SHARK POTPOURRI
Fuvahmulah, Maldives
November 24 – December 3, 2021
Recently discovered shark diving at Fuvahmulah is one of the ultimate shark diving journeys in the world. Encounter tiger sharks, thresher sharks, hammerheads, silver tips, whale sharks, grey reefs, white tips & black tips, oceanic white tips, whale sharks … plus loads of pelagic fish !
SO WHERE ARE WE GOING EXACTLY … ?
The Maldivian island of Fuvahmulah is located in what’s known as the deep south of the Maldives archipelago, on the equator, between two southern atolls – Addu Atoll and Huvadhoo Atoll. Interestingly, this island is of volcanic origin and therefore quite unlike the other Maldivian islands, which are coral reefs. Fuvahmulah is the only island in the Maldives with fresh water lakes & lush tropical vegetation. You’ll find mangos, coconut palms, papayas and a variety of flower species … much as you would expect to find on tropical islands in the South Pacific !
SO WHAT IS LURING US TO THIS DESTINATION ?
Easy answer …. this unique island is a spectacular diving destination due in large part to its year-round population of pelagic animals …. hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, thresher sharks, silver tips, grey reef sharks, oceanic white tips …. plus whale sharks & black oceanic mantas …. even sailfish & marlins, mola mola & pilot whales, In addition, you get loads of large schools of yellow-fin tuna, barracudas & bonitos plus millions of reef fish which surround the local reef.
The greatest attraction for many divers is “Tiger Zoo“, which was discovered just a few years ago. This heart-stopping dive site is a “hang-out” for tiger sharks year-round. You’ll encounter them in both the shallow waters and out in the blue … and they can range in size up to 5 meters (16 feet). You may be fortunate enough to encounter up to a dozen individuals at one time !
Aside from “the zoo”, perhaps the greatest treasure at Fuvamulah is the population of thresher sharks which come to cleaning stations here. Usually very shy and hidden in the deep, the threshers here come up as high as 12 feet of depth for cleaning, giving divers a stellar opportunity to see one or more of these reclusive creatures. They’re at the island year-round, so chances are quite good of spotting them.
When the currents are right, divers experience yet another delight … large schools of scalloped hammerheads. Schools of silvertips are almost always on hand … and then you have individuals of the many other species floating in and out of range all the time.
TIGER SHARK IDENTIFICATION DATA BASE
At the end of 2016, a tiger shark identification base was set up and more than 150 of the region’s tiger sharks have been identified and recorded in the data base. The individuals who appear frequently or who have special markings have been given names.
The dive center who will be leading this trip instigated this data base and has been diving with the sharks from the first discovery. They will share with you their insights about shark behavior and can provide lectures and presentations. After your trip, you can send in your photos. If you identify a new individual shark, it will be added to the data base and you’ll have the opportunity to name it.
MANTAS, WHALE SHARKS
Then, there are the characters which define Maldives diving for many people …. mantas and whale sharks.
The typical manta of the Maldivees “mobula Alfredi” is not found in Fuvahmulah. Instead, being a pelagic destination, Fuvahmulah is visited by black oceanic mantas and they can be found around the island, particularly at cleaning stations, throughout the year. In the spring, generally March through May, they come in to mate, providing quite a spectacle for divers !
Whale sharks are most likely to be seen January-May but some individuals are around all year.
CONTACT US WITH QUESTIONS OR TO BOOK
ZERO DEGREE RESIDENCE
Accommodation for this unique adventure has been arranged at the congenial Zero Degree Residence. If you’re wondering about the name, you’ll be located on the equator remember ! The hotel is about a 3-minute walk from the beach. Set in the midst of jungle and gardens, you’ll find your non-diving time chilled & relaxing.
11 spacious rooms are available : 5 deluxe, 2 super-deluxe, 2 junior suites and 1 master suite and all rooms are equipped with air-conditioner, flat-screen TV, wifi, phone, minibar, hot water and safe. Some rooms have small balconies.
There is an in-house restaurant which serves 3 buffet meals per day and can cater to special diets with advance notice. A lush garden surrounds the outside dining area where you’ll enjoy meals in fine weather. All meals are included in this package.
GETTING THERE, RATES, ITINERARY, WHAT’S INCLUDED, WHAT’S EXTRA
{slider On this odyssey, you will be part of a small group travelling with one of our partner agents. It’s an out of this world experience which we can’t recommend highly enough ….. see trip details ..|dest|closed}
GETTING THERE :
Your international flight needs to arrive, at the latest, on the morning of November 24 in Male international Airport. We can arrange your direct connecting flight to Fuvamulah Island with Maldivian Aero.
From there you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next 9 nights at Zero Degree Residence.
ITINERARY :
For the next 7 days there are 3 dives planned per day (max. 21 dives) including one dive per day at legendary “Tiger Zoo”. This group will have a maximum size of 10 divers and will be lead by a team member of Behind the Mask.
RATES :
€ 3.180 per person
WHAT’S INCLUDED :
- domestic flight with Maldivan Aero Male – Fuvamlah – Male
- all transfers on the island (airport, dive shop – accommodation)
- deluxe category double or twin room included
- 3 meals per day
- 7 days of diving with 21 dives
- weights, tanks, guide & boat
- all taxes and fees
EXTRAS:
- international flights
- drinks
- tips
We highly recommend DiveAssure insurance which also covers force majeure and single missed days of diving due to sickness. Feel free to ask us about it..
If you’d like to extend your trip with a liveaboard diving adventure please let us know … {/sliders}