Maldives Diving
Discover world-class scuba diving in pristine coral reefs, encounter majestic manta rays and whale sharks, and explore the underwater paradise of the Indian Ocean
Explore Dive PackagesWhy Dive in the Maldives?
The Maldives is renowned as one of the world's premier diving destinations, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an incredible diversity of marine life. With over 1,000 coral islands scattered across 26 atolls, the Maldives provides endless opportunities for underwater exploration.
From gentle house reef dives perfect for beginners to thrilling drift dives for experienced divers, the Maldives caters to all skill levels. The warm tropical waters maintain temperatures of 26-30°C year-round, providing comfortable diving conditions with excellent visibility often exceeding 30 meters.
What sets Maldivian diving apart is the chance to encounter large pelagic species including manta rays, whale sharks, and various shark species, all while exploring some of the most pristine coral ecosystems on Earth.
Diving Quick Facts
- Water Temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F) year-round
- Visibility: 20-40 meters (65-130 feet)
- Dive Sites: 200+ documented sites
- Best Season: November to April (dry season)
- Currents: Mild to strong (varies by site)
- Marine Life: 2,000+ fish species
- Coral Species: 200+ hard and soft corals
- Maximum Depth: 30+ meters at most sites
Incredible Marine Life
The Maldives is home to an extraordinary array of marine species, from tiny colorful reef fish to massive whale sharks. The nutrient-rich waters support thriving ecosystems that attract both resident and migratory species.
When to Dive in the Maldives
The Maldives offers year-round diving, but conditions vary with the monsoon seasons. Understanding rainfall patterns and marine life migrations can help you plan the perfect diving trip.
Northeast Monsoon (Dry Season)
December to April
- Minimal rainfall (average 75-100mm per month)
- Excellent visibility (30-40 meters)
- Calm seas and gentle currents
- Water temperature: 27-29°C
- Best for: Beginners, photography, east side diving
- Marine highlights: Manta rays on western sides of atolls
Peak Season: January to March offers the most reliable conditions
Southwest Monsoon (Wet Season)
May to November
- Higher rainfall (average 150-250mm per month)
- Reduced visibility (15-25 meters)
- Stronger currents and occasional rough seas
- Water temperature: 26-28°C
- Best for: Experienced divers, west side diving
- Marine highlights: Whale sharks, manta rays on eastern sides
Shoulder Season: May and November offer good value with decent conditions
Monthly Rainfall & Diving Conditions
Marine Life Seasonal Calendar
| Marine Life | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manta Rays | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Whale Sharks | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Reef Sharks | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Hammerheads | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Visibility | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
Where to Dive in the Maldives
The Maldives consists of 26 atolls with hundreds of dive sites. This interactive map highlights some of the most popular diving locations across the archipelago.
Top Dive Sites
The Maldives offers diverse diving experiences across its many atolls. Here are some of the most celebrated dive sites that showcase the best of Maldivian underwater life.
Manta Point (Baa Atoll)
IntermediateWorld-famous cleaning station where manta rays gather year-round. Part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this site offers guaranteed manta encounters during the right season.
Depth: 6-30m | Current: Mild to moderate
Fish Head (Ari Atoll)
AdvancedLegendary dive site known for grey reef shark encounters and incredible fish diversity. The underwater pinnacle attracts large schools of fish and predators.
Depth: 10-40m | Current: Strong
Banana Reef (North Male Atoll)
BeginnerThe Maldives' first designated marine protected area, perfect for beginners. Features beautiful coral formations and abundant reef fish in calm conditions.
Depth: 5-30m | Current: Mild
Maaya Thila (Ari Atoll)
IntermediateUnderwater mountain rising from the depths, famous for night diving and shark encounters. One of the most biodiverse sites in the Maldives.
Depth: 6-30m | Current: Moderate
Broken Rock (South Male Atoll)
IntermediateDramatic underwater landscape with swim-throughs and caves. Home to white-tip reef sharks, moray eels, and colorful soft corals.
Depth: 8-30m | Current: Mild to moderate
Whale Shark Point (South Ari Atoll)
BeginnerYear-round whale shark encounters in shallow, calm waters. Perfect for snorkeling and diving with these gentle giants.
