Are there sharks in Maldives resorts?

If you’re planning a trip to the Maldives, one of the most common questions is: "Are there sharks in Maldives resorts?"

The short answer is yes, but before you cancel your snorkeling tour, here is the good news: the sharks found around Maldives resorts are generally harmless and are often considered a highlight of the trip.

In fact, the Maldives is one of the world's leading shark sanctuaries, where these "gentle giants" are protected by law. Here is everything you need to know about encountering sharks during your Maldivian getaway.

What Kind of Sharks Are in Maldives Resorts?

You don't need to go on a deep-sea expedition to see sharks. Most travelers spot them right from their overwater villa or while wading in the shallow lagoon.

1. Blacktip Reef Sharks

These are the most common sharks spotted at Maldives resorts.

• Appearance: Small to medium-sized with distinctive black tips on their fins.

• Behavior: Extremely shy and skittish. They usually swim away the moment they sense a human nearby.

• Where to find them: You will often see "baby" blacktips in the shallows near the shore, where they hunt for small fish.

2. Whitetip Reef Sharks

• Appearance: Recognizable by the white tips on their dorsal and tail fins.

• Behavior: Docile and often found resting on the sandy bottom or under coral ledges during the day.

• Where to find them: Near the "house reef" drop-off of your resort.

3. Nurse Sharks

• Appearance: Tawny-colored with a flatter head and barbel "whiskers."

• Behavior: These are the "puppy dogs" of the ocean. They are nocturnal and very sluggish during the day.

• Where to find them: Often found in large groups at specific snorkeling spots or under resort jetties.

4. Whale Sharks

• Appearance: The largest fish in the ocean, covered in a beautiful pattern of white spots.

• Behavior: Complete "gentle giants" that eat only plankton.

• Where to find them: While not usually in resort lagoons, many resorts in the South Ari Atoll offer excursions to swim with them year-round.

Is it Safe to Swim with Sharks in the Maldives?

Yes, it is remarkably safe. There have been no recorded fatal shark attacks in the Maldives. The species that frequent resort lagoons have no interest in humans as prey.

However, they are still wild animals. To stay safe and respectful, follow these tips:

• Don't Touch: Never try to pet or grab a shark.

• Give Them Space: Maintain a distance of at least 3 meters.

• Avoid Feeding: Feeding sharks disrupts their natural behavior and can make them more aggressive toward humans.

• No Shiny Jewelry: Sharks are attracted to flashes of light, which can look like fish scales.

Best Maldives Resorts for Shark Sightings

While almost every resort has reef sharks, these locations are famous for frequent sightings:

Summary: Should You Be Worried?

In the Maldives, sharks are a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Seeing a shark in the crystal-clear water of your resort is a magical experience rather than a scary one. Most visitors find that by the second day of their holiday, they are actively looking for them!