Sharks on Thoddoo: is it dangerous to swim / dive on the atoll
Sharks live in the waters of the Maldives, and most of those seen on snorkelling trips are harmless reef sharks. Incidents are rare, but recent ones show that risk rises where sharks are fed or attracted by waste. Here is how to stay safe near Thoddoo.
What is known
- Travel guides say that blacktip and whitetip reef sharks are the most common sharks on snorkelling trips and are generally considered harmless to people.
- On 11 April 2026 a tourist was seriously injured by a shark in the channel between Kooddoo and Villingili in Gaafu Alif Atoll, according to Maldives Independent. The site is known locally as a dumping ground for fish waste.
- The anonymous Maldives Shark Incident Registry recorded one attack a year in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and eight incidents since, most of them linked to feeding, according to the same report.
- We have no official map of shark sites near Thoddoo, and we do not claim that sharks never come near the shore.
How to stay safe
- Swim and snorkel only in areas that your guesthouse or a licensed operator confirms as safe.
- Before a trip, ask the operator whether the site is used for feeding or near fish-waste dumping, and avoid such sites.
- Do not feed sharks and do not enter the water where fish are being cleaned or waste is thrown.
- Stay with the group and follow the guide’s instructions. Avoid swimming alone, at dusk or at night.
- If a shark comes close, stay calm and do not splash. Move back to the boat or the shore without sudden movements.
Shark snorkelling trips
- Tour operators offer snorkelling trips to see reef sharks. Ask us about trips from Thoddoo, and ask the operator about the site, the group size and the safety briefing.
- We do not quote a percentage chance to see sharks, because it depends on the day and the site.
- Shark feeding is prohibited for dive centres under tourism regulations, but third parties can still dump food at sites, so check before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Are there sharks near Thoddoo?
Sharks live in Maldivian waters. We have no official map of sites near Thoddoo, so ask locally.
Are they dangerous?
Reef sharks are generally considered harmless, but incidents have happened, mostly linked to feeding and fish-waste dumping.
Is it safe to swim on the beach?
Follow local advice and swim in supervised areas. We do not claim that there is zero risk.
Can I feed sharks?
No. Feeding is prohibited for dive centres, and it raises risk.
What do I do if a shark comes close?
Stay calm, do not splash and move away without sudden movements.
Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.
