Diving with the Tiger Sharks at Fuvahmulah is a truly bucket list dive experience and several dive companies operate from the harbor right where the sharks visit. After my characteristic research, we chose Pelagic Divers and we weren’t disappointed. Our case for choosing them was…
Hamna Recommendation – I started by getting in touch with Hamna Ali who is one the subject of one of the most iconic tiger shark diving images and she recommended Pelagic as the operator who trained her.
Owned, Run and Fully Staffed by Maldivians – One of the charms of Fuvahmulah overall is to escape the contrived playgrounds of the resort islands and explore the world of modern day Maldives, so this all-Maldivian enterprise, with the special connection to the island and these creatures, fits the vibe completely.
Tiger Shark PADI Certification – Pelagic is so committed to the tiger sharks that they have developed a special Tiger Shark Diving Certification which has been recognized by PADI.
One of the true highlights of this year’s Tour was our visit to Fuvahmulah. The first time we have stayed on an inhabited island and explored the modern live of the Maldivian islander.
Our itinerary worked exceptionally well and we felt we really had a chance to experience the lion share of the island in a reasonable compact period of time:
DAY 1 –
Afternoon: Fly from Male to Fuvahmulah on the 3:05 Maldivian Airways arriving at 4:30
Evening: Settle into AIG Hotel. Take a dip in the pool, drink some mocktail sundowners watching the sunset over the ocean, rooftop al fresco dinner at the hotel
DAY 2 –
Morning to Afternoon: 3 dives with Pelagic Divers which includes a Deep Dive (to see pelagics like Thresher Sharks), the famous Tiger Shark dive, and a coral reef dive.
Evening: Dinner at Eden Café
DAY 3 –
Morning to Afternoon: 3 dives with Pelagic Divers which includes a Deep Dive (to see pelagics like Thresher Sharks), the famous Tiger Shark dive, and a coral reef dive.
Evening: Dinner at AIG Hotel.
DAY 4 –
Morning: Visit to Pebble Beach.
Afternoon: Seaside lunch at Peebles Restaurant
Evening: final visits around island and lounging by the rooftop pool
DAY 5 –
Morning: depart on the 5:30 am Maldivian Airways flight (for international connection home or to transfer to a resort).
Here are few tips from our experience:
Cafes – There are about 30 all over the place, but only a few are distinctive. The ones we researched and we delighted by are…
AIG Grand – view
Eden Café – décor
Pebbles – beachfront locatio
·Currency – Most places take cards or phone payments and will convert into dollars. Some will only take cash, but are just as happy with dollars as ruffia. BUT (a) they don’t like $1 notes, (b) they can’t take any torn notes or defaced ones (the banks won’t accept them from them), and (c) don’t expect them to be able to give you change in dollars (though sometimes they might be able).
Flights – 2 per day on Maldivian Air. There is a ferry to Gan (1 hour) or to Gaafu Dhaalu (1.5 hour) if you wanted to combine with a resort there.
Excursions – Dhadimagi Kilhi Lake, Pebble Beach and the beaches in general offer lots of picturesque waterside strolling. But there is no real swimming (if the sharks don’t get you, the currents will). Also, there is no real real town centre for shopping, cafes, etc. (instead shops and eateries are widely dispersed across the island).
“A labor of love. That’s magical. To have the resources to expend labor on something that fills us with joy. If you’re lucky enough to encounter this, perhaps it makes sense not to confuse the issue by also trying to turn it into labor for maximum profit.” – Seth Godin
“The experience, known as ‘collective effervescence,’ can feel transcendent…I think it has to do with wanting something in our lives that we can lose ourselves in. At a time of increasing polarization and cynicism—not to mention that coming election—it’s an especially wondrous connection.” – Paul Booth, a professor of media and pop culture at DePaul University
“Fandom asks us to latch ourselves to something outside of us, to allow a person or object we don’t have control over to become part of our identities…the heart of a fandom – you care a lot.’.” – Tara Block
“A Superfan is someone who allows what normally would be a minor interest, to become a major pillar of their identity… Superfans unabashedly find their tribe, and in doing so tap into something that transcends the ordinary.”