Depth: 3-20m | Current: Very mild
Bathala Thila (North Ari Atoll)
IntermediateSpectacular thila with overhangs and caves covered in soft corals. Known for regular sightings of eagle rays and white tip reef sharks.
Depth: 10-30m | Current: Moderate
Chaaya Reef (North Male Atoll)
BeginnerBeautiful coral garden with excellent visibility. Home to colorful reef fish, moray eels, and occasional turtle sightings.
Depth: 5-25m | Current: Mild
Fesdhoo Wreck (North Male Atoll)
AdvancedIntact shipwreck lying at 30m depth, encrusted with corals. Advanced divers can explore the interior of this fascinating artificial reef.
Depth: 18-32m | Current: Strong
Fushi Kandu (Vaavu Atoll)
AdvancedExciting channel dive with strong currents attracting pelagics. Look for grey reef sharks, tuna, and Napoleon wrasse in the blue.
Depth: 15-40m | Current: Very strong
HP Reef (North Male Atoll)
IntermediateDramatic underwater pinnacle with excellent hard coral formations. Schools of fusiliers and anthias create a colorful spectacle.
Depth: 5-30m | Current: Moderate
Meedhoo Coral Garden (South Ari Atoll)
BeginnerShallow coral paradise perfect for snorkelers and novice divers. Vibrant coral formations teeming with reef fish and occasional turtles.
Depth: 3-12m | Current: Very mild
Other Popular Dive Site Locations
South Male Atoll
Coordinates: 3.8°N, 73.5°E
Famous Sites: Guraidhoo Corner, Kandooma Thila, Cocoa Thila
Dive Site Types
Find Dive Sites by Atoll
Diving Atolls of the Maldives
Each atoll in the Maldives offers unique diving experiences with distinct marine life, topography, and conditions. Explore the characteristics of the most popular diving atolls to plan your perfect underwater adventure.
North Male Atoll
Home to the capital city and most accessible dive sites. Features historic wrecks, vibrant coral gardens, and gentle drift dives. Perfect for beginners and those with limited time.
Signature Dive Sites:
- Banana Reef: The first protected marine area in the Maldives
- Manta Point: Seasonal manta ray cleaning station
- Victory Wreck: 110m cargo ship sunk in 1981
Ari Atoll
Famous for its underwater pinnacles (thilas) and consistent whale shark sightings. Offers thrilling drift dives with strong currents and encounters with large pelagic species.
Signature Dive Sites:
- Fish Head: Shark sanctuary with grey reef sharks
- Maaya Thila: Renowned night diving location
- Whale Shark Point: Year-round whale shark encounters
Baa Atoll
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with exceptional biodiversity. World-famous for manta ray aggregations at Hanifaru Bay during southwest monsoon. Features pristine coral reefs and rich marine life.
Signature Dive Sites:
- Hanifaru Bay: Manta ray feeding aggregation site
- Dhonfanu Thila: Colorful coral gardens with reef sharks
- Blue Hole: Dramatic underwater cave system
South Male Atoll
Known for dramatic underwater topography with caves, overhangs, and swim-throughs. Less crowded than North Male with excellent soft coral growth and diverse reef fish populations.
Signature Dive Sites:
- Guraidhoo Corner: Fast-paced drift dive with sharks
- Kandooma Thila: Colorful reef with overhangs
- Cocoa Thila: Pinnacle with schooling fish and sharks
Vaavu Atoll
Famous for thrilling channel dives and spectacular night dives with nurse sharks. Features strong currents that attract large pelagic species and offer exciting drift diving experiences.
Signature Dive Sites:
- Alimatha Jetty: Night diving with dozens of nurse sharks
- Fotteyo Kandu: One of the most beautiful channels in the Maldives
- Miyaru Kandu: Grey reef shark encounters in the blue
Lhaviyani Atoll
Less visited northern atoll with pristine reefs and fascinating shipwrecks. Known for abundant turtle populations, healthy coral gardens, and excellent visibility year-round.
