An underwater swing in Kaafu Gaafaru has captivated the public's attention as videos show local children and tourists swinging among fish and sharks.

Footage obtained by MMTV shows a boy, estimated to be around 10 years old, diving down with a mask and sitting on the swing, while another video features a person feeding fish surrounded by a shoal of them, with six sharks swimming close by.

Unlike other sea swings, the 'Gaafaru swing' is installed around 15 feet deep at a spot renowned for attracting marine life. The initiative was recently launched by local guesthouse operators in this northern fishing community and is situated about five minutes from the island in the lagoon.

"Previously, we took tourists to a distant shark point and charged for it. Now, we've created a nearby spot where sharks naturally congregate and set up this swing. These aren't dangerous sharks," explained guesthouse owner Ajulaan Rashaad.

Rashaad noted that tourists are not charged for using the swing, which is designed for long-term use with its durable steel construction and concrete base.

"Children here are very comfortable and at ease in the sea. Both locals and visitors thoroughly enjoy this place," he added.

Gaafaru is considered one of the fastest-growing local tourism destinations in the Maldives, with 11 guesthouses currently operating and some offering up to 20 rooms. Industry professionals often refer to it as the ‘jewel’ of Kaafu Atoll.

The island is the only one in its expansive lagoon, spanning over 35 hectares and boasting rich marine biodiversity. The area is also known for shipwrecks and historical tales of pirate vessels that once ran aground on Gaafaru reef.

Last year, the Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) announced plans to reclaim 16 islands in the Gaafaru lagoon as part of a major tourism project, including the development of a private island and luxurious resort.