418 Dive Log Australasia JUNE 2026.pdf

island include Thresher Sharks, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, and Oceanic Whitetip Sharks, along with Silvertip Sharks and Grey Reef Sharks along the reef edges. Closer to the reef and in shallower water, Whitetip Reef Sharks and Blacktip Reef Sharks are frequently seen, while Whale Sharks may also appear occasionally near the surface. In addition, Black Oceanic Manta Rays and Mola Molas are also encountered at times in the surrounding blue water. Tiger Sharks are a migratory species, but here a number of individuals remain year-round, while others come and go. At the same time, new animals are regularly being identified, making this what is believed to be the world’s largest resident population. To date, close to 500 individuals, mostly females, have been catalogued. The island itself has an interesting and relatively recent connection to Tiger Shark diving. The name “Fuvahmulah” is derived from the local Dhivehi word “Fuvah”, referring to the areca nut palm that grows on the island. The first widely recognised Tiger Shark encounter here was documented by Mr. Abdulla Zafar Ali in 2011. From there, interest from the global diving community began to grow, particularly around 2017. Compared to other islands in the Maldives,

Vadim Belakhov minutes before the first freedive at Tiger Shark Point

tourism here is still relatively new, which adds to the raw and less commercialised feel of the experience. What makes this location even more remarkable

The sharks arrive from the deep blue, drawn in by the scent of the tuna heads.

51

DIVE LOG Australasia #418 JUNE ‘26

www.divelog.net.au