Has anyone been attacked by a shark in Maldives?

When travelers think of the Maldives, they usually picture overwater bungalows and turquoise lagoons. However, since the 2010 ban on shark fishing, the archipelago has become a world-class sanctuary for marine life, leading many to ask: Has anyone actually been attacked by a shark in the Maldives?

The short answer is: Yes, but it is extremely rare. While the Maldives is home to over 30 species of sharks, the vast majority of interactions are peaceful.

Shark Attack Statistics in the Maldives

According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) and local records, the Maldives is statistically one of the safest places in the world to swim with sharks.

• Frequency: Attacks are categorized as "extraordinarily rare." For decades, the Maldives reported zero unprovoked attacks.

• Recent Incidents: In 2023 and 2024, a few minor incidents occurred. These almost exclusively involved provoked situations, such as:

  • Nurse Shark "Nips": Most recorded bites occur during shark feeding excursions where tourists get too close to sharks being fed by guides.

  • Accidental Bites: In 2023, a snorkeler was nipped by a nurse shark while floating in a high-density feeding area; the shark mistook her for food and released her immediately.

• Fatalities: Fatal shark attacks in the Maldives are virtually non-existent in modern history.

Which Sharks Will You See?

Most sharks in the Maldives are not the "man-eaters" depicted in movies. You are most likely to encounter:

Why Attacks Are Rare in the Maldives

1. Abundant Natural Prey: The reefs are so healthy that sharks have no reason to look at humans as a food source.

2. Species Type: The most common species (Blacktips and Whitetips) are naturally timid and small.

3. Clear Visibility: Unlike the murky waters of some "attack hotspots," the Maldives' crystal-clear water allows sharks to easily distinguish between a fish and a human.

Safety Tips for Swimmers and Snorkelers

To ensure your encounter remains a highlight of your trip rather than a news story, follow these best practices:

• Don’t Feed the Sharks: Feeding alters their natural behavior and makes them associate humans with food.

• Keep Your Distance: Respect their space. If a shark feels cornered, it may act defensively.

• Avoid Shiny Jewelry: To a shark, a flashing silver watch can look like the scales of a wounded fish.

• Don't Swim at Night/Dusk: Many species hunt during these times when visibility is lower.

• Use a Guide: For larger species like Tiger Sharks, always go with a certified professional who understands shark behavior.

The Verdict

You are significantly more likely to be injured by a falling coconut or a sunburn than by a shark in the Maldives. For the average tourist, seeing a reef shark is a magical, safe, and highly sought-after experience.