Signature Dive Sites:
- Shipyard: Two wrecks side by side creating artificial reef
- Kuredu Express: Fast-paced channel dive with sharks
- Fushivaru Thila: Cleaning station for manta rays
Alifu Alifu Atoll
Small atoll famous for early morning hammerhead shark dives. Offers a mix of reef and pelagic diving in a compact area. Perfect for divers seeking big marine life encounters.
Signature Dive Sites:
- Hammerhead Point: Dawn dives with schooling hammerheads
- Rasdhoo Madivaru: Channel dive with grey reef sharks
- Kuramathi Kandu: Eagle rays and napoleon wrasse
Fuvahmulah Atoll
Remote southern atoll offering unique shark diving experiences. One of the few places in the world to consistently see tiger sharks, thresher sharks, and oceanic manta rays together.
Signature Dive Sites:
- Tiger Zoo: Regular tiger shark encounters
- Thresher Point: Dawn dives with elusive thresher sharks
- Fuvamulah Corner: Strong currents with multiple shark species
Top Diving Hotels & Resorts
The Maldives offers a range of accommodation options for divers, from budget-friendly guesthouses on local islands to luxury dive resorts with house reefs. Here are some of the best places to stay for diving enthusiasts.
$$$
Kuredu Island Resort & Spa
Lhaviyani Atoll
Home to one of the largest dive centers in the Maldives with over 60 dive sites nearby. Features a spectacular house reef, multiple dive boats, and specialized courses including Nitrox and underwater photography.
$$$
Lily Beach Resort & Spa
South Ari Atoll
Luxury all-inclusive resort in prime whale shark territory. Features excellent house reef diving, proximity to famous dive sites like Maamigili, and a professional dive center with multilingual instructors.
$$
Bandos Maldives
North Male Atoll
Established resort with one of the oldest dive centers in the Maldives. Excellent house reef accessible from shore and proximity to North Male Atoll dive sites. Perfect for short stays due to quick transfer from airport.
$
TME Retreats Dhigurah
South Ari Atoll
Affordable guesthouse on Dhigurah Island, famous for whale shark encounters. Offers excellent value diving packages with access to the same sites visited by luxury resorts. Perfect for budget-conscious divers.
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Kaani Beach Hotel
South Male Atoll
Popular budget option on Maafushi Island with easy access to South Male Atoll dive sites. Partners with local dive centers offering competitive rates for daily dive trips and courses. Great starting point for diving the Maldives on a budget.
$$$
Scubaspa Maldives
Multiple Atolls
Luxury liveaboard combining diving and spa services. Visits multiple atolls with 3-4 dives daily. Features spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and onboard spa treatments. Perfect for dedicated divers who want to maximize dive time.
$$
Blue Voyager
Multiple Atolls
Dedicated dive liveaboard with routes to the southern atolls. Specializes in shark encounters and pelagic species. Features camera room with charging stations and rinse tanks for underwater photographers.
$$$
Constance Moofushi
South Ari Atoll
Luxury all-inclusive resort with exceptional house reef and proximity to over 40 dive sites. Located in the "whale shark territory" of South Ari Atoll with regular sightings. Features TGI Dive Center with experienced instructors.
Maldives Diving Packages
From single dives to comprehensive multi-day adventures, the Maldives offers diving packages for every preference and budget. Compare options to find the perfect diving experience for your underwater exploration.
Resort Fun Diving
From $65 per diveSingle dive packages for certified divers staying at resorts. Includes guided boat dives to nearby sites with all equipment provided.
- ✓ Equipment rental included
- ✓ Professional dive guide
- ✓ Boat transfers to dive sites
- ✓ Refreshments between dives
- ✓ Flexible scheduling
Ultimate Dive Week
From $1,200 per personComprehensive 7-night resort package with 15 dives across multiple sites. Perfect for dedicated divers wanting to explore the best of a single atoll.
- ✓ 15 guided boat dives
- ✓ Full equipment rental
- ✓ Unlimited house reef diving
- ✓ Nitrox available (certified divers)
- ✓ Marine life presentations
- ✓ Underwater photography workshop
Speciality Dive Experiences
From $120 per diveSpecialized diving experiences focusing on specific marine life or underwater environments. Includes expert guides and specialized equipment.
