Rasdhoo Madivaru Dive Site

Discover the thrill of channel diving at one of North Ari Atoll’s most exhilarating dive spots — a haven for sharks, rays, and reef life.

About Rasdhoo Madivaru

Rasdhoo Madivaru lies on the eastern edge of Rasdhoo Atoll, offering a dynamic channel dive experience influenced by powerful ocean currents. It’s famed for early morning shark dives, schools of eagle rays, and colorful reef biodiversity. The reef structure features sloping walls, drop-offs, coral terraces, and sandy channels ideal for observing both pelagic species and macro life.

This site is best suited for experienced divers due to fast-moving water and drift conditions. Morning dives often bring sightings of grey reef sharks and even scalloped hammerheads if you’re lucky.

Advanced Divers

Quick Dive Facts

  • Location: Rasdhoo Atoll (Alif Alif)
  • Depth Range: 10–30 meters
  • Visibility: 20–30 meters
  • Current: Moderate to strong
  • Experience Level: Advanced
  • Best Time: December to April

Rasdhoo Madivaru Location Map

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Current Awareness

Rasdhoo Madivaru is a true channel dive, meaning you will experience powerful, directional currents. These currents create upwelling zones that draw in predators — and also demand solid buoyancy control and dive planning. Dive only with experienced guides and bring a reef hook and DSMB for safety.

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4+
Common Shark Species
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Strong
Current Strength
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Excellent
Reef Health
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~300m
Reef Span

Sharks & Rays at Rasdhoo Madivaru

Sharks are the highlight of Rasdhoo Madivaru. In particular, the early morning dives offer thrilling encounters with reef sharks and pelagics. Here’s what you can expect:

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Grey Reef Sharks

Most commonly seen near the channel edges. Active during incoming currents when hunting fish pushed through the pass.

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Hammerhead Sharks

Occasional sightings in deeper bluewater drop-offs around dawn. Requires deep early entry and a bit of luck.

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Eagle Rays

Often spotted cruising through the current in small groups. Elegant swimmers, best seen from midwater depth.

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Turtles & Macro

Hawksbill turtles, anemone shrimp, leaf scorpionfish, and nudibranchs populate the reef ledges and coral terraces.

Underwater Features

The landscape includes steep ledges, coral gardens, sandy stretches and dramatic drop-offs — all shaped by the force of Rasdhoo Channel’s currents.

Coral Terraces

Coral Terraces

Teeming with life, these terraces host clouds of anthias, damsels, and parrotfish. Soft corals thrive here thanks to the flowing nutrients.

Drop-off Zones

Drop-offs

Ideal for observing hunting predators and fast-moving pelagics during high flow. Watch the blue for sharks and tuna.

Shark Alley

Shark Alley

A section known for consistent grey reef shark patrols. Best visited during early morning dives on the incoming tide.

Other Dive Sites Near Rasdhoo

While diving Rasdhoo Madivaru, you may also want to explore nearby sites like:

Madivaru Corner

Madivaru Corner

Great for drift dives and eagle ray sightings with beautiful reef contours.

Depth: 10–25m | Level: Advanced

Hammerhead Point

Hammerhead Point

Early morning bluewater dive hoping to see schooling hammerheads off the deep reef walls.

Depth: 25–40m | Level: Advanced

Nearby Dive and Tourist Attractions

Plan your trip around Maldives diving hotspots including Rasdhoo, and don't miss:

Plan Your Rasdhoo Dive

Book your advanced dive to Rasdhoo Madivaru and experience one of the most exciting marine environments in the Maldives.

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