Diving with Tiger Sharks in Fuvahmulah
A shark conservationist’s trip report from Fuvahmulah: tiger sharks every day, three dives a day, and why the Maldives isn’t only for luxury resorts.
_6aaacc95ec74f.jpg)
+ 10 photos
_6aaaccc4a4cc4.jpg)
+ 10 photos
_6aaaccc80292a.jpg)
+ 10 photos

+ 10 photos
_6aaaccd2c7db8.jpg)
Sachika is a 33-metre motor yacht built in 2007 and refitted in 2022, run by Top Class Cruising. She has won Maldives liveaboard awards several times, and with just 10 cabins for 22 guests she keeps a small, personal feel. The lower deck has six standard cabins, double or twin, plus a junior suite with a queen and a single bed. Three suites with king or queen beds are on the upper deck. All cabins are air-conditioned, en-suite and have a mini-bar. A 19-metre diving dhoni follows the yacht. All the dive gear, tanks and compressors live there, so the main boat stays quiet and dry. Four dive guides are on board, and nitrox is included for certified divers. Between dives there's a sun deck with a Jacuzzi, an air-conditioned saloon and restaurant, and a lounge bar. Kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear are available, and island visits often end with a beach barbecue. The diving is classic Maldives: drift dives through channels with sharks and eagle rays on the incoming current, manta cleaning stations, and turtles on almost every reef. December to April usually brings calm seas; May to November is the main manta season on the western atolls. Sachika suits couples and small groups who want a quiet, well-run boat where the crew know your name by day two.
| DATE | ROUTE | PRICE | CABIN |
|---|---|---|---|
31
Oct | Best of Central Atolls 8D/7N |
$2500
| Full |
Included: VAT, airport transfers, drinking water, soft drinks at meal times, tea & coffee, welcome drinks, beach BBQ, full-board meal plan (all meals & snacks), diving package, Nitrox, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, land excursions, snorkel gear, beach towels, cabin towels, deck towels, and complimentary toiletries.
Required Extras: Green Tax / Environment Tax of $6 USD / person / night ($42 USD / week) and Fuel Surcharge of $50–$100 USD / trip (varies by itinerary/season).
Optional Extras: Alcoholic beverages (wines, beers, cocktails), Wi-Fi internet, rental dive gear ($200–$250 USD / week), scuba diving courses ($100–$450 USD), extra dives, massage services, and crew gratuities.
Toys vary by boat — we’ll help match you with the right setup for your group
Lengths
33 m
Width
10 m
Year of Building
2007
Last Refit / Dry Dock
2022
Engine Numbers
1
Speed
10 - 12 knots
Max. Guests
22
Number of Crew
13 – 15 (Including dive guides and ship crew)
Number of Diveguides
4
Fuel Capacity
12,000 litters
Water Capacity
10,000 litters


_6aaacd736dbf2.jpg)

 (2)_6aaacf8e6529d.jpg)
4 reviews
Vessel
Crew
Food
Scuba Diving
Value
I wasn't the strongest swimmer in the group and I appreciated being able to say so openly. A thoughtful dive plan makes a huge difference, particularly when currents are involved. The hardest thing to describe afterward was the silence before the day began. It felt different from being alone at home, somehow lighter and less demanding. I also kept noticing that the dhoni rhythm takes some getting used to. The atmosphere mattered more to me than a luxury finish, which surprised me.
Whale sharks are on my wish list. I'm learning that patience is also part of the hobby. One evening I realised I had spent almost an hour listening to other divers argue gently about which creature they had spotted. Nobody was convincing anybody, but everyone was having a good time.
The cabin air felt a bit warm one evening, but sleeping after diving wasn't difficult.
I expected turquoise water. I did not expect quite that many shades of turquoise.
EU-based dive travel agency. We work only with trusted partners.





