Night nurse-shark snorkel/dive at Alimatha Jetty
Experience a close encounter with nocturnal nurse sharks in the calm, shallow waters around Alimatha Jetty. This guided night activity is ideal for snorkelers who want an easy, memorable wildlife encounter and for certified divers seeking relaxed night dives with predictable shark sightings, abundant small reef life, and dramatic nocturnal behavior.
Location
Alimatha Jetty (near Alimatha Island / Felidhoo), Felidhoo (Vaavu Atoll), Maldives
Duration
Approximately 2–3 hours total (briefing + transit + 30–60 minute in-water time + return/debrief).
Best Time to Visit
Peak season: November to April (calmer seas, clearer conditions). Night nurse-shark encounters are possible year-round, but sea state and visibility are usually best in the dry season.
Pricing
- Snorkel (per person): USD 45–60 (includes guide, torch, basic snorkel gear, transfer from nearby resort/jetty)
- Night Dive (per person): USD 80–120 (includes guide, torch, tanks, weights; wetsuit and rental BCD/regulator extra if needed)
- Private/Custom trips and photography-focused trips: prices vary; expect higher rates for private charters and night-photography guides
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
High probability of seeing nurse sharks resting and actively foraging at night
Shallow, easy entry sites suitable for snorkelers and beginner night divers
Guided experience focused on safe, non-intrusive wildlife viewing
Opportunity to see other nocturnal marine life: shrimps, crabs, octopus, moray eels and sleeping reef fish
Great night-photography opportunities with guide-provided dive torches (ask about specialized photo support)
Itinerary
Pickup and transfer to Alimatha Jetty / gathering point
Time varies with sunset and resort/guesthouse location. Arrive early for check-in and kit-up.
Safety briefing & equipment check
Brief covers signals, approach distances to wildlife, torch use, and emergency procedures.
Short boat/shore transfer to the snorkel/dive site
Sites are typically close to the jetty; sea state determines exact location.
Night snorkel or night dive
In-water time typically 30–60 minutes. Guides lead slow, low-impact swims to locate nurse sharks and other nocturnal species.
Return to jetty, equipment rinse and debrief
Light refreshments may be provided depending on operator.
Safety Requirements
All participants must be able to swim comfortably; snorkelers should be confident in surface conditions.
Certified divers: present a valid dive certification (Open Water or higher) and recent logbook entries; some operators require a refresher if inactive.
Non-certified night divers: many operators will not certify a night dive on the same day — check operator policies.
No touching or harassing wildlife; maintain distance from sharks (guides will instruct appropriate approach distances).
Use of a reliable dive torch is mandatory for night dives and strongly recommended for snorkelers.
Follow guide instructions at all times; maintain buddy contact and surface signaling readiness.
Operators carry basic first-aid kits; serious emergencies require evacuation to the nearest medical facility (plan for boat/sea transfer).
Tips
Bring a small, high-lumen waterproof torch or headlamp if you prefer your own light (check with operator first).
Use low-profile, non-intrusive camera housings and avoid bright strobes that may disturb animals; ask the guide about best lighting practices for night photography.
Wear a thin wetsuit (2–3 mm) for warmth and protection—water temperature can feel cooler at night.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before the trip (not while in water) and avoid wearing jewelry that can attract predators or entangle wildlife.
Keep movements slow and calm; sudden motions can scare animals or trigger defensive reactions.
Tip your guide for excellent service (local customs vary; 5–10% or small USD/EUR amounts are common).
Confirm pickup times and exact meeting point the day before; boat schedules may change with weather and tide.
