Best Scuba Diving in Maldives

Scuba Diving In The Maldives

Maldives Scuba Diving Highlights

The archipelago is also known for its great assortment of dive resorts and you'll find liveaboards in the Maldives for all kinds of budgets, from budget to high-end.

Interested in scuba diving in the Maldives? View the live availability of some of the best liveaboards in the Maldives and book online at the best price or check out our sidebar for land-based options!

For those seeking a premium diving experience, the Maldives Blue Force 3 liveaboard offers world-class diving, featuring spacious cabins, expert guides, and unforgettable encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, and vibrant reefs.

Our Featured Liveaboard Partners in Maldives

Where Is The Maldives?

Lying 400 miles southwest of India, the Maldives is an island nation of 26 natural coral atolls (over 1,000 islands) spread over nearly 35,000 square miles.

Even though it is 26 natural coral atolls, for the purpose of administration the Maldives is divided into 19 atolls (areas) and they are marked as being 19 atolls. So someone looking through a map would find 19 zones.

Topside, the Maldives offer some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see in your life. More than 95 % of Maldives consists of the sea. It is also one of the lowest nations in the world, and is in danger of being submerged one day due to rising sea levels

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Marine Life In The Maldives

The Maldives boasts some of the most diverse coral reefs with hard and soft coral species, which provide a thriving habitat for a variety of marine animals. The waters are teeming with a variety of fish species, including colourful reef fish such as butterflyfish, angelfish, clownfish, parrotfish, moray eels, and wrasses. Larger predatory fish like groupers, barracudas, and trevallies are very common as well as stingrays, eagle rays, green turtles, and hawksbill turtles.The Maldives is also famous for its robust shark populations, including blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks. Nurse sharks and hammerhead sharks can also be spotted in certain areas. Manta rays can be seen at their favourite cleaning stations in almost every Atoll depending on the season and whale sharks can be found year-round in South-Ari Atoll.

Fuvahmulah is the best place to dive with tiger sharks - dive site "Tiger Zoo" is one of the few places that guarantees tiger shark encounters. This local island has a deep cleaning station visited by thresher sharks, and gigantic oceanic manta rays can also be seen around Fuvahmulah.

Hanifaru Bay, in the Baa Atoll, has manta rays and whale sharks during the middle and the end of the South West Monsoon which runs from April to November. During this period, there are a few times that mass feeding events occur in the Bay Area when enough plankton has accumulated. Scuba diving in Hanifaru Bay is not permitted, but there are carefully regulated snorkel trips to ensure preservation of the marine environment.

Diving Information

Maldives Marine Life & Photography Subjects

The Maldives diving offers blue water early in the year - perfect for wide-angle photography. While is there is some macro life here, the Maldives is mainly a "wide-angle" destination to see coral, whale sharks, mantas, eagle rays, and schools of fish. There has been some coral bleaching in the shallow reefs.

While the reefs and channels provide a great diversity of marine life, Hanifaru Bay, which allows snorkeling only, is the go-to place for mantas and whale sharks. It's possible to see dozens of mantas, although numbers fluctuate depending on currents, water temperature, and the presence of plankton. Youre also likely to encounter whale sharks, opening their huge mouths to feed on plankton. Bring an underwater camera capable of taking videos to properly capture the beauty of the marine life.

Many dive sites in the Maldives have napoleon wrasse, barracuda, reef sharks (including gray reef, whitetip and blacktip), spotted eagle rays, large marbled rays, trevally, and tuna. The current will help bring out more of these larger animals.

Some atolls can also produce hammerhead sharks, although this is only at very specific dive sites.

For sites like Hanifaru Bay, shoot wide angle. Use a fisheye lens like the Tokina 10-17mm, or a rectilinear lens in the 10-20mm range. Take video. Even better, take wide video with a fisheye lens. Leave your macro lenses at home.

If you are at a Manta cleaning station, never chase or charge the manta rays - it won't work. Wait for them to come to you. Don't rise up to their level.