- ✓ Expert marine biologist guides
- ✓ Small groups (max 6 divers)
- ✓ Specialized equipment
- ✓ Educational briefings
- ✓ Conservation contribution
Classic Maldives Route
From $1,800 per person7-night liveaboard journey through North and South Male Atolls. Perfect introduction to Maldives diving with 17 dives at classic sites.
- ✓ 17 guided dives
- ✓ Full board accommodation
- ✓ Equipment rental
- ✓ Nitrox available
- ✓ Airport transfers
- ✓ Professional guides
Deep South Expedition
From $2,800 per person10-night adventure to remote southern atolls including Fuvahmulah. Features tiger sharks, thresher sharks, and pristine dive sites rarely visited by tourists.
- ✓ 25 guided dives
- ✓ Tiger shark encounters
- ✓ Thresher shark dives
- ✓ Remote atoll exploration
- ✓ Marine biologist guide
- ✓ Photography workshop
Manta & Whale Shark Safari
From $2,200 per person8-night specialized itinerary focusing on manta ray and whale shark encounters. Visits Baa Atoll and South Ari Atoll during peak seasons.
- ✓ 20 guided dives
- ✓ Guaranteed manta encounters
- ✓ Whale shark snorkeling
- ✓ Marine biologist presentations
- ✓ Conservation activities
- ✓ Underwater photography tips
Budget Dive Adventure
From $35 per diveAffordable diving from local islands with access to the same sites as luxury resorts. Perfect for budget-conscious divers who want quality experiences.
- ✓ Local dive boat transfers
- ✓ Equipment rental included
- ✓ Experienced local guides
- ✓ Small group sizes
- ✓ Cultural island experience
Whale Shark Experience
From $180 per personFull-day whale shark expedition from Dhigurah or Maamigili. Includes multiple snorkeling sessions and diving opportunities in South Ari Atoll.
- ✓ Full day boat trip
- ✓ Whale shark snorkeling
- ✓ 2 scuba dives
- ✓ Lunch on board
- ✓ Equipment included
- ✓ Marine biologist guide
Local Island Dive Week
From $650 per person7-day diving package staying on local islands with daily dive trips. Includes accommodation, meals, and cultural experiences alongside world-class diving.
- ✓ 7 nights accommodation
- ✓ 12 guided dives
- ✓ All meals included
- ✓ Cultural island tours
- ✓ Airport transfers
- ✓ Equipment rental
PADI Open Water Diver
From $450Complete beginner certification course in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Includes theory, pool sessions, and 4 open water training dives.
- ✓ PADI certification materials
- ✓ Pool/confined water training
- ✓ 4 open water training dives
- ✓ Equipment rental included
- ✓ Digital certification card
- ✓ Multilingual instructors
PADI Advanced Open Water
From $350Advance your diving skills with 5 adventure dives including deep diving, navigation, and specialty dives suited to Maldivian conditions.
- ✓ 5 adventure dives
- ✓ Deep diving specialty
- ✓ Underwater navigation
- ✓ Night diving option
- ✓ Drift diving specialty
- ✓ Digital certification
PADI Divemaster Program
From $1,200Professional level training in one of the world's best diving destinations. Comprehensive program combining leadership skills with extensive diving experience.
- ✓ 4-6 week program
- ✓ Professional development
- ✓ 60+ training dives
- ✓ Marine life identification
- ✓ Dive theory workshops
- ✓ Job placement assistance
Best Diving Seasons
Dry Season (November - April)
- Excellent visibility (25-40 meters)
- Calm seas and minimal rainfall
- Manta rays on the west side of atolls
- Best conditions for underwater photography
- Peak tourist season with higher prices
- Consistent diving conditions
- Perfect for beginners and certification courses
Wet Season (May - October)
- Manta rays on the east side of atolls
- Whale shark season in South Ari Atoll
- Plankton blooms attract large marine life
- Lower accommodation prices
- Occasional rain showers (brief)
- Slightly reduced visibility (20-30 meters)
- Exciting drift diving opportunities
Diving Courses & Certification
The Maldives is an ideal destination for learning to dive or advancing your skills. With warm, clear waters and professional dive centers, you can earn internationally recognized certifications while exploring some of the world's best dive sites.
