Fuvahmulah diving guide. What to know before you book.
When to go, how to get there from Malé, which sharks you see in which months, how safe the tiger shark dives are, and what a trip costs.
By DEPTHREX · Checked 16 October 2026 with the dive centre, the Maldives tourism board and the Maldives Meteorological Service.
The short answers
Best time to dive Fuvahmulah
There is no bad month for tiger sharks. They live around the island and are seen all year. What changes is the sea, and which other sharks come by.
The Maldives has two monsoons. The dry northeast monsoon runs from January to March. The wet southwest monsoon runs from mid-May to November, with more rain. December and April are in between.
For calm seas and the best visibility, come between January and April. For hammerheads, come between October and April. For whale sharks, January to May.
Fuvahmulah is a single island in the open ocean, with no outer reef around it. Big animals come close, and so does the weather: dives can change with sea conditions.
Which sharks you see, month by month
No sighting is ever guaranteed. Dive centres on the island and the Maldives tourism board give slightly different months; the chart shows where they agree.
Silvertip, grey reef and whitetip reef sharks are seen all year too. Dive teams and researchers on the island have identified about 300 different tiger sharks.
How to get to Fuvahmulah from Malé
- Fly to Malé
Velana International Airport (MLE) is the Maldives' main airport. International flights to Malé are not included.
- Take the domestic flight
The domestic terminal is a short walk away. Maldivian flies to Fuvahmulah (FVM) in 1 hour 25 minutes, usually twice a day. On our trip this flight is included, booked to match your arrival.
- Day one is for arriving
The flight lands after the day's dives have gone out, so you dive from day two. Day one is airport pickup and gear fitting.
- Fly home 24 hours after your last dive
You can't fly within 24 hours of diving, so the last full day is a no-dive island day.
Another way in: fly to Gan in Addu, then take the ferry from Feydhoo. It runs every day except Friday and takes 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the sea. It only makes sense if you are already in Addu.
Domestic flights have their own baggage limit, and dive gear counts. Extra baggage costs about USD 5 per kg.
Is tiger shark diving safe?
No dive with large sharks is free of risk. What makes Fuvahmulah work is routine: the dive teams go to the tiger site every day, under strict rules.
The site sits at the entrance of the island's harbour, and divers call it the Tiger Zoo. Each dive centre gets its own one-hour slot there. Some dives use controlled bait to bring the sharks in close, which is why the rules matter.
What certification do you need?
Open Water at least, which takes you to 18 m. Advanced Open Water, to 30 m, is recommended: many Fuvahmulah dives are in open blue water, and some sites are for Advanced divers only.
Not Advanced yet? You can take the course on the trip. Tell us your level and number of dives when you book, and the dives are planned around you.
Dive insurance is required for every diver.
What a Fuvahmulah dive trip costs
The Shark Island Week with Fuvahmulah Central Dive Center, all-inclusive. USD per diver at the DEPTHREX member price. Joining the club is free.
Struck-through: the dive centre's own price for the same package. Paid members (Silver, Gold, Trident) get USD 100 off instead of 50.
Included
- Return flight Malé – Fuvahmulah
- Airport, hotel and boat transfers
- Hotel and all meals
- 3 boat dives a day, 1 with tiger sharks
- Tanks, weights, fins, mask and wetsuit
- Underwater photos, island tour, all taxes
Not included
- International flights to Malé
- BCD, regulator and dive computer (bring or rent)
- Dive insurance (required)
- Drinks, tips, extra domestic baggage (about USD 5/kg)
A 25% deposit holds your place. Pay the rest by 60 days before arrival, in parts if you like. Booking later than that? Pay in full. Bank transfer or cash, with a receipt every time.
Quick questions
When is the best time to dive Fuvahmulah?
January to April, for calm seas and the best visibility. Tiger sharks are seen all year, hammerheads about October to April, whale sharks most likely January to May.
How do I get to Fuvahmulah from Malé?
By domestic flight from Malé, 1 hour 25 minutes. Our Shark Island Week includes the return flight, booked to match your arrival.
Can you see tiger sharks all year in Fuvahmulah?
Yes, they are seen every month. No sighting is guaranteed, so our trip has the Tiger Promise: if you see no tiger shark on your tiger shark dives, you get one free tiger shark dive on your next trip within 2 years.
Is diving with tiger sharks safe?
No dive with large sharks is free of risk, but the tiger site is dived every day under strict rules: a full briefing first, stay with your guide, keep your distance, never touch or feed a shark.
What certification do I need to dive Fuvahmulah?
Open Water at least. Advanced Open Water is recommended, and you can take the course on the trip. Dive insurance is required.
How much does a Fuvahmulah dive trip cost?
With DEPTHREX, from USD 1,006 per diver for 3 nights and 5 dives, up to USD 2,326 for 7 nights and 15 dives in your own room. Flights from Malé, hotel, all meals and dives included.
Is alcohol available?
No. Fuvahmulah is a local island, so there is no alcohol. Cover shoulders and knees in town.
Book the Shark Island Week: 5 nights, 9 dives, from USD 1,380 per diver