The islands of the Indian Ocean are a varied collection, including many of the smallest territories in the world. Many hug the coastlines of continents; others must be sought out hundreds of miles from any other land.
The atoll’s central lagoon is 40 miles (65km) across at its widest point and up to 279 feet (85 meters) deep. The substantial outer reef forms a natural barrier to the ocean’s currents, and diving options are available for both beginners and advanced divers. The atoll’s diverse topography includes caves, steep drop-offs and pristine reefs.There are numerous dive...
Laamu has fewer channels than many atolls which reduces currents and improves visibility. The scuba is suited to beginners as well as advanced divers.The inside walls of Laamu are shallow (82 feet / 25 meters), and with reduced currents are easier for less experienced divers to manage. You can enjoy the soft corals and drifting ornate ghost...
With feeding manta rays, graceful whale sharks and schooling hammerheads, the Ari Atoll is a pelagic dream. Most of the dive sites here are not protected walls or coral reefs. Rather, the region favors thilas (pinnacles) and kandus (channels) perfect for drift diving. Because of the exposed nature of the atoll, currents can be quite strong and many dive sites might...
Due to the popularity of this atoll the dive sites are well explored. You’ll get the best advice during your visit.The Aquarium is a sheltered dive on the reefs off Huravalhi Island, and suitable for all levels. A steep drop-off follows a reef that descends to 82 feet (25 meters). Wonderful schools of bluestripe snappers with cyan stripes down their yellow...
With the diverse marine life around its reefs, thilas (submerged islands), overhangs and swim throughs, Baa Atoll deserves its UNESCO status.Located to the east, and part of the atoll’s protected reef, is the Horubadhoo Thila at a depth of 39-52 feet (12-16 meters). The thila is covered in different hard and soft corals, lots of macro life and large pelagic. On...
Raa’s diving is popular due to the high density of thilas (submerged islands) located inside its lagoon. The marine life amongst the caves, overhangs and drop-offs is diverse. Fenfushi Thila is in the south of the atoll. The top of the pinnacle starts at 10 feet (3 meters). As you descend, you’ll see anemone coral and masked bannerfish with zebra stripes and yellow...
Featuring wild drifts in deep channels, wrecks and caves, the South Male Atoll is home to large pelagics and interesting environs. On the eastern side, there are six channels that feed all sorts of marine life into the atoll’s dive sites. While reef life isn’t as complete here as in nearby Ari or North Male, divers still flock to the area for its challenging elements...
The Noonu Atoll offers diving for all levels of experience but is better suited to intermediate divers. If you’re staying on the atoll, then beginners will have the opportunity to progress and experience the thrill of challenging drift dives.Located on the outer reef of the atoll’s southern tip is the Raafushi dive – suitable for all levels. The top of the reef is 10...
With colorful coral, deep wrecks and feeding manta rays, the North Male Atoll is a diving wonderland. This atoll is home to the most visited dive sites in the Maldives. Whatever your desire, you’re sure to find something to fit your needs in the North Male Atoll.Maldives Victory Wreck, widely regarded as the most popular dive site in the North Male Atoll, is a 328...
The atoll’s inner reefs offer deeper depths for advanced divers. There aren’t many channels on the eastern side, and this reduces currents. Beginners will have plenty of dive sites to choose from. One of the atoll’s top dive sites is found on a reef at Mulee Island. During the south-west monsoon (May to December) it’s common to spot mantas with their offspring...