Maldives Dive Environments

When scuba diving in the Maldives, you'll find many different excellent dive sites to choose from, such as:

• Faru: A faru is one of the Maldivian names for a reef. This could be the outer reef of the atolls and the reefs of islands.
• Giri: A giri is a circular reef in which the top reaches the surface, particularly in low tide. Giris can be found inside the atoll and inside large lagoons as well. These places offer a variety of marine life and often is good for novice divers.
• Thila: is also much like a Giri, but its further below the surface - basically a seamount. Here youll find a variety of marine life such as soft coral, gorgonians, and an abundance of fish life including reef sharks. A Thila can be big but most north-worthy thilas are small peaks and can be affected by strong currents at times.
• Wrecks: There are a few interesting wrecks in the Maldives, but theyre typically visited for the fish at the site as opposed to the wreck itself.
• Channel: A channel or pass is where the atoll meets the ocean and is the gateway to the atoll. It is commonly done as a drift dive. The strong currents bring big pelagic fish such as sharks, mantas, and tunas. For most life, it is best to dive at channels when there is incoming current but some spots do offer good dives during outgoing current as well. Underwater photographers will appreciate the geography that some channel reefs have that includes caverns, swim-throughs, undercuts, and overhangs full of colorful sponges and invertebrates.
• Lagoons: While not very exciting from a marine life standpoint, most islands and big reefs has its own sandy bottom lagoon protected from the current which is ideal for beginners learning to scuba.

Typical Maldives Dive

With such a variety of sites, it is difficult to describe a "typical" scuba dive in the Maldives. Drift dives in medium to strong currents often require a negative entry and a quick descent, making them appropriate for intermediate or experienced divers. There are also many dive sites in areas protected from strong currents that are suitable for novice divers. Maldives liveaboards require divers to have more experience, whereas resort or land-based dive operators offer amazing diving for any level and you can even get your diver certification.

Read our Maldives trip recap to learn more about what to expect while diving in the Maldives.

Scuba Diving Conditions

• Water Temperatures: Range from 80-86F (27-30C) year round.
• Visibility: Around 35 feet (10 meters) on the low end, but often exceeds 100 feet (30 meters).
• Depth Range: 14 - 98 feet (5-30 meters).
• Currents: Divers who prefer not to experience strong currents should try to time their trips away from the full and new moons, when the currents will be milder.

Maldives Atolls & Dive Areas

Liveaboards in the Maldives visit several areas and a good cruise director is key for a successful Maldives liveaboard trip. Check with your travel advisor to see which Maldives itinerary is right for you.

Some of the best dive sites are in the Deep South, however, they cover such a large area that not all of them can be visited on a single trip. Ari Atoll and Male Atoll in the central islands are some of the more popular itineraries and the key pelagic spots.

From north to south, here are the main atolls for scuba diving in the Maldives:

