Scuba Diving in the Maldives
Explore the best dive sites in the Maldives - from mass manta ray encounters at Hanifaru Bay to guaranteed whale shark sightings in South Ari Atoll.
All Dive Sites
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Hanifaru Bay
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for the world's largest known manta ray feeding aggregation.
South Ari Marine Protected Area
The only place in the Maldives with consistent year-round whale shark sightings. Over 95% success rate.
Fish Head (Mushimasmingili Thila)
One of the Maldives' first protected marine areas, famous for resident grey reef sharks that circle divers.
Maaya Thila
Arguably the best night dive in the Maldives. Whitetip sharks hunt actively while other species rest.
Fotteyo Kandu
Often rated the #1 channel dive in the Maldives. Walls of grey reef sharks patrol the channel entrance.
Banana Reef
Historic site that started Maldives dive tourism. Cliffs, caves, and overhangs with abundant marine life.
HP Reef (Rainbow Reef)
Named for its rainbow of soft coral colors. One of the most photogenic dive sites in the Maldives.
British Loyalty Wreck
A 140m British oil tanker torpedoed in 1944. One of the best wreck dives in the Indian Ocean.
Kuredu Express
Exhilarating drift dive through a channel with strong currents. Mantas visit the cleaning station regularly.
Manta Point (Lankan Reef)
One of the most accessible manta cleaning stations. Just 45 minutes from Malé international airport.
Diving Tips for the Maldives
Complete Guide to Diving in the Maldives
The Maldives is consistently ranked among the world's top diving destinations, offering unparalleled underwater experiences for divers of all skill levels. With over 1,000 species of fish, 200 species of coral, and incredible megafauna encounters including manta rays and whale sharks, the Maldives truly is a diver's paradise.
Best Time to Dive
Diving in the Maldives is excellent year-round, but conditions vary by season. The northeast monsoon (December to May) brings the best visibility, often exceeding 30 meters. The southwest monsoon (May to November) is prime time for manta ray encounters in Baa Atoll, with Hanifaru Bay seeing gatherings of over 200 mantas.
What to Expect
Most resort dives are done from traditional dhoni boats, with two dives per trip being standard. Expect warm water temperatures of 27-30°C year-round, meaning a 3mm wetsuit or shorty is usually sufficient. Night dives, channel dives, and manta encounters are among the most popular experiences.
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