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Fuvahmulah: Home to the world’s largest tiger shark aggregation

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Fuvahmulah Island in the Maldives has been recognised as the location of the largest documented aggregation of tiger sharks globally, according to a recent study published on Nature.com.

Over six years, researchers led by Lennart Vossgaetter from the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Germany identified 239 individual tiger sharks through non-invasive photo identification methods. This represents the highest number of individual tiger sharks recorded in a single, geographically confined area.

The research revealed that tiger sharks around Fuvahmulah exhibit strong site fidelity, especially adult females, which remain in the area for extended periods during gestation. The waters surrounding the island provide critical habitat for these sharks, offering warm temperatures and a consistent food supply from discarded fish waste, making it ideal for reproduction.

Positive Outlook for Tiger Shark Conservation

The study highlighted Fuvahmulah as a vital site for tiger shark conservation in the Indian Ocean, housing the world’s largest known aggregation. The protected status of sharks in Maldivian waters contributes to the island being a “bright spot” for conservation efforts. Researchers emphasise that the island’s waters are essential for supporting female tiger sharks during gestation, serving as a crucial refuge that helps sustain their population.

However, the researchers also pointed out the necessity for further studies on the geographic connectivity of Fuvahmulah’s tiger sharks. Telemetry research could determine whether these sharks primarily inhabit the protected waters of the Maldives shark sanctuary or venture beyond its limits. Such insights are essential for understanding their movements and enhancing conservation strategies.

Balancing Tourism and Conservation

The study also raised concerns about the absence of formal regulations governing shark tourism in the Maldives, which has become a significant economic driver for local communities. The researchers noted that shark diving at sites like Fuvahmulah’s “Tiger Harbour” is currently unregulated, lacking official guidelines for shark provisioning for tourism purposes. Existing codes of conduct at diving sites are voluntary and vary by dive center.

Drawing inspiration from successful management strategies employed in other shark diving destinations, such as locally managed marine protected areas (MPAs) in Fiji, the researchers recommended establishing formal regulations to oversee shark provisioning and diving practices in Fuvahmulah. They argued that adopting sustainable practices is crucial to ensure the long-term conservation of tiger sharks and the economic benefits derived from shark tourism.

To prevent future conflicts between tourism and conservation, the study advocates for incorporating stakeholder interests into local management plans, promoting sustainable ecotourism practices in one of the world’s largest shark sanctuaries.

About Fuvahmulah Island

Fuvahmulah is the second southern-most atoll in the Maldives, situated 500 km from the capital, Male. The island, home to a population of 9000, is accessible via daily scheduled flights operated by the national carrier, Maldivian. Several dive centres are located near the harbour, accommodating the growing number of tourists who visit for tiger shark diving.

In addition to its fame as the “Tiger Shark Island”, Fuvahmulah is also known for its long, white sandy pebble beach, locally called “Thoondu”, on the northeast coast. The beach, with its natural beach breaks, is a popular destination for surfing.

Entertainment

QUEENZ OF PIANO to perform at Reethi Faru Resort this festive season

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Reethi Faru Resort has announced that internationally recognised piano duo QUEENZ OF PIANO will perform at the resort as part of its Christmas and New Year celebrations for the 2026/27 festive season.

The duo will present three live performances on 29 December 2026, 31 December 2026 (New Year’s Eve) and 2 January 2027, offering guests a series of musical experiences during the holiday period.

QUEENZ OF PIANO are known for combining classical music with contemporary pop, performing arrangements that bring together compositions from different musical periods and genres.

Their performances reinterpret well-known classical pieces and modern hits, incorporating elements of both musical styles to appeal to audiences of different ages and musical preferences.

The duo’s approach focuses on showcasing the versatility of the piano through arrangements that blend traditional classical techniques with contemporary musical influences.

The performances will form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s festive entertainment programme, providing live musical experiences for guests celebrating Christmas and New Year in the Maldives.

The three scheduled performances will take place during the resort’s year-end celebrations, including a special appearance on New Year’s Eve.

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Featured

Kandooma Maldives unveils ‘Pirates’ Festive Adventure’ for Christmas and New Year

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Kandooma Maldives has announced its Christmas and New Year programme, titled Pirates’ Festive Adventure, featuring festive dining, family activities, marine excursions, live entertainment and wellness experiences.