PADI Open Water Diver
Perfect introduction to scuba diving in the Maldives' calm, clear waters. 3-4 day course including theory, confined water training, and open water dives.
Duration: 3-4 days | Price: $450-550
Book Now
PADI Advanced Open Water
Expand your diving skills with specialty dives including deep diving, navigation, and night diving. Explore more challenging Maldivian dive sites.
Duration: 2-3 days | Price: $350-450
Book Now
PADI Rescue Diver
Learn to prevent and manage diving emergencies. This challenging course builds confidence and makes you a better dive buddy.
Duration: 3-4 days | Price: $400-500
Book Now
PADI Divemaster
Begin your professional diving career in the Maldives. Comprehensive program combining leadership training with extensive diving experience.
Duration: 4-6 weeks | Price: $1,200-1,500
Book Now
Speciality Courses
Enhance specific skills with courses like Underwater Photography, Nitrox, Deep Diving, and Drift Diving - all perfect for Maldivian conditions.
Duration: 1-2 days | Price: $200-350
Book Now
Discover Scuba Diving
Try diving for the first time with no certification required. Perfect introduction to the underwater world of the Maldives.
Duration: Half day | Price: $80-120
Book NowProfessional Dive Operators
What to Look For
- PADI or SSI certified dive centers
- Experienced, multilingual dive guides
- Well-maintained equipment and boats
- Small group sizes (max 6-8 divers)
- Safety equipment and emergency procedures
- Knowledge of local marine life and sites
- Nitrox availability for certified divers
- Underwater photography services
Dive Package Inclusions
- All diving equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit)
- Boat transfers to dive sites
- Professional dive guide
- Safety briefings and site orientations
- Dive computer or depth gauge
- Fresh water rinse facilities
- Light refreshments between dives
- Dive logbook stamps and certifications
Diving Safety & Tips
Safety Guidelines
- Always dive within your certification limits
- Perform safety stops on every dive
- Stay close to your dive guide and buddy
- Be aware of currents and follow guide instructions
- Maintain proper buoyancy to protect coral reefs
- Carry a safety sausage for surface signaling
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol before diving
- Report any health issues to your dive operator
Diving Etiquette
- Don't touch or harass marine life
- Maintain distance from manta rays and whale sharks
- Avoid using flash photography near sensitive species
- Don't collect shells, coral, or marine souvenirs
- Control your fins to avoid damaging coral
- Follow the "take only pictures, leave only bubbles" rule
- Respect marine protected areas and regulations
- Support sustainable diving practices
Start Your Maldives Diving Adventure
Experience world-class diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives. From beginner courses to advanced expeditions, discover the underwater paradise that awaits beneath the surface.
Book Your Diving PackageFrequently Asked Questions
You need a valid scuba diving certification from a recognized agency like PADI, SSI, or NAUI. Open Water certification allows diving to 18 meters, while Advanced Open Water permits diving to 30 meters. Many sites are suitable for beginners, but some advanced sites require higher certification levels.
Manta rays can be seen year-round but migrate between the east and west sides of atolls with the monsoons. Whale sharks are most commonly spotted in South Ari Atoll from May to December, with peak sightings during the southwest monsoon (May-November).
Diving costs vary by location and operator. Single dives range from $45-80, while dive packages (6-10 dives) cost $250-450. Resort-based diving is typically more expensive than local island operators. Certification courses range from $350-550 depending on the level.
Most dive operators provide all necessary equipment including BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, and weights. However, many divers prefer to bring their own mask, snorkel, and fins for comfort and hygiene. If you have your own equipment, you may receive a discount.
Divers should be in good physical health. Some conditions require medical clearance, including heart problems, lung conditions, or certain medications. It's recommended to have a diving medical examination before your trip. Avoid flying within 18-24 hours after diving.
The Maldives is an excellent place to learn diving due to warm, clear waters and calm conditions at many sites. Most dive centers offer PADI Open Water courses, and you can try diving first with a Discover Scuba Diving experience.