HOW TO HAVE A RESPONSIBLE SHARK ENCOUNTER IN THE MALDIVES

Snorkeling with sharks is generally safe, in fact more sharks are killed by humans every year than humans killed by sharks. Encountering a shark while snorkeling or diving in the Maldives is an unforgettable and thrilling experience, but ensuring your safety while admiring these majestic creatures is essential. Sharks are after all apex predators, a predator at the top of its food chain, without natural predators of its own. So like all marine life, they should be respected, we are after all visitors to their home environment.

The species most commonly encountered during snorkelling tours in the Maldives are reef sharks, such as blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and grey reef sharks. These sharks are often seen cruising gracefully along the reef or resting on the seafloor. When snorkeling, these sharks are generally non-aggressive and pose little threat to humans, often gliding by with a calm and fluid motion. They contribute to the health of the reef ecosystem by helping to regulate the populations of smaller fish and maintaining balance in the marine environment. Keep a respectful distance and enjoy the privilege of seeing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

However, when it comes to larger pelagic sharks, like silky sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerheads, it’s important to be more cautious and aware of their behavior. These species are less commonly encountered while snorkeling due to their preference for deeper waters and are more likely to be encountered during diving expeditions, often in dedicated locations known for presence. These species are more unpredictable than reef sharks, so it’s essential to stay aware of their movements, avoid sudden actions, and never corner or chase them.

While shark attacks are rare, they do happen. Research indicates that there are six potential factors that may lead to a shark attack, either provoked or unprovoked:

Food in the water
Confusion of senses
Competition
Animal personality
Conditioning
Not being given the respect they deserve.

That doesn’t mean that if you swim close to a shark you will be attacked by it. But you do have to remember that there is always a risk because they are after all wild animals in their natural habitat.

LISTEN TO YOUR SNORKEL OR DIVE GUIDE

Before entering the water, always pay close attention to the briefing provided by your snorkeling or dive guide. This session is essential as it should cover:

Snorkel/Dive Plan: Details about the route, expected depth, and points of interest to enhance your experience.
Safety Measures: Guidelines for safe practices, including staying close to the group, buddy system, position of guides and group, maintaining communication signals, and managing your buoyancy.
Responsible Practices: Tips on how to interact with marine life respectfully, such as keeping a safe distance and not touching or feeding creatures.
Emergency Protocols: What to do in case of unexpected situations, such as encountering aggressive marine life, equipment failure, or getting separated from the group.

A well-conducted briefing ensures you’re not only prepared for the adventure ahead but also equipped to enjoy it responsibly and safely while respecting the marine ecosystem. Always ask questions if something is unclear—it’s better to be informed than to risk an avoidable mishap.

TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE SHARK ENCOUNTERS

We reached out to our friends at Miyaru, an NGO dedicated to shark research and conservation, to gather expert tips on responsible and safe shark snorkeling and diving practices, to help ensure your shark encounter is both safe and respectful to these apex predators and their natural environment.

Avoid Shark Feeding Practices : Resist the temptation to join or stay in the water with operators that practice shark feeding. This not only raises ethical concerns but also alters sharks’ natural behaviors, making encounters unpredictable.

Never Swim Alone: While a solo swim might sound peaceful, it’s always safer to have a buddy and this applies when snorkeling or diving in general. Whether you’re part of a guided tour or just with a partner, always have someone nearby.

Avoid High-Risk Times and Areas: Steer clear of snorkeling at dusk or swimming at night. Many shark species are nocturnal hunters, and reduced visibility increases risks. Similarly, avoid areas where chumming or baiting is taking place, as this can attract sharks in unpredictable ways.

Maintain a Safe Distance: Always keep at least a 3 meter distance from sharks and other marine life. Larger, more aggressive species may require even more space. Think of it as maintaining mutual respect—you’re in their habitat, after all.

Positioning for Safety: When snorkeling or diving with predatory sharks, keep your back close to a reef wall or position yourself on the seabed. This minimizes the chance of a shark surprising you from behind and gives you more control over the encounter. Maintain an upright position while snorkeling to keep your fins extended as a barrier if a shark approaches.

Understand Shark Behavior: Learn about shark behavior to make better decisions in the water. For example, predatory sharks may approach out of curiosity rather than aggression. If this happens, calmly swim towards the shark—it may interpret your action as a sign of confidence and swim away.

Dress and Move Wisely: Wear neutral-colored gear to avoid attracting unnecessary attention, as bright colors can resemble prey to some species. Avoid excessive splashing, noise, or sudden movements, as these may startle or attract sharks. Keep your movements smooth and deliberate to reduce the likelihood of triggering predatory instincts.

Proper Entry and Exit Techniques: Entry: Enter the water gently to avoid splashing. When snorkelling or diving, allow your guide to enter first. Exit: If a shark is nearby, keep your eyes on it as you leave and avoid lingering on the surface. Exit quickly but calmly, avoiding splashes.

React Calmly to a Shark Encounter: If you come face-to-fin with a shark, remain calm and slowly swim away. Avoid panicked movements, which mimic distressed prey and could attract unwanted attention. Maintain eye contact with the shark and keep your movements smooth and deliberate. If you must swim away, do so slowly and confidently.

General Tips for Respecting the Marine Environment: Never feed or touch marine life, including sharks. Avoid taking coral, shells, or other natural elements from the beach. Do not litter—leave the marine environment as pristine as you found it. Stay hydrated and use reef-safe sunscreen to minimize your impact on the ecosystem.

CHOOSING A REPUTABLE EXCURSION OR DIVE OPERATOR

We advise you to do your homework and not be afraid to ask questions, especially if considering diving with the larger pelagic shark species. A responsible shark snorkeling or diving operator will take the time to answer your questions, address concerns, and ensure you feel comfortable before entering the water. Reputable companies will never cut corners—they maintain high standards, from well-maintained equipment to professional, knowledgeable staff who prioritize both your safety and that of marine life.

Operators should follow local rules and regulations, for example in the Maldives it is illegal to feed sharks and rays, but this practice does happen and therefore it is also your responsibility to do some research. Look for operators with solid reviews, relevant certifications, and accreditations.

Additionally, responsible operators educate guests about shark behavior, ensuring they understand how to interact respectfully. They will avoid feeding or baiting sharks, which can disrupt natural behaviors, and they maintain a safe distance to prevent stress or harm to the animals. When choosing an operator, prioritize those who actively support marine conservation and foster an understanding of the vital role sharks play in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable shark diving experience for both you and the sharks.