What is Fuvahmulah famous for?
Fuvahmulah is one of the most unique destinations in the Maldives. Unlike the typical ring-shaped atolls that make up the rest of the archipelago, Fuvahmulah is a "one-island atoll"—a single, large volcanic island standing alone in the deep Indian Ocean.
Because of its isolated location and unique geography, it has earned a global reputation for several distinct features.
1. The Shark Island of the Maldives
Fuvahmulah is world-famous as the "Tiger Shark Capital." It is one of the few places on Earth where divers can see tiger sharks year-round with a nearly 100% success rate.
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Tiger Zoo: This iconic dive site offers guaranteed, ethical encounters with tiger sharks in shallow water.
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Diverse Marine Life: Beyond tiger sharks, the island is a "pelagic dream," home to thresher sharks, hammerheads, whale sharks, oceanic manta rays, and even the rare mola mola.
2. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
In 2020, Fuvahmulah was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is recognized for its incredible biodiversity, including:
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Freshwater Lakes: Unlike most Maldivian islands, Fuvahmulah has two large freshwater lakes—Bandaara Kilhi and Dhadimagi Kilhi—surrounded by lush wetlands and mangroves.
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Fertile Soil: The island is remarkably green, supporting tropical forests and agriculture that produces fruits like areca nuts, mangoes, and pineapples.
3. Thoondu: The Unique Pebble Beach
While the Maldives is known for soft white sand, Fuvahmulah’s Thoondu Beach is famous for its white pebbles.
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Natural Phenomenon: The pebbles are exclusive to this beach and are formed by the island's unique reef topography.
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Bissaaveli: During certain seasons, sandbanks create natural pools on the beach, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
4. Rich Cultural Heritage
Fuvahmulah has a distinct identity that sets it apart from the rest of the country:
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Fuvahmulah Dialect: The locals speak "Fuvahmulaki baha," a unique dialect of Dhivehi that is noticeably different from the language spoken in Malé.
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Ancient Ruins: The island is home to the Havitta, the remains of a pre-Islamic Buddhist stupa, and Gen Miskit, the oldest mosque in the Maldives built from coral stone.
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The "Kattelhi" Fish: A local culinary specialty is the Kattelhi (Promethichthys prometheus), a deep-water snake mackerel caught at night, usually served with taro and coconut.
5. Adventure Beyond Diving
Fuvahmulah is increasingly becoming a hub for alternative sports:
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Surfing: As a lone island in the open ocean, it receives consistent swells, making it one of the best spots for surfing and bodyboarding in the Maldives.
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Mud Baths: Visitors often head to the Kodakilhi wetland area for a therapeutic mud bath experience.
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