In wildlife animals usually tend to avoid encounters with people. But not in Alimatha. It is a small island in the Maldivian Vaavu atoll.

Alimatha is one of the top tourist destinations in the Maldives and is visited by hundreds of travelers every month. The paradise island attracts tourists with beaches with golden-white sand, a scattering of greenery far from the bustle of the world and unforgettable underwater life.

It’s hard to believe, but Alimatha divers play in the sand with nurse-sharks, swim alongside with them and hug sometimes. The reason for such behavior of these animals is that many years ago people started to feed them throwing food leftovers into the water. The sharks got used to this and stopped fearing people. Everyday you may find several boats with divers, preparing to go underwater.

Night diving at Alimatha is one of the most unforgettable experiences at the Maldives and an important touring point of every dive safari. Today the government of the Maldives forbids the feeding of sea animals, but sharks, rays and other big fish still visit these places, though their amount has decreased significantly.

Photo and video by: Oleg Gaponyuk 

March 22, 2024