We’ve shared a few instances of the “Interview Game” which is a Lynn family tradition. The intent of the game is to reflect on an extended trip or holiday with some very specific questions. It provides a catalyst to reflecting and re-living the special experience. It’s an exercise in appreciation as well as learning (how to make the next trip even better building on what worked great and adjusting what didn’t work so well). Traditionally we play it over dinner on our final night. I will keep this list up-to-date as new questions arise (and always open to more questions so send any to the Comments section).
LOGISTICS
What did you pack that you didn’t use?
What didn’t you pack that you wish you did?
What did you pack that you used the most?
What did you break or lose?
EMOTIONS
What most exceeded your expectations?
When were you the most relieved?
When did you change your mind (on a decision or plan)?
What most disappointed you?
What was the most physically painful moment?
What food did you most enjoy?
What food did you enjoy the least?
When did you laugh the hardest?
When were you the most nervous/anxious?
What surprised you most about the destination?
EXPERIENCE
What was your favourite server or person you met?
What was your favourite day?
What was your favourite photo?
What “vacation tax” did you pay?
When did you get the dirtiest? (thanks Chase)
LEARNING
Name a word you learned in [foreign language, ie. Dhivehi]?
Name a fun fact you learned about the place?
(with friends) Name something you learned about someone else?
SPECULATION
What would you do (if money and logistics were no object), if you had an additional day to spend?
If you had a coupon for a free version of this trip, what family member would you give it to?
If you had a coupon for a free version of this trip, what friend member would you give it to?
How would you summarise the trip to a loved one in one sentence (to best convey its essence and its impact on you)?
What tip would you give someone about to embark on a trip like yours?
No sooner said than done, my draft of the recent “Haven’t Seen” post (#21) included the popular summertime game of corn hole. Only for it to pop up at our visit to the The Standard. Sandbags on the sand!
Despite seeing more things than we ever thought we would, we still have come across features and items that seem like they really do belong at Maldives resort somewhere and yet I haven’t seen them yet. Here’s the latest installment of “wanna sees”.
Wave Jewelry – Some sort of crowdsourced fundme project (thanks Paola). [ABOVE]
Super High-Tech Shower – When we first started coming to the Maldives the most common consideration about showers was how strong the hot water pressure was. Then rain showers became the vogue for the luxury properties. Then drench waterfall showers. Just how far can the evolution of shower luxury go? Well…
Ocean Lighting – The Maldives’ famous water villas put you right in the ocean, but how about this light to put the ocean right in your villa?
Diamond Ice Cubes – Ice is a particularly essential ingredient in the hot tropics at premiere resorts serving refreshing drinks. And I’ve posted a number of “haven’t seen” riffs on this simple cocktail component, but none so luxurious as this.
Orange Rose Ice Cubes – One of Lori’s (and everyone’s these days) favourite hot weather cocktail is an Aperol spritz and these cubes make it all the more appealing.
Magic Cocktails – Cocktails are a delightful accompaniment to the entertainment that the resort puts on, but actually the cocktails could BE the entertainment…
Tipping Note – Seth Godin’s piece on “Customer Satisfaction and Tipping” provides a tip for resorts which addresses a perennial issue on TripAdvisor Forum – tipping,,,
Non-Alcoholic Pairing Menu – We came across this variation of varying your beverages with each course at Rickety Ridge winery in Franschoek, South Africa. Especially with the growing number of Islamic guest as well as the tee-totaling wellness holidayers.
Children’s Pairing Menu – Rickety Ridge also featured a pairing menu for the Kids Menu. So fun!
Aquafit Boards – Paddleboards, fitness classes and pools are all commonplace now in the Maldives…so why not put them all together?
Of all of the “Best Ofs” we found during our visit to Oaga, let’s start where our stay started…at the reception. And what a colourful one it is. Immediately, you are struck with the vibrantly creative vibe that defines the property. It is called “Raba”, the main hub of the property with the equally colourful pool next to it (stay tuned for that post), a disco area, bar, tea room and other amenities. Even the traditional rope hammock seats, ‘joali’, are the most colourful we’ve seen.
Most luxury resorts in the Maldives provide a creative welcome and they will always have several staff at your departure to wave goodbye as you ride away. But Heritance Aarah is the first resort we have come to with a creative departure ritual. Your host performs a farewell blessing for you and your journey ahead (see video above).
