Maldives is the most perfect and relaxing destination, however, there are so many activities in Maldives, that are must try experiences! Out of the hundreds of things you can try out, diving with sharks in Maldives is one that tops the list! There are over 20 species of sharks in this archipelago and all yours to explore the great marine life Maldives has been endowed with. Catch a glimpse of many sharks, from the abundant blacktip reef sharks to rare great hammerheads while you’re in Maldives.
Here are the most common types of sharks you’ll see in Maldives;
1. Nurse Sharks
Nurse sharks are usually brown in colour and largely range from tan to dark grey! They are a popular type of sharks and can be easily spotted at diving spots close to Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives. Nurse sharks are known for preying on octopus and are mainly nocturnal, and can often be found resting in caves or under overhangs by day.
2. Whale Sharks
With its large size and distinctive spotting, a whale shark cannot be confused with any other species! They’re wide with a nearly terminal mouth with countless small teeth and have a very broad head. They are easily identifiable with their dark upper body and the numerous narrow whitish bars and rows of spots which are unique to them! They mainly feed on plankton and is a beautiful sight to see!
3. Black tip reef sharks
These sharks are easily recognizable owing to their grey and brassy sheen colour and pale under belly. The tips to dorsal fins, paired fins, anal fin, lower caudal lobe are black and so are the edges of the caudal fin. They are very common in Maldives and are very fast moving, and will sometimes leap out of water. These sharks can be spotted easily at the Ellaidhoo House Reef which is in close proximity to Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon.
4. Gray reef sharks
Most grey reef sharks have a home range on a specific area of the reef or on upper part of outerreef slopes to which they continually come back. During the day, these sharks often form groups of five to twenty and mostly hang around near coral reef drop-offs, and split up in the evening as they look for their dinner. These sharks are grey above, and have pale lower bodies. The upper part of trailing edge of first dorsal fin narrowly whitish which is a significant distinguishing figure.
For a Maldives swim with sharks and diving adventures you don’t have to be a licensed diver to take part in our diving adventures. However, we strongly recommend that you obtain a PADI Diving Certification prior to diving. This can be organized by us at Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives! We can arrange every little thing for you including your diving gear and underwater cameras, although you’re most welcome to bring along your own gear and other diving equipment.
Make sure you stay with us at our Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts properties in Maldives and we will ensure you have the best diving experience, plush and luxurious lodging as well as the most luscious food experience you can imagine!
Author – Shenella Fonseka
