One and Only Underwater Tiger Zoo in the World: Fuvahmulah, Maldives

Deep in the southern reaches of the Maldives, right on the equator, lies a single-island atoll that has captured the world’s attention. Known as the "Tiger Shark Capital of the World," Fuvahmulah is home to the Tiger Zoo (or Tiger Harbor)—the only place on Earth where you are practically guaranteed to encounter majestic tiger sharks every single day, year-round.

If you’ve seen the incredible footage on social media and thought it was too good to be true, just check Google Maps. Located right at the entrance of Fuvahmulah Harbor, this "underwater zoo" is a natural phenomenon where these apex predators have gathered for generations.

The Tiger Shark Population in Fuvahmulah

Fuvahmulah boasts one of the healthiest and most stable tiger shark populations on the planet.

• Over 240 Identified Individuals: Local dive centers and researchers have identified and named more than 240 unique tiger sharks.

• A Natural Nursery: Recent research, including ultrasound projects, has revealed that a significant portion of the population consists of pregnant females, suggesting the island is a critical breeding ground.

• Daily Sightings: Unlike other locations where shark sightings are a matter of luck, the Tiger Zoo offers a 100% encounter rate.

How to Reach Fuvahmulah

Reaching this remote paradise is easier than you might think:

1. Fly to Male (VIA): Most international travelers land at Velana International Airport.

2. Domestic Flight: Take a domestic flight via Maldivian Airlines to Fuvahmulah Airport (FVM). The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

3. Alternative via Addu: You can also fly into Gan International Airport and take a 45–90 minute ferry or speedboat to Fuvahmulah.

What to Expect at the Tiger Zoo

The Tiger Zoo is not a "zoo" in the traditional sense; there are no cages or bars. It is a shallow plateau (about 6–9 meters deep) where the sharks naturally congregate.

• Close Encounters: Expect to see between 5 to 15 tiger sharks circling calmly in a single dive.

• Incredible Visibility: The water is often crystal clear, with visibility ranging from 20 to 40 meters.

• Other Pelagics: While the tigers are the stars, you might also spot Thresher sharks, Whale sharks, Manta rays, and Hammerheads cruising the deeper drop-offs.

Is it Safe to Visit?

The idea of diving with "the second most dangerous shark in the world" without a cage sounds terrifying, but the reality at Fuvahmulah is remarkably peaceful.

• Zero Incidents: There have been no recorded shark attacks in Fuvahmulah.

• Predictable Behavior: The sharks at the Tiger Zoo are well-fed on fish waste from the local market and are generally curious and calm rather than aggressive.

• Strict Protocols: Dive centers use a 1:4 guide-to-diver ratio. Guides are trained "shark experts" who monitor the behavior of every individual shark during the dive.

Requirements & Qualifications

You cannot simply jump into the water with tiger sharks; there are specific requirements to ensure everyone's safety.

• Do you need to know diving? Yes. This is a scuba diving experience. You cannot see the Tiger Zoo via snorkeling for safety and stability reasons.

• Minimum Certification: You must be at least an Open Water Diver (OWD). However, many centers prefer or recommend Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification.

• Logged Dives: Some operators recommend having at least 30 to 100 logged dives to ensure you have the buoyancy control required to stay stationary on the plateau.

• Check Dive: Almost all dive shops require a "check dive" at a simpler reef before taking you to the Tiger Zoo.

Pro Tip: If you aren't certified yet, you can complete your Open Water course on the island in about 4 days and end your trip with a Tiger Zoo dive!

Ready to face the stripes? Would you like me to find the best-rated dive centers in Fuvahmulah or check the latest flight schedules from Male?