Dive sites2
Marine life profile
Silvertip sharks
Recorded at 2 dive sitesWhere divers encounter it
Explore Silvertip sharks around the world
The silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) is a large species of requiem shark in the family carcharhinidae, with a fragmented distribution throughout the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. Usually purposeful and energy-efficient, it patrols reef edges or open water and changes course when given space.
Countries1
Animal groupSharks
Safety profileLarge Predator
Meet the species
What to look for
How to Recognize It
Look for a streamlined shark profile, visible gill slits and the fin shape or markings that distinguish this species.
How It Behaves
Usually purposeful and energy-efficient, it patrols reef edges or open water and changes course when given space.
Special Ability
Highly tuned senses help it read vibration, scent and tiny electrical signals hidden in the water.
Dive responsibly
Share the water well
How to Approach
Stay calm, keep the animal in view and let it choose the distance. Never chase, surround or block its route.
Safety
Maintain calm, controlled behavior and follow the guide's briefing. Never bait, chase, crowd or cut across the animal's route.
Worth knowing
The detail you remember
Interesting Facts
It is often encountered around offshore islands and coral reefs, and has been known to dive to a depth of 800 m (2,600 ft).
Where to Find
Look along reef drop-offs, channels, sandy ledges and blue-water edges where currents concentrate food.
Known countries
Maldives
Sightings map
Silvertip sharks locations
Plan a dive
Dive sites with reported encounters
Kandooma Thila
Maldives
Kandooma Thila, or also called Cocoa Thila, is one of the most exciting dives in South Male’ Atoll with great scenery as well as prolific fish life. The west and north side are the most spectacular, with the top at 16m. These are a focal point for schools of Bluefin Trevallies, eagle rays, dogtooth tunas and loose groups of gray reef sharks (50+ in the right current). Cleaning station for grey reef , you can see them going in a vertical position while small wrasses are cleaning them. Currents can be very strong making it a challenging dive. For experienced divers only.
Rasdhoo Beyru
Maldives
A beautiful wall on the south side of the island of Rasdhoo with three small pinnacles (thila) that are on the lower edge a little further from the island wall. Thilas Top starts at 18-20 meters and is suitable for beginners and experts alike but the current can be medium to strong. Napoleon, white tip sharks and gray reef sharks can be sighted here regularly. Sometimes stingrays resting on the sandy bottom between 25 and 30 meters deep between the wall and the thilas. If you are lucky eagle rays, and on very lucky days manta rays! It is also a great diving spot for macro enthusiasts as so many small creatures can be found here!