• Ihavandhippolhu Atoll: The northernmost atoll of Ihavandhippolhu is typically visited by liveaboards. The diving here comprises wide, shallow channels with mild currents and a vibrant selection of hard and soft corals. The reefs overhangs and walls are covered in table corals, while caves, pinnacles, and swim-throughs hide a good variety of macro. Expect to spot reef sharks, turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and mantas, as well as reef species such as grouper, moray eels, lionfish, and a variety of crustaceans. The waters here are relatively unexplored, with new sites ideal for experienced divers while the better-known shallow areas offer the perfect safe-haven for novices.
• Haa Alif Atoll: Another atoll ideal for beginners, Haa Alif also boasts wide channels and shallow sites facilitating gentle drift dives through reefs and pinnacles of colorful soft and hard corals. The Filadhoo wreck is a great introduction to wreck diving, and at a depth of 46ft is an exciting artificial reef surrounded by snappers, fusiliers, and the occasional eagle ray. There are more advanced sites too, such as the submerged pinnacles of Heaven and Hell that sport fantastic coral formations, and Ihavandhoo Channel with cleaning stations frequented by mantas and turtles.
• Noonu Atoll: Noonu offers a variety of diving suitable for different levels of experience, including some exciting drift dives and unique shark encounters. Christmas Rock, a submerged island with the top at 46ft, is home to whitetip reef sharks and stingrays, while the occasional nurse shark can be spotted snoozing in cracks in the reef. The more advanced Orimas Thila drops to 98ft (30m) and offers divers the chance to witness large groups of grey reef sharks, as well as leopard and guitar sharks, and rays. Other unique sightings include the redtoothed triggerfish and some distinctive nudibranch species.For other great shark diving destinations, check out our article on the Best Shark Diving in the World.
• Raa Atoll: A large number of unspoiled reefs and pinnacles inside Raas lagoon boast an impressive array of tubastrea corals and some fantastic marine life. In the south of the atoll, Fenfushi Thila boasts overhangs and crevices teeming with bannerfish and huge schools of orange basslets. On the western side of the atoll, tuna, grouper, and Napoleon wrasse can be found circling deep drop-offs and overhangs, while eagle rays and turtles frequent the eastern reefs and walls. One of the most popular sites is The Labyrinth, a pinnacle sporting large gorgonians and vibrant soft corals smothering canyons, tunnels, and swim-throughs. The site is characterized by batfish, and grey and white-tipped reef sharks, with moray eels and groupers a common sight.
• Lhaviyani Atoll: This popular atoll is well explored and offers over 50 dive sites suitable for all levels. The sheltered Aquarium site is great for novices and boasts electric schools of blue snappers amongst the abundant corals. Hawksbill turtles and guitar sharks can also be spotted using the coral as a cleaning station. The Shipyard site is home to the wrecks of Skipjack 1 and Skipjack 2, offering fascinating dives down to 92ft (28m). Both wrecks are smothered in a multitude of colorful corals and swarming in butterflyfish, damselfish, glassfish, and small blennies. South of the wrecks, the Madivaru Kandu channel drift dive provides some deeper overhangs to explore, as well as encounters with eagle rays and whitetip reef sharks.
• Baa Atoll: Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011, the Baa Atoll supports some of the Maldives most diverse and unique marine life. Horubadhoo Thila, on the eastern side, is home to plentiful macro as well as attracting large pelagic species, such as mantas, to numerous cleaning stations. The fascinating topography of Nelivaru Haa features overhangs and strangely shaped canyons covered in hard and soft corals. Glassfish and fusiliers abound, as well as inquisitive batfish, grouper, stingrays, and oriental sweetlips. During the south-west monsoon (May to November) mantas use the entire reef as a cleaning station, offering some great photo opportunities. Baa Atoll is also a popular whale shark area, and although it can become busy with snorkelers, there are plenty of more remote sites to explore.
• North Male Atoll: One of the most visited regions in the Maldives, North Male Atoll is within easy reach of the countrys capital and main airport, Male. The well-known Manta Point is located in the southeast of the atoll, and as the name suggests this is a prime spot for encounters with manta rays, as well as schools of barracuda, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse. Another famous site, the Maldives Victory is a 328ft cargo shipwreck that sits between 39 and 115ft. The superstructure is encrusted with gorgonians and hard corals, while batfish, grouper, and schools of fusilier make themselves at home. Most liveaboard divers will join their boat in North Male and explore these reefs at the beginning of their trip.
• South Male Atoll: South Male Atoll is the quieter sister of North Male, and while it doesnt boast the same marine diversity as the northern atoll, dramatic topography and strong currents bring large pelagics close to shore. Diving here can be exciting and sometimes challenging, with deep channels and rapidly changing conditions facilitating exciting drifts through ravines and past overhangs. Cocoa Thila, one of the best dive sites in the Maldives, is a pinnacle that attracts fusiliers, sweetlips, red snapper, trevally, eagle rays, white, and gray sharks. To the north, Vadhoo Caves provide shelter from the strong currents and a chance to explore the more unusual species found in the semi-dark. Unicornfish, soldierfish, and the occasional turtle linger in the calm waters, while reef sharks and tuna can be spotted out in the blue.
• Ari Atoll:The best pelagic destination in the region, Ari Atolls exposed pinnacles and deep channels dont support as much reef life as some of the other atolls, but instead attract mantas, whale sharks and schooling hammerheads. Strong currents mean diving here is not best suited to novices, however, experienced divers will thrill in deeper drift dives sporting loads of shark action, schools of eagle rays, and abundant vibrant fish. Maaya Thila pinnacle drops from 20 to 100ft and supports a good variety of critters such as nudibranchs and frogfish. And the marine-protected Fish Head site is covered in black coral and dotted with overhangs, crevices, and caves full of blueline snappers. There are hundreds of exciting sites around Ari Atoll, and this accessible atoll is a popular choice amongst divers.
• Vaavu Atoll: Centrally located, Vaavu Atoll is a great beginner destination with shallow channels and protected sites offering gentle drift diving over vibrant coral reefs. Vattaru Reef offers a relaxed dive full of butterflyfish and oriental sweetlips, while whitetip reef sharks can often be seen patrolling nearby. A more challenging site, Miyaru Kandu to the northeast experiences stronger currents that sweep divers through a channel past caves covered in wire coral, with the chance of spotting a hammerhead shark in the distance. Napoleon wrasse and eagle rays are very common, and lucky divers may encounter a manta ray or whale shark if the season is right.
• Faafu Atoll: Boasting a variety of sheltered reefs and exposed pinnacles, Faafu Atoll is a perfect choice for novice divers wanting to build confidence and hone their skills. At Dhega Thila, a labyrinth of overhangs and swim-throughs is decorated with gorgonians, soft corals, and colorful sea fans. Further west, reefs on the outer edge of the atoll support whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon wrasse, as well as plenty of smaller critters for macro lovers to photograph. The small but colorful atoll of Faafu remains relatively unexplored, and there are plenty of dive sites still waiting to be discovered.
• Meemu Atoll: Great for advanced divers, Meemus channels support large schools of reef fish and are frequented by pelagic species such as mantas, Napoleon wrasse, and sharks. Mantas are especially prevalent during the south-west monsoon (May to November) when they flock to cleaning stations on the reef. A topographically diverse atoll, Meemu features deep pinnacles, vertical walls, and shallow coral gardens, with swim-throughs and small caves adding to the variety. The best dives are in the southeast, where the Vattaru Channel supports fast-paced drift dives and plenty of large pelagics.

