Paradise out of the water, pure heaven under the water is the only way to describe the Maldives, offering some of the best diving sites in the world.
The myriad of channels and passages between the atolls allows the currents to sweep and play throughout the island chain so that nutrients are always on the move. This accounts for the vast numbers of fish enjoying the passing feast and you can expect to see Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, snappers, barracudas, jacks and sweetlips in every site where the water flows.
In the channels, you can explore the caves, caverns and overhangs where soft corals proliferate, and there is a riot of colourful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonian fans all profiting from the nutrient-rich water. There are also plenty of cleaning stations where cleaning wrasses and shrimps service the larger marine species.
Slightly removed from the reefs you are likely to spot the pelagics that frequent the Maldives, including manta rays and eagle rays and a variety of sharks including the mighty whale shark. Wherever you look there is likely to be something of interest going on and for many it is in the shallows where the best of the action takes place. Here the clear water, brightly illuminated by the sun's rays and playing host to great numbers of fish, provides an ideal environment both for photographers and divers alike.
The diverse nature of dive sites in the Maldives makes it suitable for divers of all experience levels, if your choose the right island. Within each atoll there are sheltered reefs located away from fast flowing currents that are suitable for less experienced divers. By contrast, experienced divers will enjoy some of the best drift dives in the world.
All our MLH destinations cater for scuba divers all year round and all types of international certificates are accepted. Dive schools have well-trained, experienced staff and equipment is available for hire if you don't have your own. If you want to learn how to dive, a variety of dive courses are available in several different languages. Courses include open water and advanced courses such as rescue diving, night diving and underwater photography.
Popular Maldives Scuba Diving Sites
ARI ATOLL
Topographically, Ari Atoll diving differs from many others in the Maldives since it does not feature many long stretches of barrier reef. Instead, there are a lot of thilas here where submerged pinnacles both inside and outside the atoll lagoons act as sites of marine aggregation, making for wonderful diving both in and around the pinnacles and in the channels. Many divers consider the dive sites of the Ari Atoll to be the best in the Maldives and is featured prominently on the itineraries of many Maldivian live-aboards.
Major Points of Attraction
Sharks, manta rays and other pelagic fish are more commonly encountered around Ari Atoll and even the mighty whale shark regularly puts in appearances. Although there are spots elsewhere for sharks and mantas the most reliable sites for this ever popular passing trade are located here.
Maaya Thila - If not the premiere dive site in the Maldives, then one of the best. This pinnacle has a tumultuous assortment of sea life, with an amazing variety and volume of creatures. Brightly coloured nudibranchs vie for your attention with giant frogfish. Turtles can be seen happily munching on the reef, and the elusive guitar shark can be spotted by the alert diver.
Fish Head - Another Ari Atoll pinnacle, this one being a favourite for packs of grey reef sharks, that buzz past in search of food. Neverending trains of fusiliers and batfish often shoot past on the ocean highway, to further destinations at the atoll.
Hammerhead Point - This dive site is often visited by liveaboards early morning. Its proximity to deep waters lends the location the best chances of getting close to schooling hammerhead sharks.
NORTH MALE' ATOLL
North Male is one the best known and most explored areas of the Maldives, having long been recognised as providing a great variety of diving, beautiful scenery and close proximity to the international airport makes it a destination which is relatively easy to get to.
North Male diving is characterised by reefs, caves and drop offs. The atoll sees plenty of fish action and is generally a good area for large pelagics, with sharks and mantas at the front of the queue.
There are also some recent wrecks left by a few ships passing through the channels, already bustling with marine life. In addition, the North Male dive sites enjoy some of the best coral reefs in the Maldives and dive spots in this area are as healthy and bright as anywhere in the world.
Major Points of Attraction
Manta Point - Manta Point, which lies in the northern section of the channel leading out of the Ari Atoll, is - as the name suggests - an ideal place that's great for close encounters with Mantas Rays, not just for observing manta rays at close quarters, but also reef residents such as octopus, moray eels and white-tip reef sharks.. From December until the middle of April, the Mantas are regulars at this site, the topography and the location of the site making it an ideal habitat for all species of fish that live on plankton.
Girifushi Thila - A pinnacle covered in a riot of colourful soft corals, swept with currents that sweep in masses of schooling fish.
Diving Tips
The North East monsoon from December through to April represents the Maldivian summer and is generally characterised by drier conditions and a current flow that runs from the North East through the atolls, exiting out to the South West.
Visibility on the eastern sides of the atolls is excellent through the North East monsoon. The current is typically faster at the start of the monsoon and decreases in power as the season progresses. Water temperatures remain fairly consistent at around 28? centigrade. Although the visibility drops on the western sides of the atolls during the North East season, divers are more likely to encounter Manta Rays and Whale Sharks.
The South West Monsoon from May to December shifts the focus on diving to the western sides of the atolls. The current flows from the South West through the atolls exiting out to the North East.
Dive sites in the west experience wonderful clear visibility and slightly cooler water temperatures, attracting many of the shark species closer to the surface. During the South West season Manta Rays and Whale Sharks will typically only be found of the Eastern edge of the atolls. Sea conditions can be rougher and there is a slight increase in rainfall over the South West season. The diving remains superb.
The two equinox months of May and November mark the transition of the Monsoons. Currents can be changeable and there is a slightly higher chance of stormy conditions.
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