out equipment for the next day

7pm - Check into AIG Grand hotel + Dinner

Day 2

6.30am - Breakfast

7am - Morning dives x3 including one Tiger dive

2pm - Lunch at the harbour

3pm - Return to hotel and relax

6pm - Dinner

8pm - Action Cam workshop / video editing

Day 3

6.30am - Breakfast

7am - Morning dives x3 including one Tiger dive

2pm - Lunch at the harbour

3pm - Return to hotel and relax

7pm - Dinner

8pm - Miyaru Lecture on Shark conservation

Day 4

6.30am - Breakfast

7am - Morning dives x3 including one Tiger dive

2pm - Lunch at the harbour

3pm - Return to hotel and relax/beach trip

4pm - Photo editing workshop

7pm - Dinner

Day 5

6.30am - Breakfast

7am - Morning dives x3 including one Tiger dive

2pm - Lunch at the harbour

3pm - Return to hotel and relax

6pm - Sunset beach trip

7pm - Dinner

Day 6

7am - Morning dives x3 including one Tiger dive

2pm - Lunch at the harbour

3pm - Return to hotel and relax

6pm - Sunset beach trip

7pm - Dinner

Day 7

Breakfast at leisure

Dry day for our no-fly time and to explore the island!

OR

A very special add-on trip to snorkel with Oceanic White-tips.

7pm - Dinner

Day 8 - Depart from Fuvahmulah

5am - Domestic flight Fuvahmulah - Male

Say goodbye to everyone!

Pricing and Inclusions

20th-27th February

Single room - £1,850

Double/Twin room* - £1,625 (Most Popular)

Triple* - £1,500

Please note that if you opt for a twin/triple room, we will assign you to share with someone of the same gender.

You must be minimum Advanced open water certified by the time of the trip! We recommend being minimum open water certified at the time of booking.

A £600 deposit is due at the time of booking which is non-refundable after 2 weeks. The rest of the payment can be processed at a later date with the final amount due a minimum of 12 weeks before departure.

7 Spots Left - Apply Now

What’s included

  • Return domestic flights from Male - Fuvahmulah

  • 7 Nights Accommodation in AIG Grand hotel

  • Breakfast & Dinner

  • 15 dives including 5 Tiger shark dives

  • Shark conservation lecture

  • Photography workshops

  • Professional Photography Package

What’s NOT included

  • International flights to and from Male

  • Travel/Dive Insurance

  • Lunch

  • Equipment rental - $30 per day

  • Tips

  • Scooter rental

  • Alcohol (Illegal on Fuvahmulah)

FAQs

How do I get to Fuvahmulah?

You need to fly to the Maldives capital, Male. From there, we will arrange domestic flights to Fuvahmulah island and these are included in the cost of the trip.

Who is this trip for?

This trip is mainly for young travellers who love diving and want an adventure! It’s not a party trip at all as alcohol is illegal in the Maldives on local islands. It’s an amazing place to visit if you’re an underwater photographer but obviously this isn’t essential. Solo travellers are more than welcome, the majority of people who join our trips are travelling solo but if you want to join with a friend or partner it will be convenient since you’ll be able to share a room :)

Do I need to be scuba certified?

Yes! Some of the diving in Fuvahmulah is more challenging so you must be Advanced open water certified or equivalent to join the trip.

What safety measures are in place?

We will have an experienced team of shark safety divers leading us on all the dives. They will be looking around constantly and will redirect any sharks that come too close so don’t worry - you will not be touching any sharks! The nearest hyperbaric chamber is a 20 minute speedboat ride from Fuvahmulah in Addu Atoll in case of any DCS cases.

Cancellation Policy

  • If you change your mind within 14 days of paying the initial deposit, it will be returned in full.

  • After 14 days the initial deposit and subsequent payments become non-refundable.

  • The full amount must be paid at least 90 days before departure.

  • In the unlikely event that Ella and Darren are unable to host the trip, they will endeavour to find someone of similar experience to replace them.

  • In the unlikely event of cancellation either by you or by Ella and Darren, you are responsible for any costs or losses associated with international travel and it is recommended that you obtain travel insurance.

  • If the trip is cancelled by the operator, you will receive a full refund or credit towards a future trip.

Terms and conditions

  • No refunds shall be made for any services or activities that the participant has chosen not to partake in during the trip.

  • Spot reservation fee is non-transferrable.

  • The itinerary may be altered due to weather, sea conditions, current strength, safety concerns, government regulations, or operational decisions.

  • Ella and Darren are not liable for any delays, program changes, natural hazards, accidents, machinery breakdowns, weather conditions, park closures or other unforeseen incidents.

  • Ella and Darren reserve the right to publish content on social media and their website featuring participants unless a guest opts out in writing.

  • The trip requires 10 paid participants to run, if the minimum is not reached, Ella and Darren reserve the right to cancel the trip and issue full refunds.

  • Participants are responsible for ensuring they meet the Maldives passport, visa and entry requirements.

  • Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own international flights to Male and accommodations before/after the trip and any required transit arrangements.

  • No refunds are issued for missed flights, missed embarkation or late arrival.

  • All divers must hold a valid certification appropriate for the planned dive depths.

  • Ella and Darren recommend a minimum of 20 logged dives as certain sites will require more experience.

  • Divers must be medically fit to dive. A dive medical may be required if you answer “yes” to any items on the diver medical questionnaire.

  • Dive accident insurance is mandatory for diving in remote areas such as Fuvahmulah.

  • Guests participate in diving and all trip activities at their own risk.

  • Participants agree to adhere to all safety briefings, dive plans, and instructions from guides and crew.

  • Guests are responsible for bringing properly functioning gear or renting appropriate gear.

  • Diving, boating and travel in remote areas carry inherent risks. By joining the trip, participants acknowledge and accept these risks.

  • There is no guarantee of specific wildlife sightings or dive conditions.

  • Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, delays, baggage, and medical emergencies is strongly reccommended.

  • Participants must disclose any medical conditions that may affect their safety during the trip.

  • Emergency evacuation from remote areas may take time and involve significant cost. These costs are the guest’s responsibility unless covered by insurance.

  • Disruptive, unsafe, or aggressive behaviour may result in removal from the trip without refund.

  • Participants must follow local marine park rules, avoid touching marine life, and respect reef-safe diving practices.

  • Guests may be required to sign a liability release from the boat operator and Ella and Darren as a condition of joining the trip.

  • Participants agree to indemnify the organisers against claims arising from personal actions, negligence, or failure to follow safety instructions.