How To Get To The Maldives

Departing from the U.S., there are several airlines that fly one-stop to Malé – Velana International Airport (MLE), the capital city of the Maldives. Most people stay overnight in Malé and board their dive boat the following day. Visitors receive a 30-day on-arrival visa for free.

How To Scuba Dive The Maldives

Scuba diving in the Maldives is excellent from both liveaboards and land-based options. Liveaboards are a popular option and run a variety of itineraries to explore different Atolls. The Maldives also offers a range of land-based diving options, from exclusive high-end resorts on private islands to budget guesthouses on local islands. Almost all local islands have dive centers running day trips out to the best sites in their proximity.

Best Time To Go Scuba Diving In The Maldives

January - April (northeast monsoon) are the ideal months to go scuba diving in the Maldives, with it getting less windy as you approach April. Visibility is very good, and it is the driest and warmest period. You may experience sudden rain showers, but they don't last long.

May - July is considered the rainy season and can bring unstable weather, especially June / July.

August - November is the time to go for the best chance to see the "big animals". December can bring a fair amount of wind and rain. "Feeding season" at Hanifaru Bay (and everywhere else) for the whale sharks and manta rays is considered to be from May to November, peaking from late July to early October.

Topside & Non-Diving Activities

Its no secret that divers and honeymooners make up the majority of visitors to the Maldives - though those two groups are not mutually exclusive. If youre land-based and need a break from the water, considering taking an excursion to a nearby uninhabited island or board a fishing boat and try your luck at catching your dinner.

Practical Information

• Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
• Language: The country's primary language is Dhivehi. Main foreign languages are Arabic & English
• Main Airport Code: MLE
• Time Zone: UTC+5
• Electricity: 230 V 50 Hz

Recommended Scuba Gear

Download our full scuba gear guide to Maldives, Bluewater Travel guests receive 10% OFF! Click the image below to download (PDF).