The programme will run from 22 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, offering a range of activities and celebrations for guests staying at the resort in South Malé Atoll.

The festive programme forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ experience-led all-inclusive offering, which combines dining, recreational activities and marine experiences.

The resort provides round-the-clock dining at Kandooma Café, with meals and snacks available to accommodate international arrival and departure schedules. Eligible certified divers staying for four nights or longer can also participate in daily diving activities as part of the all-inclusive offering.

For families, Kandoo Kids’ Club will organise a series of themed activities throughout the festive period. These will include pirate-themed crafts, treasure-inspired games, creative challenges, festive card-making, gingerbread making and Christmas celebrations.

Younger guests will also have opportunities to participate in Christmas cookie decorating and other seasonal activities, while Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance as part of the festivities.

Marine excursions and watersports will feature throughout the programme, with activities including shark snorkelling, shipwreck safaris, turtle-point snorkelling, sunset cruises and night fishing.

Guests will also have opportunities to participate in surfing lessons, guided Jet Ski tours and other watersports activities around the island.

Festive dining will form a central part of the celebrations, with the resort organising a Maldivian-themed buffet dinner accompanied by traditional Bodu Beru drumming and a fire dance performance.

Other dining experiences will include a multi-course Christmas Eve gala dinner, Christmas dining events and special New Year celebrations. The menus will feature a combination of Maldivian cuisine, international dishes and traditional festive offerings.

For guests seeking wellness experiences, Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala will offer a range of treatments, including couples’ spa experiences, a three-day wellness programme and recovery treatments designed for surfers.

The festive programme will continue into January with additional activities at Kandoo Kids’ Club, marine excursions and recreational experiences.

The celebrations will conclude on 7 January 2027 with Orthodox Christmas activities for guests observing the occasion.

Andrew Drummond, General Manager of Kandooma Maldives, said the programme was designed to bring together different aspects of the resort’s guest experience during the festive season.

“Festive holidays are about spending meaningful time together, discovering something new and creating memories that last long after the journey home,” he said.

“Our programme brings together the experiences that make an island holiday special, whether that means an ocean adventure, a celebration around the table, time to relax or a little festive magic for the family.”

Located on a private island in South Malé Atoll, Kandooma Maldives offers accommodation, dining, marine activities and recreational facilities for families, couples and groups of friends.

Guests are advised to review the festive programme for activity schedules, package inclusions and advance-booking requirements. Additional charges apply to selected excursions, watersports and spa treatments.

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Awards

Secret Paradise Maldives Co-Founder recognised for regenerative tourism efforts

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Ruth Franklin, Co-Founder of Secret Paradise Maldives, has received the Regenerative Travel Pioneer Award at the 2026 Inspiring Women in Travel Asia (IWTA) Awards, held at the Conrad Bangkok on 14 October 2026.

The IWTA Awards recognise women contributing to environmental, social and regenerative initiatives across Asia’s travel and tourism industry. The Regenerative Travel Pioneer Award honours individuals whose work places local communities, cultural preservation and environmental conservation at the centre of tourism development.

Franklin co-founded Secret Paradise Maldives in 2012, establishing a tourism business focused on providing visitors with experiences beyond traditional resort holidays. The company promotes interactions between travellers, local communities and the natural environment through locally led tourism activities.

Secret Paradise Maldives works with local businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community groups to support responsible tourism practices and ensure that a greater share of tourism revenue benefits local communities.

Its activities focus on marine conservation, cultural awareness and creating opportunities for Maldivians to share their knowledge, traditions and way of life with international visitors.

Commenting on the recognition, Franklin acknowledged the contributions of the company’s employees, local partners and community organisations.

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. While the award may have my name on it, it represents the collective efforts of the entire Secret Paradise team, our local partners and the many NGOs and community members we work alongside.

“Since establishing Secret Paradise, our aim has always been to demonstrate that travel can be a force for good, creating meaningful experiences for visitors while supporting local livelihoods, celebrating Maldivian culture and helping protect the incredible natural environment we are so fortunate to call home. This award is recognition of everyone’s contribution to that journey,” she said.

The award recognises Franklin’s work in promoting community-based tourism in the Maldives and Secret Paradise Maldives’ efforts to integrate environmental conservation, cultural preservation and local economic participation into its tourism operations.

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